Museum Studies (Joint Degree with Effat University) SOAS University of London

Overview

Museum Studies (Joint Degree with Effat University) offers insight into museum studies and contemporary curatorial practice. It builds an understanding of current museum approaches while developing essential skills for interpreting collections, creating meaningful narratives, and designing engaging displays. Drawing on real-world case studies, the programme deepens students’ understanding of how art, culture and society intersect within curatorial work.

Teaching takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and London, UK, connecting two vibrant cultural centres. The programme includes a two-week period of teaching at the SOAS campus in Bloomsbury, surrounded by major museums and galleries, enabling students to experience London’s dynamic cultural scene. It also features online components, including dissertation workshops and supervision sessions, which support students as they work towards submitting their dissertation at the end of the programme.

Why SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 24th in the world for History of Art (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS is ranked among the global top 100 for Arts and Humanities (THE World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS has five subjects ranked in the global top 40 and 13 in the global top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS is ranked 2nd in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2025).
• SOAS is unique: our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
• SOAS is home to one of the UK’s five National Research Libraries, specialising in the rich collections of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• The SOAS History of Art research environment was rated 100% 4* in REF 2021.
• School of Arts modules frequently score top across SOAS in teaching, academic support and student voice.

Why Effat?

• Growing global reputation: ranked in the 851–900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026.
• A pioneering institution: the first non-profit private university in Saudi Arabia, offering an American-style liberal arts education that emphasises critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
• Leadership-focused education: Effat prepares students to become effective global leaders through innovative teaching and strong core values.
• Dynamic learning environment: a culture of inquiry, intellectual engagement, and real-world impact