SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London is renowned for its global outlook, academic excellence, regional specialisms, and internationally diverse environment. The university's unique academic expertise in Africa, Asia and the Middle East informs innovative teaching methods and course content at every level of study.

At SOAS, students are taught by expert academics who are actively engaged in contemporary global debates. Teaching is rooted in real‑world contexts and encourages students to challenge established viewpoints, develop critical thinking skills and explore new ways of addressing some of the most pressing issues facing global society today.

There is a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to choose from. Courses are offered across the humanities and social sciences, ranging from development studies, law, politics, to arts, economics and many more. SOAS is also internationally recognised for its extensive language provision.

A defining feature of study at SOAS is its interdisciplinary approach. Students can combine two subjects for all SOAS undergraduate programmes and selected postgraduate taught programmes, to develop a well-rounded understanding.

SOAS is located in the centre of London, which has been consistently ranked as one of the world's best student cities. London is a vibrant and continually evolving city with a wealth of internship and employment opportunities across a wide range of job sectors. There is a vast array of amenities in close proximity to the university, from cafes, restaurants and bars to art galleries, parks, and museums. With students from over 130 countries worldwide, the university is home to one of the most internationally diverse campuses in the UK.

A SOAS degree opens doors to a world of opportunity. Graduates go on to work in international organisations, NGOs, global businesses, the creative industries and beyond, making a significant impact worldwide.

Nominated a finalist for Lecturers and Teaching Quality in Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, SOAS has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its teaching and mentorship. Learning programmes at the university are distinctive and students are able to enrol on modules which feature a unique combination of languages, academic studies and regionally focused modules.

There are more than 5,630 students at SOAS from over 130 countries worldwide. Students are tutored by highly qualified and widely experienced academic staff who operate at the forefront of ground-breaking specialist research areas. Many lecturers at the university have worked and taught internationally, and their teaching is informed by the very latest developments in global research.

As a university that is world-renowned for the high quality of its teaching and research excellence, students at SOAS are in the ideal learning environment to thrive academically and develop intellectually and professionally, giving them the best platform for their future career success.

SOAS is home to over 300 academic staff with a range of distinct research interests and profiles. As a result, SOAS provides students with a wide array of subject offerings and degree pathways to choose from. International students are able to study at certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Academic departments at SOAS focus on areas of study which include:

• Africa
• Anthropology
• Arts
• Business, Finance and Management
• China and Inner Asia
• Climate Change
• Development
• Diplomacy
• Economics
• Environment
• Film
• History
• History of Art and Archaeology
• Japan and Korea
• Languages
• Law
• Linguistics
• Media and Communication
• Music
• Near and Middle East
• Politics
• Religions and Philosophies
• South Asia
• South East Asia
• Gender Studies

SOAS also has a range of interdisciplinary and collaborative specialist research centres, which operate at the forefront of cutting-edge research cultures. Ranging from anthropology and mental health, global media and communications to law, environment and development, AI futures and many more.

Admission requirements at SOAS generally vary on a course-by-course basis and the entry requirements for specific programmes can be found in full on individual course pages.

The university accepts a variety of international qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, AP exams and many more. SOAS provides 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.

Some courses, particularly in languages, will involve a test of students' existing knowledge and experience in the language to determine their entry level for the course, once they are accepted onto the programme.

International applicants must also be able to demonstrate a degree of English language proficiency before starting a course at SOAS. This generally equates to a level of 6.5 on the IELTS standardised test, although there are a number of accepted assessment providers considered by the university.

SOAS has a single campus in Bloomsbury equipped with a range of study spaces. On the university campus there is also an on-site cafeteria serving food from around the world, an SU bar, and a junior common room. Students at SOAS additionally enjoy access to University of London facilities including clubs and societies, a gym, a bar, the Senate House Library, and much more.

The SOAS Library is one of the world's most important resources for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The ever-expanding library houses over 1.3 million volumes, including manuscripts, archives and digital collections. The SOAS library attracts some of the best scholars from around the world and is recognised by Research Libraries UK as one of the top research libraries in the UK.

The SOAS Gallery, meanwhile, is the university's free exhibition space. Located in the centre of SOAS's campus, the gallery programmes an innovative array of exhibitions and events all year round to promote a better understanding of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern culture, art, and history.

SOAS's campus is located in Bloomsbury in central London. Both the British Museum and the British Library are within walking distance of SOAS's campus, as are the world-renowned sights and amenities of the West End. Students at the university will find a vibrant range of cafes, bars, and restaurants on their doorstep, in addition to a number of green spaces, museums, arts venues and bookstores.

The SOAS Students' Union facilitates a number of societies and sports teams, which include Anime, Desi, Chinese Percussion, Origami, Feminism, World Music Choir, Yoga, Basketball, Football, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Netball, Rugby, Squash, Volleyball and many more.

At SOAS there is also a student newspaper and groups for various religions, cultures, and political ideologies. There is truly something for everyone at SOAS, and getting involved in extra-curricular activities is a great way to socialise and develop new interests.

SOAS students graduate from a world-leading university that provides a truly unique learning environment. The university promotes a culture of dynamic social discourse, and students will spend several years immersed in an environment which expands their worldview, perspective, and skillsets. As such, SOAS graduates are highly desirable to professional employers due to the standard of their education and unique critical skills.

At SOAS there is a dedicated careers service team on hand to help students throughout their time at the university. The careers service offers one-to-one sessions for advice on writing a standout CV and cover letter while helping students prepare for successful interviews. There are also dedicated employer skills sessions, careers fairs, alumni workshops, an online CareersZONE, and e-mentoring with alumni offered at the university.

Additionally, SOAS students have access to the University of London Careers Group throughout their studies. The service offers expert guidance to help students find out which industry they may want to enter after graduating.

There are also a number of SOAS-exclusive paid internships available to students at the university. SOAS Careers partners with organisations across a diverse range of sectors to offer summer internship opportunities, while SOAS's Co-creator Internship scheme provides opportunities for students to work on projects with staff across departments.

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

Online learning

SOAS has launched a reimagined portfolio of online degrees for September 2026 entry, offering new ways to study with one of the world's leading institutions for global, interdisciplinary education. These are designed to be equal in quality to programmes studied on campus at the university.

Scholarships

SOAS has a long history of supporting students from around the world. For the 2025/26 entry, one in three international students who study a postgraduate taught degree received a scholarship. For the 2026/27 entry, SOAS is offering more than 320 awards with a total value of GBP 4 million to help support the undergraduate and postgraduate journey.

In addition, SOAS is offering up to 15 scholarships valued at GBP 10,000 for applicants on the select new master's programmes launching in September 2026, including:

• MSc Data Science
• MSc Data Science and Economic Policy
• MSc Global Sustainability
• MSc AI and Sustainability
• MA Race and Empire

Global Partnerships

SOAS is an international, forward-thinking institution committed to developing equitable partnerships with universities throughout the Global South.

In collaboration with Nazarbayev University, SOAS offers a joint MA in Global Affairs and Eurasian Studies. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on Eurasia as a region shaped by major global forces, including energy and trade, security and technology, culture and ideas. On this course, students will explore how global and regional forces interact — from diplomacy and security to environment, energy, and culture.

SOAS also recently launched MA Global Citizenship, a joint degree with National Sun Yat-sen University. This is an intensive one-year programme that explores the concept of citizenship in a global context. It is built around key themes of equality, citizenship, and social change, helping students develop a framework for global equality and sustainable development.