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SOAS University of London
Russell Square Campus, London United Kingdom
# =511QS World University Rankings
26Undergraduate programs
132Postgraduate programs
20,350 GBPTuition Fee/year
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About SOAS University of London
At SOAS, we view the world through a different lens. Our expertise in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East shapes our understanding – to tackle the global challenges of our time. Come to SOAS and join a welcoming, diverse, and close-knit community in central London. Here, we challenge perspectives, broach debate and empower our students to find solutions to the issues facing the world today.
We welcome the brightest minds to study on our leafy, central London campus. Our programmes of study are all built around a strong social justice mandate, ensuring our graduates go out into the world and make a real difference,
SOAS programmes are taught by respected specialists engaged in fieldwork and research, which influences both government policy and the lives of individuals across the globe. SOAS scholars debate pressing contemporary issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change, and engage in a wide range of global research projects, which are shaping the culture, economics and politics of societies all around the world.
SOAS offers a broad range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as distance learning, foundation degrees and summer school.An international campus in the heart of London
SOAS is a small and welcoming campus in the diverse and vibrant city of London, named the best student city in the world (QS World Rankings 2023). You’ll be able to meet people from all around the world and live in a cultural hub full of new discoveries. With 130 nationalities represented on campus, SOAS is one of the most international universities in the world.
Profiling the SOAS student
A SOAS student is passionate about their field, happy to learn a second language and most of all seeks to engage with multiple perspectives to shatter preconceptions and prejudice. SOAS has a reputation for really breaking the mould when it comes to encouraging independent thought, debate and individuality among students.
Webinars to help you get started
SOAS runs webinars on topics like admissions, visas, tuition fees, funding, housing, career tips and specific courses. Find out about any undergraduate and postgraduate webinars relevant to you.
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Upcoming Events
About SOAS University of London
At SOAS, we view the world through a different lens. Our expertise in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East shapes our understanding – to tackle the global challenges of our time. Come to SOAS and join a welcoming, diverse, and close-knit community in central London. Here, we challenge perspectives, broach debate and empower our students to find solutions to the issues facing the world today.
We welcome the brightest minds to study on our leafy, central London campus. Our programmes of study are all built around a strong social justice mandate, ensuring our graduates go out into the world and make a real difference,
SOAS programmes are taught by respected specialists engaged in fieldwork and research, which influences both government policy and the lives of individuals across the globe. SOAS scholars debate pressing contemporary issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change, and engage in a wide range of global research projects, which are shaping the culture, economics and politics of societies all around the world.
SOAS offers a broad range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as distance learning, foundation degrees and summer school.An international campus in the heart of London
SOAS is a small and welcoming campus in the diverse and vibrant city of London, named the best student city in the world (QS World Rankings 2023). You’ll be able to meet people from all around the world and live in a cultural hub full of new discoveries. With 130 nationalities represented on campus, SOAS is one of the most international universities in the world.
Profiling the SOAS student
A SOAS student is passionate about their field, happy to learn a second language and most of all seeks to engage with multiple perspectives to shatter preconceptions and prejudice. SOAS has a reputation for really breaking the mould when it comes to encouraging independent thought, debate and individuality among students.
Webinars to help you get started
SOAS runs webinars on topics like admissions, visas, tuition fees, funding, housing, career tips and specific courses. Find out about any undergraduate and postgraduate webinars relevant to you.
Social Media
Facebook
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LinkedIn
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Upcoming Events
Available programs
Bachelor UG
Master PG
PHD
SOAS gives students the unique chance to study in a lively cosmopolitan environment with like-minded individuals who feel passionately about their subject and global affairs.
SOAS runs a number of undergraduate degrees in the social sciences, including the following subjects:
Find all undergraduate programmes listed here.
Many programs at SOAS feature the opportunity to spend a year studying in another country.
A diverse campus
Undergraduates benefit from a vast community of students, all centered around a central London campus and a shared interest in global issues. SOAS is a place for people who wish to gain a more profound understanding of the world and examine their own assumptions and beliefs.
Accommodation
SOAS students can choose from a wide variety of 1200+ centrally located halls and private accommodation.
Our accommodation offers SOAS only and Intercollegiate properties.
Our accommodation includes twin, single and double rooms, catered and self catered, ensuite and with shared facilities.
We can offer female only accommodation, studios, shared flats and houses and private sector accommodation as well as our halls.
Our accommodation office offers a full information, advice and support service.
Catered weekly - £156.73 to £305.83
Self Catered - £152.00 - £290.43
Read more about student accommodation at SOAS.Application
To apply for an undergraduate degree at SOAS (including students wishing to transfer from another university), you must do so through the UK’s centralised applications portal, UCAS.
Find more specific country information on visas, bursaries, entry requirements and English language proficiency here.
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Department of Anthropology and Sociology (11)
BA Social Anthropology
Department of Development Studies (11)
BA Global Development
Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures (11)
BA Chinese
BA East Asian Studies
BA Japanese
BA Korean
Department of Economics (11)
BA Economics
BSc Development Economics
BSc Economics
Department of Politics and International Studies (11)
BA International Relations
BA Politics
BA Politics and International Relations
Department of Politics and International Studies / Department of Economics / School of History, Religions and Philosophies (11)
BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics
School of Arts (11)
BA Creative Arts and Cultural Industries
BA History of Art
School of Finance and Management (11)
BSc Accounting and Finance
BSc Management
School of History, Religions and Philosophies (11)
BA Global Liberal Arts
BA History
BA World Philosophies
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (11)
BA Africa and Black Diaspora (3 years)
BA Arabic
BA Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) (3 years)
School of Law (11)
BA Law
LLB Single Honours
LLB with Year Abroad
Looking to the future
SOAS is a research-intensive institution, particularly in the areas of diplomacy, resources, governance and heritage. Consequently, SOAS students often end up working in careers that make a real difference to the world, shaping policy and public discourse on economic, political, cultural, security and religious matters.
Postgraduate programmes at SOAS are recognisable for their specialist focus, flexible learning, and international perspective. Some of these courses include:
Browse all postgraduate courses here.
Scholarships and funding
Scholarships at SOAS are awarded through a competitive application process, with the majority of deadlines in the January or February preceding the year of entry. Check here for any deadlines to watch out for.
Online and distance learning
As well as taught degrees on campus, SOAS runs a number of online and distance learning courses for more than 3,000 students based in 150 countries who wish to fit their studies around their professional and personal commitments.
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Department of Anthropology and Sociology (10)
MA Anthropology of Food
MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language
MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability
MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health
MA Migration and Diaspora Studies
MA Migration and Diaspora Studies and Intensive Language
MA Social Anthropology
MA Social Anthropology and Intensive Language
MRes Social Anthropology
MRes Social Anthropology and Intensive Language
Department of Development Studies (10)
MSc Environment, Politics and Development
MSc Global Development
MSc Humanitarian Action (Online)
MSc Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict
MSc International Development (Online)
MSc Migration Mobility and Development
MSc Research for International Development
MSc Violence, Conflict and Development
MSc/PGDip/PGCert Climate Change and Development (Online)
MSc/PGDip/PGCert Sustainable Development (Online)
Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures (10)
MA Chinese Studies
MA Japanese Studies
MA Japanese Studies (Dual Degree Programme)
MA Japanese Studies and Intensive Language
MA Korean Studies
MA Korean Studies and Intensive Language
MA Taiwan Studies
Department of Economics (10)
MSc Development Economics
MSc Economic Policy
MSc Economics
Department of Politics and International Studies (10)
MA Global Diplomacy (Online)
MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia (Online)
MA Global Diplomacy: MENA (Online)
MA Global Diplomacy: South Asia (Online)
MA Global Security and Strategy (Online)
MA International Studies and Diplomacy
MSc Global Corporations and Policy (Online)
MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy
MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy (Online)
MSc Global Public Policy (Online)
MSc Politics and International Relations
School of Arts (10)
MA Curating Cultures
MA Global Creative and Cultural Industries
MA History of Art and Archaeology
MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia
MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and Intensive Language
MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East
MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East and Intensive Language
MA Music
School of Finance and Management (10)
MSc Finance
MSc Finance (Banking) (Distance Learning)
MSc Finance (Economic Policy) (Distance Learning)
MSc Finance (Financial Sector Management) (Distance Learning)
MSc Finance (Quantitative Finance) (Distance Learning)
MSc Finance and Financial Law (Distance Learning)
MSc International Business
MSc International Business Administration (Distance Learning)
MSc International Marketing
MSc Public Financial Management (Distance Learning)
MSc Public Policy and Management
MSc in Public Policy and Management (Distance Learning)
School of History, Religions and Philosophies (10)
MA Buddhist Studies
MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language
MA History
MA History and Intensive Language
MA Muslim Minorities in a Global Context (Online)
MA Religion, Politics and Society
MA Traditions of Yoga and Meditation
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (10)
MA African Studies
MA African Studies and Intensive Swahili
MA Comparative Literature
MA Cultural Studies
MA Iranian Studies
MA Iranian Studies and Intensive Persian
MA Islamic Studies
MA Linguistics
MA Linguistics and Intensive Language
MA Middle Eastern Studies
MA Middle Eastern Studies and Intensive Languages
MA Postcolonial Studies
MA South Asian Area Studies
MA South Asian Studies and Intensive Language
MA South East and Pacific Asian Studies
MA Translation
School of Law (10)
LLM (Master of Laws)
LLM Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
LLM Human Rights, Conflict and Justice
LLM International Commercial and Economic Law
LLM International Law
LLM Islamic Law
LLM Law and Gender
MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development
MA Gender Studies
MA Gender Studies (Middle East Pathway)
MA Gender Studies and Law
MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics (Online)
MA Global Media and Communications
MA Global Media and Digital Cultures (Online)
MA Human Rights Law
MA International Law
MA Islamic Law
MA Legal Studies (General Programme)
MA Media in Development
MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics
MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics with special reference to the Middle East
MRes Law
Department of Anthropology and Sociology (10)
Research degrees: Anthropology and Sociology
Department of Development Studies (10)
MPhil/PhD in Development Studies
MPhil/PhD in International Development
Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures (10)
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Chinese and Inner Asian Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Japanese and Korean Studies
Department of Economics (10)
Economics: Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD)
MPhil/PhD in Development Economics
MPhil/PhD in Economics
Department of Politics and International Studies (10)
PhD Degree: Politics and International Studies
School of Arts (10)
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Creative Arts and Cultural Industries
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Film Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) History of Art and/or Archaeology
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Music
School of Finance and Management (10)
Research Degrees: Finance and Management (MPhil/PhD)
School of History, Religions and Philosophies (10)
Research Degrees: History
Research Degrees: Religions and Philosophies
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (10)
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in African Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Linguistics
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Near and Middle Eastern Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in South Asian Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in South East Asian Studies
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Translation Studies
School of Law (10)
Law Research Degree (PhD)
Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Gender Studies
Research Degrees: Media Studies
University information
Admissions Policy
The nature of the School places diversity at the centre of life at SOAS. As such we are committed to providing high-quality education to all, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, or national origin, gender, religion or belief, sexual identity, sexual orientation, or any other factor not relevant to academic achievement. Further information about admissions is available on SOAS website, or by email: [email protected]
Undergraduate application
Postgraduate application
International Students FAQs
English Language Requirements
Research degree admissions FAQS
General
Bachelor
Master
For a relatively small higher education institution, SOAS is fortunate to have outstanding facilities, both scholarly and practical.
Student life
SOAS Students’ Union is a bustling and diverse environment, which offers support and representation for all SOAS students. It is our role to make sure that all our students’ – be they international, home, part-time or full-time – voices are heard. We do this in two ways, first via the elected officers on the Union. We have four sabbatical co-presidents who work full time to represent you. They attend School committees and lobby management on issues raised directly by students. There are also ten part time officers who have various portfolios to work on.
Representation also occurs at a course level. SOAS has one of the best Class Representative schemes in the country (the model for a number of other Universities). Each class has a representative who attends departmental meetings and is a vital part of decision-making processes on the lowest level. Not only does this ensure students voices are heard on every level, but that more students can be involved democratically with the direction the Students’ Union chooses. We recognize that we can only be representative by getting people involved.
There are many other ways students can get involved with the Union. We have approximately two hundred clubs and societies, covering sport, dining, political debate, cultural issues and everything in between. We want to get students involved, and if the particular interest you have is not represented then it is easy to set up your own society. It is our job to make your life in London easier, more interesting and packed with things to do. The Union puts on plenty of events, both inside and outside of SOAS.
In addition to all of this the Union runs the bar in SOAS, a popular meeting place for students and a Café - convenience store which is the cheapest place to buy your pens and papers in the area. SOAS Union is your Union, we exist to give you a voice and to entertain you – and hopefully to help you get involved. See the website for more information: www.soasunion.org
We offer the following services to current students and recent graduates:
· One-to-one careers advice on the application process, including CVs and covering letters as well as advice on how to decide on a career path
· Practice Interviews to help students prepare their upcoming recruitment process, including assessment centres
· A large selection of SOAS-specific events such as Careers Fairs, Alumni Workshops and Skills Sessions throughout the academic year
· Assistance with navigating both online and printed information resources, such as MySOAS Student, Assessment Day and GoinGlobal
· Access to CareersZONE, our online system for searching for jobs, internships, voluntary work and employers
For more information, visit us in SL62, Lower Ground Floor, Senate House North Block, SOAS University of London or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tuition fee and scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
Rankings & ratings
SOAS University of London is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #=511 in QS World University Rankings 2024.
QS World University Rankings
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS Sustainability Ranking
Europe University Rankings - Northern Europe
QS World University Rankings
SOAS University of London
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