The School of Oriental and African Studies

Address and Location

Part of the University of London, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is located in the University' district of Bloomsbury, Central London. A second campus exists in Vernon Square, Islington, a twenty-minute walk from the college's main buildings in the centre.

 

Background and History

SOAS received its Royal Charter in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies, later expanding its remit to include Africa. The college was established to train British diplomats and other administrators for field postings around the British Empire. Events of the twentieth century mean the School's focus has been redirected towards economic and linguistic studies of the two cultures.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: SOAS is well served by the Tube, with Goodge Street, Russell Square and Euston Square stations all close to the Bloomsbury campus. National and international rail services are accessible at nearby Euston or King's Cross-St. Pancras.

By Road: Driving to the School is not advisable as the main Bloomsbury site is within the capital's congestion charge zone. Parking is also extremely limited.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities.

What's on offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA Graduate (Conversion) Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for entry to an undergraduate program at the school is AAB or 36 points in the IB, with some variation between courses. Check the SOAS website for more information.

University Accommodation

Accommodation is provided for first-year students at Dinwiddy House on Pentonville Road, or through the University of London intercollegiate halls. The latter are generally more expensive.  

Private Accommodation

Central London is the most expensive part of the UK for private rentals, significant savings can be made by travelling to the outer parts of the city. A number of private companies offer halls of residence for university students. These offer flexible terms but are typically more expensive than renting from a normal landlord.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, SOAS ranked highly for its work in anthropology, economics, history, politics and theology. The school teaches more non-European languages than any other institution in the country.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The SOAS libraries are well known for housing one of the most important collections of African, Asian and Middle Eastern literature in the world. Students have access to University of London facilities across the city, including the libraries and workspaces in Senate House.

Other on-site Amenities

The SOAS Student Union bar and cafeteria has been recently renovated and is host to a wide variety of societies and events. Excellent sport facilities are provided at the nearby University of London Union building.  

Medical and Social Care

The Student Services department at SOAS is excellent, offering GP services at the Gower St. Health Centre and a variety of alternative therapies such as Acupuncture and Ayurveda. The school shares the University of London faith-support network.

 

What's on in the Area

In London, entertainment possibilities are only limited by a student's budget. Endless nightlife, galleries, theatre and live music are available in the centre of the city. Students should check the daily Timeout Guide for listings.

   

Moving On

Graduate employability rates are high at SOAS, and students are encouraged to do work placements or spend a year abroad to develop personal skills. The university also attracts a large amount of research funding, meaning lots of opportunity to continue study after graduation.

During the Second World War, the university's Japanese department changed its role to provide training for military translators and intelligence officers in the Far East. Notable SOAS alumni includeJemima Khan and Dom Joly.

Is SOAS for you?

For the study of languages - especially unusual ones - no UK institution provides better facilities and teaching than the School of Oriental and African Studies. The university also has a world-class reputation for the study of developmental economics and offers plenty of opportunities to study spilt-honours courses. If the specialised nature of the college concerns you but you're sure that London is where you want to be, consider nearby LSE or UCL.