SOAS University of London

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Postgraduate courses are taught by respected academics engaged in ground-breaking fieldwork and research. The work of researchers at SOAS influences both government policy and the lives of individuals around the world. With fantastic graduate outcomes, SOAS postgraduate students can expect to develop a range of transferable professional skills while at the university which will enable them to become world changing global citizens at the forefront of both industry and academia.

SOAS’s Russell Square Campus in Bloomsbury is within walking distance to the British Museum and British Library, meaning postgraduate students have easy access to some of the world’s best archives and research facilities. The SOAS Library itself holds more than 1.5 million books and electronic materials. The library is world-renowned for its extensive collection and postgraduate students have access to unique resources for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The shops and cultural attractions of London’s West End are also in close proximity to the university campus, with a range of galleries, museums, cinemas, theatres, and arts venues all nearby.

SOAS students on Postgraduate Search say:

“It's very inclusive and multicultural. It appreciates the diversity of society.”

“The university offers a great student life experience overall.”

“I have loved my experience at SOAS so far! It is an incredible institution with a wonderful community full of passionate and vibrant humans. The school is a truly unique and special place.”

Postgraduate

Over 45% of students at the SOAS London campus are currently studying towards a master's or research degree. The university offers over 200 postgraduate programmes, all taught by world-leading specialists.

There are a range of specialist postgraduate taught courses and research degrees at SOAS which provide a flexible approach to learning and research with an international perspective. Postgraduate scholars at SOAS can expect to productively explore the pressing contemporary social issues which are currently shaping culture, economics, and politics on a global scale.

SOAS offers over 200 postgraduate taught and research programmes. The university excels in helping its students to develop specialist focuses and an international perspective via a range of tailored learning and research options. Students on taught postgraduate programmes and PhD researchers are guided throughout their studies by lecturers and teaching staff who are globally recognised specialists in their fields.

Postgraduate students at SOAS can expect to explore pressing contemporary issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change while engaging in global research projects which are shaping the culture, economics, and politics of societies all around the world.

Courses at SOAS are split across the university’s specialist schools and departments. These are:

• Department of Anthropology and Sociology

• School of Arts

• Department of Development Studies

• Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures

• Department of Economics

• School of Finance and Management

• School of History, Religions and Philosophies

• School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics

• School of Law, Gender and Media

• Department of Politics and International Studies

Additionally, there are a range of specialist research centres, institutes, and regional centres based at SOAS which oversee cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.

The SOAS Doctoral School oversees PhD research, supporting doctoral researchers throughout their PhD journey. The school provides a comprehensive research infrastructure and a range of facilities to assist doctoral researchers as they conduct ground-breaking research projects.

SOAS students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The majority of the students are postgraduates so there is a real scholarly feel to learning and getting the most out of the course.”

“The professors are kind, approachable and accessible... There's a diverse selection of modules, it is easy to find something that can suit your particular niches and academic interests.”

“The teaching staff are extremely knowledgeable and impart their wisdom with students in an interactive and engaging manner. I have found I have been able to tailor my course to include the language modules I wanted, and this has allowed me to continue developing my language skills even at an advanced level.”

SOAS considers each applicant for postgraduate study on an individual basis. For taught postgraduate courses at the university, applicants are generally required to hold the equivalent of a UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above. SOAS considers each prospective student based on a combination of grades, their personal statement, work experience, and academic references.

This process ensures each student is assessed individually for their suitability and eligibility for the course of study being applied for. If students do not have an appropriate undergraduate degree, they may be asked to first complete a preparatory course or one year diploma to make sure they are prepared for the demands of postgraduate study.

For research degrees, applicants are generally required to hold a master’s degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree. In certain cases, SOAS may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they can evidence an appropriate level of relevant work experience.

Prospective research students are advised to discuss a draft of their research proposal with a potential SOAS supervisor – prior to a formal application – in order to gage their willingness to supervise the project.

SOAS is a prestigious UK institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence. The university specialises in the fields of politics, development studies, law, and anthropology. SOAS is home to a number of specialist and inter-disciplinary research centres, through which cutting-edge courses and research degrees are developed.

Specialist research centres at the university include the Centre for Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies, the Centre for Human Rights Law, the Centre for Jewish Studies, the Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies, the Centre for Translation Studies, the Centre for Sustainable Finance and many more. Dedicated regional centres and institutes are also a unique feature of SOAS. The university’s Centre of African Studies (CAS), for example, is the largest centre of expertise on Africa outside of the continent itself.

SOAS is recognised for the high quality of its research and teaching. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 87% of the university’s research was ranked as 'world leading or internationally excellent' (REF, 2021). Moreover, SOAS was awarded ‘Silver’ in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023). A silver award from TEF designates that the student experience and student outcomes at the university are typically of a very high quality.

At SOAS there is a dedicated careers service on hand to help students and offer one-to-one career development sessions. Services available through the careers service include workshops on CV writing, cover letter writing, and job interviews. There are also skills sessions and career fairs held throughout the year at SOAS. CareersZONE is the university’s bespoke careers management system through which students can access an e-mentoring service with SOAS alumni. SOAS alumni enjoy life-long access to the careers centre, meaning they can use its service even after they have completed their courses. All students at SOAS also benefit from access to the University of London Careers Group.

Alongside career support, there are SOAS-exclusive paid internships available at the university. SOAS partners with organisations across a diverse range of professional sectors to offer summer internship opportunities, while the co-creator Internship scheme is a fantastic opportunity for students to work on collaborative projects with staff across departments.

SOAS graduates have gone on to find work in companies and global charities such as United Nations, Amnesty International, EY, Deloitte, The New York Times, Google, BBC, World Economic Forum, Save the Children and many more.

Student union

The SOAS Students’ Union (SU) represents student voices within the university and organise a diverse range of events and activities throughout the year. The SU is made up of an executive committee, which includes four co-presidents representing activities and events, democracy and education, equality and liberation, and welfare and campaigns. SU officers raise issues and fight for changes across the university based on what students want to see.

Clubs and societies

The SU facilitates a diverse range of societies and sports teams at SOAS. There are also a number of groups centred around religion, culture and politics.

City life

SOAS is located in the centre of London. The city’s world-renowned entertainment and culture is easily accessible from the university’s friendly, cosmopolitan Bloomsbury campus. The SOAS campus melds seamlessly into the culturally rich area of Bloomsbury and its cafes, bars, restaurants, and galleries. Students are also within walking distance to the West End and many of the capital's most iconic institutions, including The British Museum and the British Library.

SOAS students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The campus location is brilliant because everything is so close by.”

“The campus is nice and central.”

Accommodation

SOAS offers a variety of housing options to suit individual student needs, budgets and tastes. Accommodation options include halls of residence, intercollegiate halls, self-catered and catered housing. Students can choose from a range of single, twin, and double rooms plus self-catered studios.

Paul Robeson House is the university’s dedicated postgraduate halls of residence. Located near King’s Cross, single ensuite rooms start at £211.86 per week and studios are £366.24 per week.

Facilities

SOAS has a single campus in Bloomsbury which is equipped with a range of study spaces, lecture theatres, and an on-site cafeteria. Students also have access to the wider University of London facilities, which include a gym, a bar, and the world-renowned Senate House Library.

SOAS’s library is one of the world’s most important academic resources for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The ever-expanding collection currently houses over 1.3 million volumes, including manuscripts, archives, and digital collections. The library is recognised as one of the most significant research libraries in the UK. The on-campus Brunei Gallery, meanwhile, is designed to promote a better understanding of the art, culture, history and contemporary contexts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

SOAS students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Good library, radical activities.”

“Affordable food price, great environment for studying.”

“Paul Robeson House has been great for meeting fellow postgraduates. Plus, it is close to campus and other nice amenities.”

SOAS offers a wide range of student advice and wellbeing services to its postgraduate students. Student services are available throughout the entirety of students’ time at SOAS, providing specialist advice and support to help students with any personal or academic issues they may experience.

At SOAS, there is a dedicated mental health and wellbeing service. The university also offers a free and confidential counselling service for all students. SOAS works hard to ensure that every postgraduate student’s university experience is an accessible one. A professional disability and neurodiversity team provides guidance, tailored adjustments, and continuous support to students who require it throughout their courses.

A wide array of academic support services are complemented by the assignment of a personal tutor to each student upon the commencement of their course. Personal tutors make themselves available at SOAS to answer any academic-related questions or concerns. There is, additionally, an accommodation support team, a multi-faith chaplaincy, immigration support services, and financial support services available to students at SOAS.

SOAS students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Best experience is the welcoming feeling and help everyone gives.”

“Student supports provide helpful assistance in order for students to maximize their full potential.”

SOAS offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to postgraduate students studying at the university. Eligible students for the SOAS Excellence Bursary can receive £7,500 over the course of their studies if in need of financial support. Applicants must be able to demonstrate outstanding academic potential. SOAS Master’s Scholarships are also awarded on academic merit, with a £4,000 fee waiver offered to eligible full-time master's students.

SOAS also offers a number of means tested scholarships, such as the Access to Learning Fund, which is awarded using national guidelines to provide financial support to home students where access to education may be limited by financial considerations. The SOAS Childcare Fund, meanwhile, is available to students who require support with the costs of childcare.

Prospective students can view SOAS’s full range of funding opportunities and associated criteria on the university’s dedicated scholarships page.

Taught

SOAS offers over 200 specialised postgraduate taught programmes of study. All courses have been developed to equip students with a specialist yet flexible approach to learning. Postgraduate students can expect a tailored learning experience. A number of interdisciplinary course pathways are available, all of which are designed to develop a reflexive international perspective on social, cultural and economic issues. Postgraduate work placement years are also available to complement certain taught postgraduate master’s.

Research

SOAS supports doctoral researchers throughout their PhD journey, with specialist guidance and facilities available through the university’s dedicated doctoral school. SOAS’s excellent research infrastructure provides exclusive research and co-working spaces, as well as online and in-person training programmes and skill development workshops. There are four postgraduate research grant schemes at the university and numerous postgraduate social and networking events arranged throughout the year to promote community and discussion.

Distance learning

There are a range of online and distant learning postgraduate course pathways available at SOAS. Postgraduate diplomas, postgraduate certificates, and master’s degrees are available to undertake remotely as distance learning courses.

Equal in quality to courses taught on campus, distance learning courses at SOAS enable students to learn anywhere in the world, study at their own pace, and receive dedicated support from specialist tutors.