East Asian Studies and Music

East Asian studies and music is an unusual and intellectually rewarding combination, bringing together deep engagement with the cultures, histories, and languages of East Asia and the scholarly and practical study of music as a global art form. East Asia encompasses some of the world's oldest and most sophisticated musical traditions, from the classical music of China and Japan to Korean court music and contemporary East Asian popular culture, and studying music alongside East Asian studies gives you the tools to understand these traditions with both cultural depth and musical knowledge.

At the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, this programme draws on SOAS's exceptional expertise in Asian culture and music. You will engage with the languages, literatures, histories, and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and their neighbours, while the music strand develops your understanding of music theory, ethnomusicology, the history of music, and the particular musical traditions of the regions you study. The programme includes a foundation year, which provides an accessible and supported entry route into degree-level study.

The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points, and the degree is studied full time.

Graduates from this combination go on to careers in music, arts organisations, cultural policy, broadcasting, education, journalism, international development, and organisations that work across the Asia-Pacific region. The combination of regional expertise and musical knowledge is distinctive and valued in a range of professional contexts. Further study options include postgraduate degrees in ethnomusicology, East Asian studies, music, and cultural studies.