SOAS University of London is a specialist university in central London, recognised for its academic focus on Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and online programmes alongside international study opportunities, specialist research facilities and career development initiatives.

The History of SOAS University of London

SOAS was founded in 1916 as a college of the University of London. In 1938, it adopted the name School of Oriental and African Studies. Originally established to support the study of territories and societies within the British Empire, the institution gradually expanded its academic focus.

Today, SOAS specialises in the languages, cultures, histories, economies and political systems of different world regions. Its teaching and research address both historical developments and contemporary global challenges.

SOAS Campus and Learning Facilities

The SOAS campus offers academic, cultural and social facilities that support different aspects of student life. Students have access to research resources, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, collaborative learning spaces and student support services.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the UK’s five national research libraries and an important centre for research into Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It holds approximately 1.3 million resources, including archives, manuscripts, rare books and specialist collections.

The library also houses the largest East Asian library collection in Europe. Its six floors provide more than 1,000 student workspaces, including newly refurbished areas for independent study and collaborative projects.

Paul Webley Wing

The Paul Webley Wing opened in 2016, during the university’s centenary year. The building combines teaching facilities with services designed to support students throughout their studies.

Its main atrium brings together several important facilities:

•⁠  ⁠Student hub and advice services

•⁠  ⁠Careers service

•⁠  ⁠Student wellbeing centre

•⁠  ⁠Lecture theatres and seminar rooms

•⁠  ⁠Café and informal study areas

SOAS Gallery and Cultural Spaces

SOAS Gallery is part of London’s Museum Mile and hosts changing exhibitions exploring the arts, histories and cultures of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Admission is free for SOAS students. The campus also includes prayer rooms, the Japanese Roof Garden, additional teaching rooms and informal study spaces. These facilities provide opportunities for cultural engagement, relaxation and interaction outside the classroom.

An International Student Community at SOAS

SOAS has a diverse student population representing 128 countries. During the 2024/25 academic year, overseas students accounted for 61.5% of the postgraduate student body.

Approximately 6,400 students study on campus, while around 1,100 students participate in distance learning. The university also has a smaller student community from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. This international environment allows students to exchange ideas, explore different perspectives and develop intercultural communication skills through academic and social activities.

SOAS Rankings and Academic Recognition

SOAS has achieved international recognition in several specialist academic disciplines. The university was also shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

SOAS achieved strong results across several subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

Development Studies ranked 2nd worldwide, while Politics and International Studies placed 16th. Anthropology was ranked 19th, History of Art 24th, and History 36th globally.

Other subjects also received international recognition. Law was placed in the 101–150 ranking band, while Economics appeared in the 201–250 band. Overall, 13 SOAS subjects were ranked among the world’s top 100.

QS World University Rankings 2027

SOAS was ranked joint first in the UK for international faculty in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

This recognition reflects the international composition of the university’s academic community and its engagement with different regions and research perspectives.

Student Accommodation at SOAS

SOAS students can choose from different accommodation options, including halls of residence, University of London Student Homes and private rented housing.

During the 2025/26 academic year, halls of residence offered rooms priced between £169 and £412 per week. Depending on the residence, travel times to campus ranged from approximately 5 to 45 minutes.

Students can explore different room types and locations according to their budgets and preferences. Accommodation costs and availability may change between academic years, making it important to check current options before applying.

Academic Programmes at SOAS University of London

SOAS offers undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation and online study pathways. Programme structures vary according to the subject, qualification and available study options.

Undergraduate Programmes

Undergraduate students can choose between Single Honours degrees, which focus on one main subject, and Joint Honours degrees, which combine two academic disciplines.

Depending on the programme, undergraduate study typically lasts three or four years. Selected degrees also offer opportunities to:

•⁠  ⁠Spend part of the programme studying abroad

•⁠  ⁠Complete a Year in Industry

•⁠  ⁠Combine academic learning with international or professional experience

Postgraduate Programmes

SOAS offers postgraduate programmes across a wide range of academic disciplines. Master’s degrees generally take one or two years to complete, depending on the programme and study route.

Selected courses include intensive language options or a With Placement Year route, allowing students to develop language skills or gain professional experience alongside postgraduate study.

Foundation Programmes

SOAS offers BA and BSc degrees with a Foundation Year for students who require an additional stage of academic preparation before beginning undergraduate study.

The foundation stage lasts approximately 10 months, from September to July. It helps students develop subject knowledge and academic skills before progressing to the undergraduate stage, subject to the relevant progression requirements.

SOAS Online

SOAS Online provides distance-learning opportunities for students who wish to study remotely. Its expanded programme portfolio includes courses lasting approximately two to three years.

Students can benefit from multiple entry points and a pay-as-you-go model, offering greater flexibility when organising their studies around professional or personal commitments.

Subject Areas Available at SOAS

SOAS offers programmes across regional studies, humanities, social sciences, law, management and emerging interdisciplinary fields.

Students can explore a wide range of subjects, including:

•⁠  ⁠Regional Studies: Africa, China and Inner Asia, Japan and Korea, Near and Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia

•⁠  ⁠Social Sciences: Anthropology and Sociology, Development Studies, Economics, Gender Studies, and Politics and International Studies

•⁠  ⁠Humanities: Arts, History, Linguistics, Religions and Philosophies

•⁠  ⁠Business and Law: Finance and Management, and Law

•⁠  ⁠Media and Technology: Media Studies, Global Journalism, Data Science, and AI and Sustainability

International Study and Career Opportunities at SOAS

SOAS provides opportunities for students to gain international experience and develop professional skills alongside their academic studies.

Undergraduate Study Abroad

Study Abroad opportunities are available across undergraduate programmes, subject to eligibility requirements and competitive selection.

Students may have the opportunity to study in another country, experience a different academic environment and develop greater intercultural awareness.

Placement Year and Year in Industry

Selected undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offer Year in Industry and With Placement Year options.

These routes allow eligible students to connect their academic studies with professional experience. Availability and requirements depend on the chosen programme.

Summer Internships and Co-Creator Schemes

SOAS provides additional opportunities for practical experience and collaborative work through initiatives such as:

•⁠  ⁠SOAS Careers Summer Internship, which supports students in gaining workplace experience.

•⁠  ⁠Co-Creator schemes, which involve students in collaborative projects and activities.

Virtual Industry Engagement Through Practera

SOAS collaborates with Practera to provide virtual industry engagement opportunities on selected SFM programmes.

These activities allow students to work on industry-related tasks in a virtual setting, helping them connect academic knowledge with practical professional challenges.

International Study Tours

International Study Tours are available across postgraduate taught programmes, offering opportunities to explore academic subjects through international experiences.

Participation involves an additional cost, and available destinations and arrangements depend on the programme.

SOAS University of London combines specialist academic programmes with an international student community, research facilities and opportunities for professional development.

Its library, teaching spaces, cultural facilities, Study Abroad programmes and career initiatives support students in developing academic knowledge and international perspectives.

How StudyNet Can Help You?

StudyNet helps students explore undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at SOAS University of London, understand available study pathways and prepare for university applications. Students interested in studying at SOAS can contact StudyNet Group for guidance on academic programmes, entry requirements and international study opportunities.

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