MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and Intensive Language
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and Intensive Language at SOAS University of London is a unique interdisciplinary postgraduate program that combines the in-depth study of East Asian art and archaeology with the rigorous acquisition of an East Asian language. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about exploring the visual and material culture of China, Japan, or Korea, while also gaining language proficiency that enhances their academic and professional capabilities. By integrating historical analysis with linguistic immersion, this program prepares students to engage with East Asian sources in their original language, enabling a richer and more authentic understanding of regional art, architecture, religious iconography, and archaeological traditions.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive education in East Asian art and archaeology alongside intensive language training. Core modules introduce key art historical methodologies and critical frameworks necessary for analyzing East Asian visual culture. Students explore diverse themes such as Buddhist art, courtly aesthetics, temple architecture, ceramics, calligraphy, and archaeological excavation techniques. The language component allows students to choose from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or other relevant Asian languages, depending on their area of interest. Language study is tailored to match academic needs and includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. A significant part of the program is the dissertation, which combines language research with art historical inquiry, allowing students to produce original scholarship based on primary sources.
Research Focus: SOAS is a global leader in the study of Asia, and the program reflects the university’s commitment to high-level research. Students engage with cutting-edge debates in art history, archaeology, visual culture, and cultural memory, with an emphasis on East Asian contexts. The program fosters critical thinking about how art and artifacts reflect, influence, and preserve cultural identities. Research may span topics from ancient ritual bronzes and religious sculpture to contemporary East Asian art movements. The use of East Asian language sources enhances the depth and authenticity of research. Students benefit from SOAS’s rich library collections, archival databases, and access to specialist scholars who contribute to internationally recognized research projects.
Industry Engagement: Located in the heart of London, SOAS offers students unrivaled access to major art and heritage institutions such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the British Library, all of which house world-renowned East Asian collections. The program is designed to provide students with opportunities to engage directly with the art world through curatorial internships, museum visits, research collaborations, and guest lectures by professionals in the field. These industry interactions help students develop practical skills and build networks with curators, conservators, archaeologists, and researchers. Such real-world experience prepares students for careers in museums, heritage consultancy, auction houses, and international cultural organizations.
Global Perspective: True to SOAS’s mission of promoting a global and decolonial perspective, the program challenges Eurocentric narratives and offers a platform to study East Asian art on its own terms. Students examine how East Asian art traditions evolved through local innovations and cross-cultural exchanges, such as those along the Silk Road and through Buddhist dissemination. The inclusion of an intensive language component equips students with the tools to interpret primary sources and scholarship in the region’s native languages, deepening cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. With an internationally diverse student body and faculty, the program cultivates a vibrant academic environment that promotes intercultural dialogue, critical inquiry, and global citizenship.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and Intensive Language from SOAS University of London are uniquely equipped to pursue a variety of careers within the fields of art history, archaeology, cultural heritage management, and international relations, thanks to their expertise in both East Asian material culture and proficiency in an East Asian language. This combination of language skills and specialized knowledge allows graduates to excel in academic, museum, gallery, and cultural diplomacy careers, as well as work in the growing sector of heritage conservation and archaeological research. By gaining hands-on experience and exposure to industry professionals, SOAS students are positioned to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and preservation of East Asian art and culture in a global context.
Museum Curator (East Asian Art): Graduates often pursue careers as curators specializing in East Asian art and material culture at leading cultural institutions such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, or museums with East Asian collections. Curators are responsible for curating exhibitions, researching and interpreting art collections, and contributing to educational outreach programs. The language component of the program ensures that graduates can read primary sources and engage directly with East Asian artifacts in their original context, giving them an edge in curating exhibitions or researching historical artifacts.
Art Conservation Specialist: With their background in East Asian art and archaeology, graduates can enter the field of art conservation or heritage management. Art conservators focus on preserving and restoring East Asian art, artifacts, and archaeological sites to ensure their longevity. They may work with museums, galleries, governmental bodies, or private clients to protect cultural heritage, often traveling abroad to work on conservation projects in East Asia. Their language skills provide an added advantage when consulting on artifacts or collaborating with local experts in the region.
Archaeologist and Field Researcher: The program’s emphasis on archaeology and East Asian material culture makes graduates well-prepared to pursue careers as archaeologists or field researchers. These professionals often participate in archaeological digs, uncovering ancient sites and studying artifacts such as pottery, bronze, jade, and sculptures. Their language proficiency aids in reading historical texts and inscriptions, deepening their understanding of the cultural significance of these artifacts. Graduates can work with research institutions, universities, or governmental agencies involved in archaeological projects across East Asia.
Cultural Heritage Consultant: Cultural heritage consultants with expertise in East Asia are in high demand as global cultural exchange and heritage preservation continue to grow. These professionals advise museums, galleries, governments, and NGOs on how to preserve and interpret East Asian cultural assets. Graduates of the MA program can assist in projects that involve the ethical handling of cultural property, museum collections management, or cultural diplomacy. Their proficiency in East Asian languages also allows them to work with local communities to ensure that preservation efforts align with cultural norms and values.
Academic Researcher and University Professor: For those interested in continuing their academic journey, the MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and Intensive Language offers a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD in East Asian art history, archaeology, or cultural studies. Graduates can become academic researchers or university professors, contributing to the development of knowledge on East Asian visual culture, religious art, or archaeological practices. They may also publish articles, books, or papers, presenting their findings at conferences and becoming recognized authorities in their field.
Cultural Diplomat and International Relations Expert: Graduates with an interest in international relations and cross-cultural diplomacy may work as cultural attachés or cultural diplomats, helping to build cultural ties between East Asia and other regions of the world. Their deep understanding of East Asian art and culture, combined with their language skills, allows them to navigate and facilitate cultural exchanges and partnerships. Working with international organizations such as UNESCO, governments, or embassies, they may play a key role in promoting East Asian cultural heritage and fostering global dialogue.
Art Auction Houses and Art Market Professional: The knowledge gained through this program also positions graduates to work in the art market. Auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, along with art galleries and private collectors, often seek experts in East Asian art for valuation, authentication, and provenance research. Graduates who are well-versed in both the art history of East Asia and the languages of the region are particularly valuable in the context of the international art market, where knowledge of cultural and historical contexts plays a crucial role in assessing the worth and significance of artworks.
Exhibition Organizer and Event Manager: Graduates can pursue careers as exhibition organizers or event managers for museums, cultural institutions, or international art festivals focusing on East Asian art and culture. These professionals coordinate logistics, develop educational programs, and ensure the smooth running of exhibitions and public events. Graduates' language skills enable them to collaborate with artists, curators, and researchers from East Asia to facilitate intercultural exchanges and create immersive experiences that engage audiences with the region's art history.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage Education: Those interested in the tourism sector can explore opportunities as tour guides or in educational outreach programs focusing on East Asian art and culture. With their in-depth knowledge of East Asian history, art, and language, graduates can create educational materials for museums or lead cultural tours in East Asia, helping tourists understand the history and significance of the art, architecture, and archaeological sites they visit.
Digital Humanities and Media Production: As digital platforms continue to shape how art is consumed and appreciated, there are growing opportunities for graduates to work in digital humanities, media production, and art-related content creation. They might work with cultural institutions to digitize collections, create virtual exhibitions, or develop online content such as documentaries or web series about East Asian art and archaeology. Their ability to read and analyze East Asian sources in their original languages can also play a vital role in creating authentic, educational content for global audiences.
