Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in South Asian Studies Program By SOAS University of London |Top Universities
Program Duration

36 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

22,490 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

Area StudiesMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Area Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

SOAS has an international reputation for excellence in the field of South Asian studies earned by the world leading research undertaken. The South Asia Section of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics welcomes applications for the degrees of PhD on any topic related to the research interests and disciplines of the Department’s research-active staff. Prospective candidates should consult the details of the various staff members’ research areas and adapt their proposal accordingly. These presently include, but are not limited to:
  • Indian film and screen studies
  • diaspora studies
  • postcolonial literature
  • literary studies associated with Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and Sanskrit
  • classical Hinduism
  • feminism
  • translation
  • current representations of Muslims
  • the politics of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan.
Broader topics can be accommodated through joint supervision with colleagues in other Departments and Centres REF 2014 Submissions by members of the Department included significant and paradigm-shifting monographs, edited collections, journal articles and book chapters on literature, cinema cultural history and postcolonial studies.
The Department has two ERC grants: Francesca Orsini for the comparative study of the multilingual literary histories of North India, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa; while James Mallinson has one entitled “The Hatha Yoga Project: Mapping traditions of transnational physical yoga practice through philology and ethnography”. Amina Yaqin’s current research projects include a collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Pakistan and the University of East London for the ‘Muslims, Trust and Cultural Dialogue’ research project funded by the RCUK. This follows on from an earlier AHRC funded international research network, ‘Framing Muslims’. Rachel Dwyer is CI on an AHRC funded International Network with the University of Leeds: Soft Power, Cinema and the BRICS.
A full research training programme is provided at Faculty level, in addition to the close attention each doctoral researcher receives from his or her supervisor. MPhil/PhD researchers admitted to the Department receive research training in the Faculty-wide first year research training seminar and are also encouraged to participate in discipline-specific training offered by the Faculty Centre for Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies (CCLPS) and research skills training coordinated via the Doctoral School.

Program overview

Main Subject

Area Studies

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

SOAS has an international reputation for excellence in the field of South Asian studies earned by the world leading research undertaken. The South Asia Section of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics welcomes applications for the degrees of PhD on any topic related to the research interests and disciplines of the Department’s research-active staff. Prospective candidates should consult the details of the various staff members’ research areas and adapt their proposal accordingly. These presently include, but are not limited to:
  • Indian film and screen studies
  • diaspora studies
  • postcolonial literature
  • literary studies associated with Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and Sanskrit
  • classical Hinduism
  • feminism
  • translation
  • current representations of Muslims
  • the politics of Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan.
Broader topics can be accommodated through joint supervision with colleagues in other Departments and Centres REF 2014 Submissions by members of the Department included significant and paradigm-shifting monographs, edited collections, journal articles and book chapters on literature, cinema cultural history and postcolonial studies.
The Department has two ERC grants: Francesca Orsini for the comparative study of the multilingual literary histories of North India, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa; while James Mallinson has one entitled “The Hatha Yoga Project: Mapping traditions of transnational physical yoga practice through philology and ethnography”. Amina Yaqin’s current research projects include a collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Pakistan and the University of East London for the ‘Muslims, Trust and Cultural Dialogue’ research project funded by the RCUK. This follows on from an earlier AHRC funded international research network, ‘Framing Muslims’. Rachel Dwyer is CI on an AHRC funded International Network with the University of Leeds: Soft Power, Cinema and the BRICS.
A full research training programme is provided at Faculty level, in addition to the close attention each doctoral researcher receives from his or her supervisor. MPhil/PhD researchers admitted to the Department receive research training in the Faculty-wide first year research training seminar and are also encouraged to participate in discipline-specific training offered by the Faculty Centre for Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies (CCLPS) and research skills training coordinated via the Doctoral School.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

105+
70+
7+
We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.
3 Years
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

4,860 GBP
-

International Students

22,490 GBP
-

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:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

checklist

A scholarship application checklist

banner
download_icon Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

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:

  • Anthropology and sociology
  • Law
  • Religions and philosophies


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.

Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Weibo
LinkedIn
Youtube
Soundcloud


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:

  • Anthropology and sociology
  • Media studies
  • History of art and archaeology
  • Gender studies
  • Economics
  • Cultural, literary and postcolonial studies


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.
 
Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Weibo
LinkedIn
Youtube
Soundcloud

PHD programs