SOAS, University of London
London, United Kingdom • Founded 1916 • QS 2027 #458 =
Updated Sep 2026
Overview
SOAS, University of London is a specialist public research university located in Bloomsbury, London, and a member institution of the University of London.
Founded in 1916, it concentrates its teaching and research on Asia, Africa and the Middle East, spanning development, economics, politics, anthropology, the arts, history, religion and language. The university is organised into nine departments and schools, including a College of Law, departments of development studies, economics, and politics and international studies, and schools of anthropology and gender, arts, finance and management, history and religions, and languages and linguistics.
Its student and academic community represents more than 130 nationalities. SOAS placed in the global top 40 for five subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, ranking 2nd worldwide for Development Studies.
Location & Contact
SOAS, University of London's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
SOAS, University of London's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
The departmental layout below shows how SOAS, University of London groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Languages and Cultures
- Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Dance
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Gender Studies
- History
- Media Studies
- Music
- Oriental Studies
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Languages and Cultures (Faculty) 14 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Arabic
- Asian Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Gender Studies
- Hebrew
- Islamic Studies
- Japanese
- Jewish Studies
- Korean
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Persian
- Translation and Interpretation
- Turkish
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Social Studies (Faculty) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Finance
- International Law
- International Studies
- Law
- Management
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search the SOAS, University of London programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
412 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 234 programmes
Showing 10 of 234.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 131 programmes
Showing 10 of 131.
Doctorate 21 programmes
Showing 10 of 21.
Postgraduate Certificate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Postgraduate Diploma 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Scholarships in United Kingdom
Browse the United Kingdom-level scholarships available to students at SOAS, University of London and peer institutions. Disability and accessibility-focused awards exist in many systems and are often under-applied to relative to availability.
How to apply to SOAS, University of London
Practical steps to apply to SOAS, University of London, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
SOAS, University of London's catalogue includes 412 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for SOAS, University of London's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
For undergraduate study, apply centrally through UCAS (ucas.com), listing SOAS, University of London as one of your choices. For postgraduate study, apply directly through SOAS, University of London's own admissions portal at www.soas.ac.uk.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (20) 7637 2388. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about SOAS, University of London
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about SOAS, University of London, drawn directly from institutional records.
When did SOAS, University of London open?
SOAS, University of London traces its founding to 1916 (approximately 110 years ago).
Where can I find SOAS, University of London?
The institution is located in London, United Kingdom.
What is SOAS, University of London's control type?
SOAS, University of London is a public institution.
How many students does SOAS, University of London have?
The institution has a student body of 6,400.
Where does SOAS, University of London stand in university rankings?
SOAS, University of London holds rank QS 2027 #458 =.
What qualification levels does SOAS, University of London offer?
SOAS, University of London delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
What is SOAS, University of London's academic structure?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Who recognises SOAS, University of London?
Yes, SOAS, University of London is recognised by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about SOAS, University of London?
You can find SOAS, University of London online at www.soas.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
National rankings in the United Kingdom often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
SOAS, University of London and the universities below are both members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near SOAS, University of London, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Politics & International Relations
Universities in the United Kingdom with Politics & International Relations programmes appear below, alongside SOAS, University of London.
Universities Compared with SOAS, University of London
Below are universities sometimes compared with SOAS, University of London.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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