MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East and Intensive Language (Arabic)

Overview

History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East - The Department of the History of Art and Archaeology contains some of the world’s leading experts in the art history and archaeology of the Islamic Middle East, whose ground-breaking research informs and is informed by their teaching. Students benefit from the unparalleled knowledge and enthusiasm of staff. As members of the School of Arts, they profit from the insights of scholars and students working in other related fields, such as Music, Film and Media in the Middle East and the wider Islamic world. They can also select from courses in other departments, taking advantage of SOAS’s unrivalled expertise in the languages, history, religions and cultures of the Middle East.

A Masters from the Department of the History of Art and Archaeology provides students with expertise in the History of Art and/or Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our postgraduates progress to work in arts, culture and heritage roles, including in galleries, museums, archives, conservation, publishing and arts administration. The large portfolio of transferable skills they acquire enables them to forge careers in a range of other fields across the world. Our Masters programmes are also an excellent foundation for MPhil/PhD research.

Arabic - In this two-year pathway (FT), students can combine intensive Arabic language with several disciplines (see 'Combinations' Tab), including MA Islamic Societies and Cultures, MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies, or MA Palestine Studies, making these programmes unique in Europe.

Access to the Intensive Arabic language pathway is currently available for students with

a) beginner,

b) intermediate,

c) advanced level of proficiency.

Students proficiency levels will be assessed through a placement test during registration week (specific dates will be provided to the applicants).

Students taking MA NME Studies as their discipline cannot choose additional Arabic language modules from the Languages list, though they are encouraged to take another Middle Eastern language like Persian, Turkish or Hebrew.

Employment

A Masters from the Department of the History of Art and Archaeology provides students with expertise in the History of Art and/or Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our postgraduates progress to work in arts, culture and heritage roles, including in galleries, museums, archives, conservation, publishing and arts administration. The large portfolio of transferable skills they acquire enables them to forge careers in a range of other fields across the world. Our Masters programmes are also an excellent foundation for MPhil/PhD research.