SOAS
Uncover Global Understanding. Impact Tomorrow.
📍 London, England
Quick Facts about SOAS
- Founded: 1916
About SOAS
SOAS University of London is a distinguished institution specializing in the study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, offering a unique global perspective within the heart of London. Established in 1916, it is a member institution of the federal University of London, known for its vibrant, cosmopolitan community and commitment to challenging global issues. SOAS attracts a diverse student body eager to engage with critical global challenges and make a real-world impact.
Academics
SOAS boasts a rich academic profile with expertise across a wide array of subjects related to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The university is structured into three colleges: Humanities; Development, Economics and Finance; and Law, each housing various departments, schools, and institutes. Notable programs include Development Studies, Anthropology, Politics, and Law, with many undergraduate courses offering a year abroad to immerse students in regional cultures and languages. The teaching approach emphasizes interdisciplinary study, encouraging students to explore subjects from multiple perspectives and engage in critical debate.
International Students
SOAS is renowned for its international student body, with students from over 135 countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in the UK. The university offers extensive support services for international students, including a dedicated welcome day, immigration and visa advice, and financial guidance. English-taught programs are standard, and pre-sessional and in-sessional English language support are available for those who need it. Cultural integration is fostered through numerous student societies, language clubs, and a dedicated International Officer within the Students' Union.
Campus & Location
The SOAS campus is situated in the historic Bloomsbury area of central London, a vibrant intellectual and cultural hub. It is conveniently located within walking distance of major transport hubs like Euston, St Pancras, and King's Cross mainline stations, ensuring excellent connectivity across London. Campus features include the world-class SOAS Library, one of the UK's five National Research Libraries specializing in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and the Brunei Gallery, which hosts diverse exhibitions. Nearby attractions include the British Museum and the British Library, offering students ample opportunities to explore London's rich cultural offerings.
Career Outcomes
SOAS graduates are highly sought after, with the university ranking well for employment outcomes. The Careers Service, part of the larger University of London Careers Group, provides comprehensive support, including career counseling, workshops, internship guidance, and networking events. Graduates pursue diverse careers in international relations, law, business, and non-profit organizations, with alumni working for notable employers such as the United Nations, British Council, World Bank, Oxfam, and the BBC. SOAS also has a strong alumni network spanning over 100,000 graduates in more than 190 countries, offering valuable professional connections.
Information for International Students at SOAS
SOAS in London, England welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Programs at SOAS (56 programs)
SOAS offers 56 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (22)
- African Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Africa, covering its history, cultures, politics, and societies. Graduates pursue careers in international development, government, journalism, and academia.
Field: African Studies
Career outcomes: International Development, Government, Journalism, Academia - Development Studies (BSc) — 36 months · English
This program examines global development challenges, policies, and practices from an interdisciplinary perspective. Graduates are prepared for roles in NGOs, international organizations, government, and research.
Field: Development Studies
Career outcomes: NGOs, International Organizations, Government, Research - International Relations (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
Students explore global politics, international security, and foreign policy with a regional focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, and think tanks.
Field: International Relations
Career outcomes: Diplomacy, International Organizations, Journalism, Think Tanks - BA Politics (BA) — 36 months · English
Students analyze political systems, theories, and international relations, with a particular emphasis on the politics of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Field: Politics
Career outcomes: Government, Diplomacy, Journalism, Policy Analysis - Arabic (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides comprehensive training in the Arabic language and literature, alongside an understanding of the history and cultures of the Arab world. Graduates find opportunities in diplomacy, translation, education, and international business.
Field: Arabic Language and Culture
Career outcomes: Diplomacy, Translation, Education, International Business - Economics (BSc) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
The program provides a rigorous foundation in economic theory and its application to global and regional issues, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in finance, policy analysis, research, and international organizations.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Finance, Policy Analysis, Research, International Organizations - BA Linguistics (BA) — 36 months · English
Students explore the scientific study of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, with a focus on diverse global languages.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: Speech Therapy, Language Teaching, Computational Linguistics, Translation - Music (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers a unique opportunity to study the music of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, combining ethnomusicology with practical performance. Graduates work in music performance, education, arts administration, and cultural industries.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Music Performance, Education, Arts Administration, Cultural Industries - BA Chinese Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
Students gain proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and a deep understanding of Chinese history, literature, politics, and society, preparing them for careers related to China.
Field: Chinese Studies
Career outcomes: International Business, Diplomacy, Translation, Education - BA History (BA) — 36 months · English
This program offers a broad and deep exploration of historical periods and regions, with a particular focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, fostering critical analytical skills.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Archivist, Museum Curator, Journalism, Education - Law (LLB) (LLB) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides a comprehensive legal education with a unique emphasis on the laws and legal systems of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates are prepared for legal careers, human rights advocacy, and international law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Legal Careers, Human Rights Advocacy, International Law - BA African Studies (BA) — 36 months · English
This program offers a comprehensive understanding of African history, politics, cultures, and languages, providing students with a nuanced perspective on the continent's complexities.
Field: African Studies
Career outcomes: International Development, Diplomacy, Journalism, Research - Chinese (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
Students gain proficiency in the Chinese language and a deep understanding of Chinese history, society, and culture. Career paths include international relations, business, media, and cultural exchange.
Field: Chinese Language and Culture
Career outcomes: International Relations, Business, Media, Cultural Exchange - History (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers a unique focus on the histories of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, developing critical analytical and research skills. Graduates find roles in academia, journalism, heritage, and public policy.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Academia, Journalism, Heritage, Public Policy - Linguistics (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
The program explores the structure, meaning, and use of language, with a particular focus on languages from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in language teaching, speech therapy, computational linguistics, and research.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: Language Teaching, Speech Therapy, Computational Linguistics, Research - BA South Asian Studies (BA) — 36 months · English
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the languages, cultures, histories, and politics of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Field: South Asian Studies
Career outcomes: International Development, Diplomacy, Journalism, Research - Southeast Asian Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of Southeast Asia's diverse cultures, societies, politics, and economies. Graduates find opportunities in international relations, business, media, and cultural organizations.
Field: Southeast Asian Studies
Career outcomes: International Relations, Business, Media, Cultural Organizations - South Asian Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
The program offers an interdisciplinary study of South Asia, covering its languages, histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, journalism, education, and international business.
Field: South Asian Studies
Career outcomes: Diplomacy, Journalism, Education, International Business - Study of Religions (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
The program critically examines religious traditions, beliefs, and practices across the world, with a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in education, journalism, interfaith dialogue, and public service.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: Education, Journalism, Interfaith Dialogue, Public Service - Politics (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
The program provides a critical understanding of political systems, theories, and international relations, with a strong focus on the politics of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in government, journalism, NGOs, and research.
Field: Politics
Career outcomes: Government, Journalism, NGOs, Research - BA World Philosophies (BA) — 36 months · English
This program introduces students to a diverse range of philosophical traditions from around the world, moving beyond the Western canon to explore global intellectual thought.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: Academia, Journalism, Policy Analysis, Education - Social Anthropology (BA) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program explores human societies and cultures across the globe, with a particular emphasis on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates find roles in research, international development, cultural consultancy, and education.
Field: Social Anthropology
Career outcomes: Research, International Development, Cultural Consultancy, Education
Master Programs (21)
- MA Japanese Studies (MA) — 12 months · English
This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding Japan, covering its language, literature, history, politics, and contemporary society.
Field: Japanese Studies
Career outcomes: International Relations, Business, Translation, Education - MSc Economics with reference to the Middle East (MSc) — 12 months · English · STEM
This program provides rigorous training in economic theory and its application to the specific economic challenges and opportunities within the Middle East region.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economic Analysis, Policy Making, International Finance, Research - LLM International Law (LLM) — 12 months · English
This Master of Laws program provides advanced study in public and private international law, with specializations in human rights, environmental law, and international economic law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: International Lawyer, Diplomat, NGOs, Academia - MA Music in Global Cultures (MA) — 12 months · English
This program examines music from a global perspective, exploring diverse musical traditions, their cultural contexts, and their role in society.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Musicology, Arts Administration, Cultural Programming, Journalism - MSc Public Policy and Management (MSc) — 12 months · English
This program equips students with the analytical and practical skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate public policies in diverse global contexts.
Field: Public Policy
Career outcomes: Policy Advisor, Public Sector Management, NGOs, International Organizations - MA Arabic Language and Literature (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers advanced study in Arabic language, literature, and cultural contexts, enhancing linguistic proficiency and critical understanding. Graduates pursue careers in academia, translation, diplomacy, and cultural institutions.
Field: Arabic Language and Literature
Career outcomes: Academia, Translation, Diplomacy, Cultural Institutions
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Transnational Queer Feminisms (MA) — 12 months · English
This program critically examines queer and feminist theories from transnational perspectives, exploring issues of gender, sexuality, and power across different cultural contexts.
Field: Gender Studies
Career outcomes: Advocacy, NGOs, Academia, Social Justice - MSc Global Corporations and Policy (MSc) — 12 months · English
This program examines the role of multinational corporations in global governance and policy-making, analyzing their impact on development, human rights, and the environment.
Field: International Relations
Career outcomes: Corporate Social Responsibility, International Organizations, Policy Advocacy, Consultancy - MA African Studies (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This advanced program offers an in-depth, interdisciplinary study of Africa, its societies, politics, economies, and cultures. Graduates are prepared for research, policy-making, international development, and further doctoral studies.
Field: African Studies
Career outcomes: Research, Policy-making, International Development, Academia
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Media in Development (MA) — 12 months · English
This program explores the complex relationship between media, communication, and international development, focusing on how media can contribute to social change and empowerment.
Field: Media Studies
Career outcomes: Development Communications, NGOs, Journalism, Policy Advocacy - MA Anthropology of Food (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program explores the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of food systems and consumption globally. Graduates find roles in food policy, sustainable development, food industries, and research.
Field: Anthropology
Career outcomes: Food Policy, Sustainable Development, Food Industries, Research
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA History of Art and Archaeology (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers advanced study of the art and archaeology of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, developing expertise in visual cultures and material heritage. Graduates work in museums, galleries, heritage organizations, and academia.
Field: Art History and Archaeology
Career outcomes: Museums, Galleries, Heritage Organizations, Academia
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MSc Development Studies (MSc) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides rigorous training in the theories, policies, and practices of international development, with a focus on critical analysis and research methods. Graduates work in international organizations, NGOs, government, and research.
Field: Development Studies
Career outcomes: International Organizations, NGOs, Government, Research
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Global Cinemas and the Transcultural (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program examines global cinema from a transcultural perspective, exploring film industries, aesthetics, and audiences across different regions. Graduates pursue careers in film curation, media analysis, cultural policy, and academia.
Field: Film Studies
Career outcomes: Film Curation, Media Analysis, Cultural Policy, Academia
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MSc Economics (MSc) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers advanced economic theory and quantitative methods, often with specializations in development, finance, or regional economics. Graduates pursue careers in finance, economic policy, research, and international development.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Finance, Economic Policy, Research, International Development
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Religious Studies (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides advanced critical and theoretical approaches to the study of religions, with a focus on traditions from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates find roles in education, research, interfaith relations, and cultural institutions.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: Education, Research, Interfaith Relations, Cultural Institutions
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Music in Africa and Asia (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides an in-depth study of the musical traditions and practices of Africa and Asia, combining ethnomusicological theory with regional expertise. Graduates work in music research, education, arts management, and cultural diplomacy.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Music Research, Education, Arts Management, Cultural Diplomacy
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MRes Social Anthropology (MRes) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This research-focused program provides advanced training in anthropological theory and research methods, preparing students for doctoral studies or research-intensive careers. Graduates pursue PhDs, research roles, and consultancy.
Field: Social Anthropology
Career outcomes: PhD Studies, Research, Consultancy, Academia
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA International Studies and Diplomacy (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program provides a critical understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and global governance, with a focus on non-Western perspectives. Graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and foreign policy.
Field: International Relations
Career outcomes: Diplomacy, International Organizations, Foreign Policy
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - MA Politics (MA) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers advanced study in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, with various specializations focusing on regions like the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in government, policy analysis, journalism, and academia.
Field: Politics
Career outcomes: Government, Policy Analysis, Journalism, Academia
Deadline: March 15th (typical) - LLM (Master of Laws) (LLM) — 12 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers specialized legal education with various pathways, including Human Rights Law and Environmental Law, often with a regional focus. Graduates pursue advanced legal careers, advocacy, and international law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Legal Careers, Advocacy, International Law
Deadline: March 15th (typical)
PhD Programs (11)
- PhD Religious Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in the study of world religions, focusing on their historical development, theological concepts, and social impact.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: Academia, Religious Leadership, Interfaith Dialogue, Journalism - PhD Anthropology and Sociology (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program supports advanced, independent research in social anthropology and sociology, often with a regional focus on Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. Graduates typically enter academia, research institutions, or international organizations.
Field: Anthropology and Sociology
Career outcomes: Academia, Research Institutions, International Organizations - PhD Development Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program involves conducting original research on critical issues in international development, supervised by leading scholars. Graduates pursue careers in academia, policy research, and high-level roles in development organizations.
Field: Development Studies
Career outcomes: Academia, Policy Research, Development Organizations - PhD Music (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program enables students to conduct original research in ethnomusicology, focusing on the musical traditions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Graduates typically enter academia, music research, or cultural institutions.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Academia, Music Research, Cultural Institutions - PhD Politics and International Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program supports advanced research in political science and international relations, with a strong emphasis on non-Western regions and global challenges. Graduates pursue careers in academia, policy research, and international organizations.
Field: Politics and International Studies
Career outcomes: Academia, Policy Research, International Organizations - PhD Linguistics (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program supports original research into linguistic theory, language documentation, or specific languages, particularly those from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Graduates pursue careers in academia, language technology, and research.
Field: Linguistics
Career outcomes: Academia, Language Technology, Research - PhD History (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program supports original historical research on Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, contributing new knowledge to the field. Graduates pursue careers in academia, archives, heritage, and public history.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Academia, Archives, Heritage, Public History - PhD African Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program involves original research on a topic related to Africa, supervised by leading experts in the field. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and international development.
Field: African Studies
Career outcomes: Academia, Research, Policy, International Development - PhD Economics (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program offers advanced doctoral research in economics, often with a focus on development economics, political economy, or regional studies. Graduates typically enter academia, central banks, international financial institutions, or research roles.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Academia, Central Banks, International Financial Institutions, Research - PhD Study of Religions (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This doctoral program involves conducting original research on religious phenomena, traditions, and their societal impact, often with a focus on Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. Graduates typically enter academia, research, or interfaith dialogue roles.
Field: Religious Studies
Career outcomes: Academia, Research, Interfaith Dialogue - PhD Law (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
This program enables students to conduct advanced, independent legal research on a specialized topic, often with a focus on non-Western legal systems or international law. Graduates typically enter academia, legal practice, or international organizations.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Academia, Legal Practice, International Organizations
Scholarships & Tuition at SOAS
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Campus & Facilities at SOAS
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Specialist in Africa, Asia, Middle East
- Diverse global student community
- Central London Bloomsbury campus
- Interdisciplinary critical thought
- Strong Development Studies reputation
Frequently Asked Questions about SOAS
What is SOAS?
SOAS is a university located in London, England, founded in 1916. .
How many programs does SOAS offer?
SOAS offers 56 programs: 22 Bachelor's, 21 Master's, and 11 PhD programs across various fields of study.
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