SOAS University of London

Overview

The History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia MA program at SOAS University of London offers an in-depth exploration of the artistic and archaeological practices across East Asia. This one-year full-time course allows students to engage critically with various art forms, including Chinese archaeology, Japanese prints, Korean contemporary art, and Buddhist monuments. Through a combination of theoretical and practical approaches, you will gain a nuanced understanding of how material culture, religion, politics, and aesthetics influence artistic production in the region.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to foster both regional knowledge and methodological expertise. You will engage with a range of core and optional modules, culminating in a dissertation or an equivalent independent research project that allows you to delve into a specific topic of interest within East Asian art and archaeology.

Indicative module themes include:

• Art and Authority in Japan
• Japanese Art and Visual Culture
• Asia and Africa On Display
• The Making of Contemporary Korean Art
• Deities, Devotion, and the Arts of Hinduism
• Art and Visual Culture of Modern and Contemporary China

Your learning will progress through taught modules that build foundational knowledge and analytical skills, leading to independent research that emphasizes your personal academic interests.

Entry requirements

To apply for this program, you typically need:

• A relevant academic qualification equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above.
• A background in a related discipline such as humanities, art history, archaeology, or Asian studies.
• A supporting statement that outlines your academic fit and research interests.
• References are optional but recommended, especially if your qualifications are non-traditional or near the minimum requirement.

English language proficiency is essential, with accepted qualifications including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and the Duolingo English Test. Minimum scores typically required are:

• IELTS: 6.5 (overall)
• TOEFL iBT: 95
• PTE Academic: 65
• Duolingo English Test: 120

Commonly required documents include transcripts, degree certificates, a CV (if requested), and English test results where applicable.

Career prospects