SOAS University of London

SOAS is an international, forward-thinking institution with a one hundred year heritage of developing global connections.

SOAS University of London has been listed in the top 25 in the UK in the World Reputation Rankings 2021, according to the Times Higher Education. These rankings are based on the world's largest invitation-only opinion survey of senior, published academics. It asks scholars to name no more than 15 universities that they believe are the best for research and teaching in their field.

Research by Marloes Janson, Professor of West African Anthropology, at SOAS University of London, which helped to inform Zadie Smith's novel Swing Time, been recognised as one of the UK's greatest creative hits, alongside BAFTA-winning film writers, award-winning children's authors, and global rockstars. This work has been nominated as one of more than 100 ''Creative Sparks'' from UK universities who are being honoured to showcase the importance of the creative industries and to celebrate the immense contribution of UK universities to the sector.

A new undergraduate programme has been launched, BA Africa and the Black Diaspora. This programme signals a new approach to re-imagining Africa and the Black Diaspora as part of SOAS's broader social justice agenda. The new combined degree gives students an in-depth knowledge of historical and topical issues through a unique, interdisciplinary approach.

SOAS upholds an outstanding reputation for the quality of its teaching and mentorship. Learning programmes are distinctive, and students are able to enrol on courses which feature unique combinations of languages, academic studies and regional modules.

There are more than 6,000 students at SOAS representing over 160 nationalities worldwide. A massive 71 per cent of students graduate with either a first or upper-second class honours.

The backbone of this success is the small class sizes which SOAS relies heavily on at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The staff to student ratio at the university is 12.8:1 which is one of the best in the world. Students are tutored by highly qualified and widely experienced academic staff who work at the cutting edge of their subjects. Many have worked and taught internationally, and their teaching is informed by the very latest knowledge and discourse.

SOAS has been widely recognised for its quality of tutelage and was awarded a silver ranking in the 2018 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), a government assessment of the standard of teaching.

With over 300 academic staff with distinct research interests and profiles, SOAS offers students a wide range of subject offerings and degrees. International students are able to study at both certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate level. Academic departments focus on particular areas of study that includes:

• Anthropology and sociology
• Economics
• Politics and international studies
• Law
• Development studies
• History
• East Asian languages and cultures
• Music

SOAS also offers students the opportunity to study at dedicated and specialised centres, namely:

• Centre for Development, Environment and Policy
• Centre for Global Media Communications
• Centre for Gender Studies
• Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)

With an excellent research reputation and renowned high-quality teaching, with a 90 per cent satisfaction rating, students at SOAS are given the ideal environment in which to thrive academically and develop intellectually. SOAS offers over 350 undergraduate degree combinations, 115 postgraduate programmes, and an enviable student to staff ratio of 12.8:1.

Admission requirements generally vary on a course-by-course basis, and specific degree programme information may be found on the university website.

Offers are granted on a case-by-case basis. SOAS accepts a variety of international qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, AP exams and many more. The university website publishes a list of entry requirements by country, and prospective students are advised to familiarise themselves with any key deadlines or additional requirements associated with the department or programme they are applying for.

International applicants must also demonstrate a degree of English language proficiency before starting their chosen course. This generally equates to a level of 6.5 on the IELTS standardised test, although there are a number of accepted assessment providers listed on the university website.

Located in the cosmopolitan Bloomsbury Square, the SOAS campus is a bustling hub of activity, and new students will be amazed at the variety of amenities at their fingertips. Locally, students will find coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, museums, gyms, live music venues and so much more.

The university has six halls of residence in locations between two and 45 minutes travel to campus, and all within close proximity to fast and reliable transport links. There are a huge range of accommodation options to suit all individual budgets and preferences. There are single, double and twin rooms available, as well as flat shares and family housing. All halls of residence accommodation have 24 hour security.

SOAS provides open access computer labs, a large refectory, specialist multimedia study spaces with on-site IT training available, and many indoor and outdoor social spaces. Students benefit from access to the SOAS Library for Asian, African and Middle Eastern Studies.

The SOAS Library is a world-famous institution, designed by architect Sir Denys Lasdun, and houses over 1.3 million books, journals and digital resources from across the world. It has undergone a GBP 12 million modernisation project, with new reception areas, study spaces, music practice rooms and even a gallery exhibition space.

SOAS has an active Students' Union, with a huge number of clubs and societies which are free to join. There is truly something for everyone, with options to get involved with everything from beekeeping and film making to circus, origami and yoga. There are many inclusive religious and cultural societies, as well as the university's own radio station and newspaper.

The university ensures that students have every opportunity to expand their horizons, and learn new skills beyond their course of study.

SOAS has been ranked 6^th in the United Kingdom for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Students at SOAS graduate from a world-leading university which nurtures a truly unique learning environment. The university promotes a culture of social and political discourse, and students will spend several years immersed in an environment which expands their worldview and brings much knowledge and perspective. These features make SOAS graduates desirable to professional employers, who recognise the standard of their education and their developed critical reasoning and research skills.

The university has a dedicated Career Service, offering personalised support and advice, including free personal careers assessments, a mentoring programme, as well as running workshops and events throughout the year. The university's online careers resource, CareerZONE provides access to over 2,500 articles, videos, and podcasts to support its student's careers aspirations.

SOAS's central London location means that students are in the immediate vicinity of one of the largest and most diverse economies in the world. There are almost unlimited opportunities for graduate employment, and a strong network of advisors and teaching staff who can provide guidance and contacts for future work.

Perhaps the most significant attribute of graduating with a SOAS degree is the breadth and diversity of the extended alumni community to which graduates become members. The SOAS alumni community is a truly global network of scholars and professionals, and graduates leave university as part of an academic and cultural community which offers options for international employment and social mobility.

A degree from SOAS is internationally respected, and the experience of studying in London gives its graduates the preparation and confidence to take on the leadership roles of tomorrow.