Academic Program: Postgraduate Diploma & Master’s Degree
The program begins in September 2026. Register your interest below.
يقدّم The Manuscript Arts Program offers an integrated academic and practical pathway dedicated to the study and practice of traditional book arts within a rigorous research framework and precise hands-on training. The program is designed to balance theoretical knowledge and practical application, with 30% theoretical study and 70% practical training, ensuring that students acquire strong research foundations alongside mastery of traditional skills related to cultural heritage and manuscript arts.
This academic program offers two options:
Option One: Postgraduate Diploma in Manuscript Arts (One Year)
Option Two: Master of Arts in Manuscript Arts (Two Years)
The first year focuses on establishing a deep understanding of manuscript structure and arts, alongside intensive practical training in calligraphy, ornamentation, gilding, and bookmaking.
Students benefit from study trips that strengthen their engagement with the living historical contexts of manuscript arts. Year One includes a study trip to Egypt or Turkey.Year Two includes a study trip to Spain or Italy to explore historical collections and sites related to book arts.
The program is academically accredited by a British university. Partnership details will be announced soon.
Academic Requirements
A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
A personal statement outlining interest and motivation to study manuscript arts
Approved English language requirements
- A portfolio demonstrating previous artistic experience
This program is distinguished as the first of its kind in the Middle East to teach manuscript arts through this comprehensive methodology. It integrates theoretical study and practical application within a holistic framework connecting all manuscript elements: calligraphy, ornamentation, bookmaking, and page structure.
This integration aims to empower students not only to understand the manuscript historically and visually, but also to produce a fully integrated manuscript independently. The program is suitable for students and graduates of graphic design, Arabic language, librarianship, conservation and restoration, art history, and for anyone with a serious interest in book arts and Islamic visual heritage.
Why Join This Program?
- Learn about traditional manuscripts and how to produce your own manuscript from start to finish.
- Develop your artistic skills in traditional arts related to book arts.
- Gain a deep understanding of the visual language of Islamic art and apply it to your design and artistic work.
- Build a rich artistic portfolio that distinguishes you professionally.
Programme Objectives
- Qualify participants with specialized artistic skills to revive and develop Islamic manuscript arts.
- Provide theoretical and historical knowledge of Islamic book arts and their cultural contexts.
- Enable participants to build independent artistic practices rooted in tradition yet renewed in presentation.
- Encourage artistic and research output through integrated projects and critical essays, published in the School’s platforms.
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
August 2026
Programme Start Date:
سبتمبر ٢٠٢٦
Programme End Date:
- Postgraduate Diploma – June 2027
- Master’s Degree – June 2028
Post-programme activities:
To be announced.
Research Paper Submission: October 2027, during the Fourth Fujairah International Conference for Calligraphy and Ornamentation (subject to acceptance by the conference committee).
Graduation Exhibition: showcasing participants’ works (date to be announced).
The program begins in:
Tuition & Scholarships
- The program is free for citizens of the Emirate of Fujairah if accepted under designated scholarships.
- If tuition fees are to be paid by an institution or company, please contact the Calligraphy and Ornamentation School to arrange financial sponsorship documentation.
- Former students of the Calligraphy and Ornamentation School may receive up to a 10% discount on annual tuition fees.
Tuition fees are designed to be accessible and appropriate for the nature of the two-year program
Postgraduate Diploma (One Year): AED 24,000 per year
Master of Arts (Two Years): AED 48,000 total
The Calligraphy and Ornamentation School (SOCO) offers flexible payment plans allowing students to pay in convenient installments throughout the academic year.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree (minimum) in any discipline.Required GPA equivalent to 2.6/4.0 or 75% or or C+.
- Art portfolio showcasing previous artistic or design experience.
- Successful completion of a personal interview with the admissions committee.
- English language requirements.
English language requirements.
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | 120 | 110 |
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI/ Online | 6.5 | 6.0 in all subscores |
| Kaplan Test of English (25% discount code SOASKRS25) | 480 | 450 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 | 65 in all subscores |
| Oxford Test of English/ Oxford Test of English Advanced | 130 | 120 |
| Password Skills Plus | 6.5 | 6.0 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 60 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT (‘My Best Scores’ not accepted) | 95 | 23 in writing, 20 in other subscores |
Programme Structure
The programme is built around three main pillars:
- Artistic Practice Hands-on workshops led by professional artists to develop experimental projects and a comprehensive portfolio.
- Theoretical Studies in-depth exploration of history, theory, and contemporary debates, culminating in an individual critical thesis.
- Professional Development: refining skills for presenting, documenting, and exhibiting works, and building a clear professional strategy.
Course Requirements
- Studio Journal: To document the artistic process and visual thinking, including stages of work and project development.
- Assessment Components: Encompassing artistic assignments, research tasks, and final projects.
- Analytical Essay/Research Paper: To be published on the school’s blog or journal, or presented during the Annual International Conference.
- Completed Projects: Representing the outcome of each course module.
Note: A minimum attendance rate of 90% is required to maintain eligibility for the free programme.
Pogramme Components and Intended Outcomes
Programme Component | Key Outcomes and Focus Areas |
Artistic Practice | Development of experimental, material-based works and the creation of a comprehensive artistic portfolio. |
Critical Thesis | Formulation of an individual theoretical framework, articulated in a thesis that supports conceptual practice. |
Mid-term Review & Mentorship | Group and individual critique sessions to enhance critical thinking and ensure continuous improvement. |
Professional Practice | Mastery of exhibition organisation, curatorial writing, and professional presentation of artworks. |
Final Exhibition | Coordination of a public exhibition that showcases works within a studied artistic and cultural context. |
Programme Outcomes
- Professional engagement in the field of Islamic arts and manuscript arts.
- Possession of a comprehensive portfolio and professional presentation strategy.
- Confidence in participating in exhibitions, collaborative projects, and independent initiatives.
- Production of publishable artistic and research outputs that balance authenticity with innovation.
- Preservation and revival of traditional arts through learning the language of Islamic crafts and applying their techniques in contemporary contexts.
School Address
Al Taif Business Center – 17th Floor Fujairah City Center – Fujairah
