SOAS is the only higher education institution in the UK that specialises in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Founded in 1916, it has grown in size and reputation to offer an unrivalled combination of disciplinary expertise, language scholarship, and regional focus.

SOAS is a global academic base, a crucial resource for London and a seat for international political debate. It is distinctively positioned to analyse, understand and explain some of the most pressing issues confronting two thirds of humankind. As such, it has become the first port of call for the world’s media, government and non-governmental organisations.

Located in the heart of London, SOAS’s main campus is a stone’s throw from the British Museum and the British Library. The School also has a campus (Vernon Square) just a 20 minute walk from Russell Square.

Why study with us?

SOAS is a unique institution offering more than 400 degree combinations and programmes in law and social sciences, languages and cultures and arts and humanities. Whether you are studying law or politics, history or economics, music or history of art, you have the opportunity to deepen your study by focusing on one or more of the regions it teaches. In 2010 the Faculty of Languages and Cultures was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the excellence, breadth and depth of its language teaching.

Many graduates go on to further study but a large proportion go straight into employment, building careers as human rights lawyers, politicians, journalists, diplomats, ambassadors and scholars. 

Facilities

The SOAS Library, designed by renowned architect Denys Lasdun, is one of just five National Research Libraries in the country and holds 1.5 million volumes, books, periodicals and audio-visual materials and has recently undergone a £6.5 million transformation project. New facilities include new music practice rooms, group study rooms and a gallery exhibition space.

IT facilities are available on both teaching campuses comprising PCs, Macs, language labs and satellite TV. The Students’ Union has recently been refurbished, providing students with a new bar, social space and catering facilities. SOAS has exclusive access to two student residences. These are purpose-built and offer individual study bedrooms with en-suite facilities, telephone and internet access.

Students have a wide range of support services from dedicated Welfare Officers, Counsellors, Chaplains and Careers Advisers to the Students’ Union.