SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom
SOAS University of London
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1916
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
6,400+
Nationalities on Campus
130+
Discover SOAS University of London: A Global Centre for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies
Discover SOAS University of London: A Global Centre for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies
SOAS University of London is a specialist research university located in the heart of Bloomsbury, central London. Founded in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies, it is the only higher education institution in Europe dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, making it a truly unique academic institution on the global stage.
Today, SOAS is divided into three colleges — the College of Humanities, the College of Social Sciences, and the College of Law — offering around 350 undergraduate degree combinations, over 100 one-year master's degrees, and PhD programmes across nearly every department. The university is a constituent college of the University of London and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
With students and staff from over 130 countries, SOAS provides one of the most internationally diverse academic communities in the UK. Its alumni network of over 75,000 includes heads of state, government ministers, diplomats, central bankers, Supreme Court judges, and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting the institution's global impact.
Key Milestones
- 1916: Founded as the School of Oriental Studies and received its Royal Charter on 5 June 1916, with the first students admitted in January 1917.
- 1938: Renamed to the School of Oriental and African Studies, reflecting its expanded focus on African studies alongside Asian scholarship.
- 1941: Moved to its present Bloomsbury campus site near Russell Square in central London, establishing its permanent academic home.
- 2001: The Japanese-style roof garden atop the Brunei Gallery was opened, adding a distinctive cultural landmark to the campus.
Academic Structure and Colleges at SOAS
Academic Structure and Colleges at SOAS
SOAS is organised into three colleges that bring together specialist schools and departments, offering an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The university encourages students to take modules from across all three colleges to enrich their academic experience.
College of Humanities
The College of Humanities focuses on understanding the knowledge generated through creative arts, culture, history, linguistics, literature, media, philosophies, and religions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- BA History of Art
- BA Music
- MA Religions of Asia and Africa
College of Social Sciences
The College of Social Sciences houses departments covering politics, economics, development studies, anthropology, and financial and management studies, all with a focus on the Global South.
- BSc Economics
- MSc Development Studies
- BA Politics and International Relations
College of Law
The College of Law brings together expertise in legal systems of Asian and African countries, human rights, transnational commercial law, environmental law, and comparative law. It is the sole law school in the world dedicated to the study of legal systems in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- LLB Law
- LLM Human Rights, Conflict and Justice
- LLM International Commercial and Economic Law
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Part of the College of Humanities, this school offers instruction in over 50 languages — many unavailable elsewhere in Europe — covering regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with the UK's first-ever university linguistics department founded here in 1932.
- BA Arabic and Islamic Studies
- BA Japanese Studies
- BA Chinese (Modern and Classical)
School of Anthropology, Media and Gender
This school combines the study of social anthropology with media studies and gender studies, offering programmes that explore cultural diversity, global media landscapes, and feminist politics across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- BA Social Anthropology
- MA Media in Development
- MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics
Department of Financial and Management Studies (DeFiMS)
DeFiMS offers programmes in business, finance, and management with a distinctive global perspective, ranked within the top 60 in the UK for Business Studies and recognised for research excellence in the 2021 REF.
- BSc International Management
- MSc International Business Administration
- MSc Finance and Financial Law
Admission Requirements for SOAS University of London
Admission Requirements for SOAS University of London
Undergraduate Admission
- A-Level RequirementsAAB to ABB depending on the programme
- IB Diploma33-35 points overall
- IELTS (Academic)6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component
- Application MethodVia UCAS (including international applicants)
- Personal StatementRequired as part of the UCAS application
Postgraduate Admission
- Degree RequirementMinimum upper second-class honours (2:1) or equivalent
- IELTS (Academic)7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component (varies by programme)
- ReferencesTwo academic or professional references required
- Personal StatementA statement outlining motivation and academic interests
- Application MethodDirect application via the SOAS online portal
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be considered equally through UCAS.
Final date for undergraduate applications through UCAS Clearing.
Deadlines vary by programme. Early application is recommended, especially for programmes with limited places or scholarship consideration.
Research degree applications are accepted on a rolling basis, though early submission is advised for scholarship eligibility.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at SOAS University of London
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at SOAS University of London
Tuition fees at SOAS vary depending on your programme and whether you hold Home or International fee status. Below are indicative annual fees. Contact SOAS directly for the most up-to-date fee information for your specific programme.
| Fee Category | Home Students (GBP) | International Students (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,250 | GBP 16,575 - 21,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 12,000 - 15,000 | GBP 18,900 - 27,730 |
| Accommodation (estimated per year) | GBP 7,000 - 12,000 | GBP 7,000 - 12,000 |
| Living Expenses (estimated per year) | GBP 14,400 - 18,000 | GBP 14,400 - 18,000 |
| Total | GBP 42,650 - 54,250 (approx. 3-year UG total) | GBP 113,925 - 154,500 (approx. 3-year UG total) |
SOAS Merit Scholarships
SOAS offers a range of merit-based scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, recognising academic excellence and potential. Awards can partially or fully cover tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Based on academic merit and programme of study
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition fee reduction
- Application: Typically applied for alongside your programme application
Regional and Country-Specific Scholarships
SOAS provides dedicated scholarships for students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, reflecting its commitment to global access and diversity in education.
- Eligibility: Students from specific countries or regions, including developing nations
- Coverage: Varies — partial tuition fee waivers and living cost support
- External Options: Chevening, Commonwealth, and British Council scholarships also available
Campus and Facilities at SOAS University of London
Campus and Facilities at SOAS University of London
SOAS occupies a compact, leafy campus in the heart of Bloomsbury, one of London's most historic and academic neighbourhoods. Just steps from the British Museum and Russell Square, the campus combines historic architecture with modern facilities in a welcoming, village-like atmosphere.
One of the UK's five National Research Libraries, housing over 1.2 million volumes on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in over 400 languages.
A cultural landmark featuring three floors of exhibition space, a lecture theatre, bookshop, and the renowned Japanese-style roof garden.
The central courtyard provides a peaceful green space where students gather between lectures, surrounded by the main campus buildings.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
SOAS offers accommodation in halls of residence and shared flats in central and greater London, with additional options through University of London partner residences nearby.
- On-campus halls of residence for approximately 800 students
- Access to eight additional University of London housing buildings
- Accommodation office support for private housing arrangements
Dining and Social Spaces
The campus features several coffee shops, a refectory offering global cuisine, and the recently refurbished Students' Union with a bar and social spaces.
- On-site refectory with hot and cold global cuisine
- Multiple campus coffee shops and cafés
- Refurbished Students' Union bar and social area
Student Life at SOAS University of London
Student Life at SOAS University of London
Student life at SOAS is defined by its internationally diverse community, activist heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. With 130 nationalities represented on campus, students engage with global perspectives daily, both inside and outside the classroom.
London: A Global Capital for Students
London: A Global Capital for Students
Life in London's Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a historic, academic, and artistic neighbourhood in central London, filled with leafy squares, cafés, museums, and bookshops. SOAS sits just steps from the British Museum and a short walk from Covent Garden, Soho, and Camden, with excellent transport links across London and beyond.
Cultural Capital
London is home to hundreds of museums, galleries, theatres, and concert venues, many of them free to visit. The British Museum is literally next door to SOAS.
Global Diversity
London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with food, music, and communities from every corner of the globe — perfectly complementing the SOAS ethos.
Career Opportunities
As a hub for international organisations, NGOs, government, media, and global business, London offers unparalleled internship and employment opportunities for SOAS graduates.
Transport Connectivity
The campus is well served by Russell Square, Euston, and King's Cross stations, providing fast links across London and to the rest of the UK and Europe via Eurostar.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of SOAS Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Student Advice team provides guidance on Student visa applications, CAS issuance, fee status, and immigration compliance throughout your time at SOAS.
SOAS offers comprehensive wellbeing support including mental health counselling, disability and learning support, a multi-faith chaplaincy, and academic skills workshops.
The SOAS Careers Service connects students with internships, part-time jobs, and graduate roles, with particular strengths in NGOs, international organisations, government, and cultural industries.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
SOAS University of London: Worldwide Rankings
SOAS University of London: Worldwide Rankings
SOAS is recognised globally for its specialist expertise in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. While a smaller institution, it achieves outstanding subject-level rankings, particularly in Development Studies, Politics, Anthropology, and Area Studies.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Development Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #2 in the World |
| Politics | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #16 in the World |
| Anthropology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #19 in the World |
| History of Art | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #24 in the World |
Features
OAS offers a unique learning experience through its focus on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.\nGlobal outlook: Strong emphasis on global issues, challenging perspectives and finding solutions to world challenges.\nLanguage expertise: Teaching of over 40 non-European languages, with students possibly eligible for one free language course.\nExcellent resources: Access to the SOAS Library, a national research library specializing in its regions of focus, and other University of London facilities.\nInternational community: A diverse student body representing over 130 countries creates a rich cultural and intellectual environment.\nStrong Students' Union: A wide range of student societies, clubs, and sports teams are available.\nCentral London Location: Situated in Bloomsbury, offering access to London's cultural and social life.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - January
Location
SOAS’s main campus (Russell Square) is located in Bloomsbury, an area of central London known for its array of gardened squares and famed for its literary connections. Cosmopolitan and buzzing, the SOAS campus is surrounded by other world-famous institutions and is next door to the impressive Senate House Library. Just a five-minute walk to the British Museum, and with its own exhibition space, the Brunei Gallery, SOAS is well-placed for students to explore London’s cultural offerings.
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