SOAS University of London

Overview

Asian Art (Online) from SOAS University of London offers a flexible, object-based approach to studying Asian art and material culture through guided online learning and museum resources. This program allows you to engage with diverse artistic traditions while developing analytical skills in a convenient online format. You have the option to enhance your studies with an intensive two-week course, Asian Art in the Museum, which provides access to collections and curatorial expertise in London.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to deliver a comprehensive understanding of Asian art through a mix of online teaching and guided learning activities, complemented by an optional intensive museum experience.

Core learning areas

• Contextual exploration of various artistic traditions and visual/material cultures across Asia.
• Object-led analysis, focusing on interpreting form, materials, and visual evidence.
• Critical reflection on the contexts in which objects are displayed and studied.
• Engagement with contemporary scholarship, including debates and methodologies in art history.
• Development of academic skills for independent study, including research, writing, and argumentation.
• Application of learning to broader cultural and professional opportunities in the arts and heritage sector.

Online learning + optional London component

• Online study: Access to professionally produced learning resources and structured teaching activities.
• Optional two-week course: Asian Art in the Museum provides an immersive museum-based study experience in London to enhance your online learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. Specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA thresholds are not specified.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Asian Art program can pursue a variety of career paths in the arts and heritage sectors, including roles in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and academic settings. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with and contribute to discussions around art and material culture on a global scale.