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For students seeking a unique, globally-focused education, SOAS University of London is an exceptional choice. As the world’s leading university for the study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, it equips students with a deep understanding of diverse cultures and societies. This decolonial approach fosters graduates attuned to cultural sensitivities and the complex challenges of a globalised world. Since employers are increasingly seeking such skills, it’s little wonder why SOAS graduates are highly sought-after in a competitive job market.
A world of opportunity awaits
Tess Rodrigues from Singapore, a recent graduate of SOAS’s MA Curating Cultures programme, exemplifies the transformative power of SOAS education. Transitioning from a larger university, she found her experience at SOAS to be just as enriching as it was personalised. “I enjoyed completing my masters at a smaller university that allowed me to develop better relationships with my professors and fellow students, as well as receive more tailored support from student services,” she says.
Beyond the intimate environment, Rodrigues resonated with her programme’s emphasis on diverse perspectives. It deeply aligned with her interest in heritage repatriation and restitution. The programme’s in-depth exploration of these crucial aspects, particularly case studies surrounding the return of cultural objects, provided her with an unparalleled learning experience unavailable elsewhere.
“I had the opportunity at the beginning of my degree to meet with people who work in repatriating objects to Cambodia, learning more about what kind of work they were pursuing to ensure objects that were important and sacred to their source communities were returned to their rightful place,” she explains.
MA Curating Cultures Student Tess Rodrigues from Singapore at the opening of the exhibition “Decolonising the Body”, which she curated at Bermondsey Project Space, London in April 2024. Source: SOAS University of London
Preparing for lifelong success
SOAS’s commitment to graduate success is evident in its diverse range of career services. The School of Arts, for example, has offered internships at institutions like The Rietberg Museum, Zurich, The Venice Biennale, The British Library and the British Museum, encouraging students to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Indeed, a SOAS education goes beyond textbooks —- just ask Pim Fitzpayne, an MA History of Art and Archaeology student, who pursued a micro-internship at the SOAS Brunei Gallery.
Here, Fitzpayne honed her marketing and audience engagement skills. She conducted audience research, crafted a promotional video, and even participated in delivering a public event showcasing the Gallery’s collection. “I also contributed to the Gallery’s social media campaigns and wrote a blog post for the SOAS website,” she says. “At the same time, there was also the flexibility to gain experience in collections care and exhibition installation, and I came away with valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of the Gallery.” You can read more about her experience through her blog post; How do museums and galleries engage audiences and protect cultural heritage? | SOAS
Following her master’s, Fitzpayne leveraged her experience to secure a research internship with the “Circumambulating Objects: Paradigms of Restitution of Southeast Asian Art” (CO-OP) project (Pim Fitzpayne – CO-OP (circumambulating.co.uk). This opportunity delved into the complex topic of restitution debates, perfectly aligning with her academic interests.
There are many other impressive career paths pursued by School of Arts alumni. Many graduates find success in the museums, galleries, and exhibitions sector, working at prestigious institutions like the V&A or the National Museum Singapore. Others leverage their SOAS education in creative industries, with alumni like Lena Mehta joining the Worldwide Music Expo’s team. Journalism is another popular field for SOAS graduates, with a strong focus on arts and culture. This diverse range of outcomes showcases the adaptability and well-roundedness instilled by a SOAS education.
Despite having just graduated, Rodrigues has already held various positions, such as Project and Outreach Coordinator for Skaped (an arts charity), Museum Assistant at St Cecilia’s Music Museum and Concert Hall, and Library and Archives Assistant at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections.
She’s eligible to join SOAS’s vibrant alumni network of over 100 ambassadors in 44 countries. These individuals foster local social and professional networks, providing graduates with strong connections and even stronger career opportunities. What’s more, alumni have lifelong access to the university’s careers centre, offering guidance on CV writing, cover letters, and interview preparation. SOAS Connect, a unique platform, facilitates peer-to-peer mentoring and career support among alumni.
Source: SOAS University of London
For international students, navigating the UK visa process can be daunting. SOAS understands these challenges and offers comprehensive support. Prospective students can access live webinars to engage directly with admissions counsellors, academic faculty, and current students in real-time. Students can also use on-demand resources including recorded webinars, a virtual campus tour, and informational videos to gain clearer information regarding application procedures and life at SOAS.
Platforms like Unibuddy connect aspirants directly with current students who can provide a first-hand perspective on the student experience. SOAS also maintains an active presence on forums like The Student Room, where prospective students can engage in discussions, ask questions, and read about the experiences of others.
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