Creative Arts and Music

BA Creative Arts and Music is a combined honours degree that offers students a unique opportunity to blend a critical study of the arts and cultural industries with an in-depth understanding of the musical traditions of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and their global diasporas.

This programme, led by expert faculty and enhanced by strong industry connections, provides students with historical, theoretical, and practical skills while also equipping them for careers in arts management, journalism, marketing, and the music industry. In the first year, students gain a comprehensive introduction to the arts and cultural industries of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In subsequent years, they further develop critical theory and research skills, tailoring their studies to regional or thematic interests.

SOAS Music has an international reputation for providing a platform for musicians, industry specialists, and researchers from around the world. Students study music from a variety of perspectives, including ethnomusicology, anthropology, politics, and history, and survey a broad range of Asian and African musical cultures, with the opportunity to focus on specific regions and cross-regional themes.

Performance is a central component of the music component of the degree. You will develop expertise in a great variety of musical performance traditions. The course combines academic and practical skills: students are trained in research methods, critical theories, fieldwork practice, sound recording, podcasting, presentation skills, and musical performance.