SOAS, University of London
London, United Kingdom • Founded 1916 • World Rank #2283
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1916, the SOAS, University of London is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of London (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, SOAS, University of London (SOAS) is a small-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. SOAS, University of London (SOAS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 108-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
SOAS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
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
Degrees
SOAS, University of London's degree portfolio is grouped by level below. Each tier reflects different time commitments, academic depth, and career outcomes — useful when matching a programme to your current study stage.
Doctoral 18 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- African Studies
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Chinese
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Media Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Music
- Political Sciences
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
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.
413 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 of Philosophy 21 programmes
Showing 10 of 21.
Master's Degree 132 programmes
Showing 10 of 132.
Postgraduate Certificate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Postgraduate Diploma 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
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 413 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
Submit your completed application through SOAS, University of London's official website at www.soas.ac.uk. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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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 5,000-5,999.
Where does SOAS, University of London stand in university rankings?
SOAS, University of London holds rank #2283 globally and #108 in United Kingdom.
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)
Beyond SOAS, University of London, these universities also belong to Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Faculties at nearby universities
Students considering SOAS, University of London often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Humanities & Cultural Studies
Choosing the right Humanities & Cultural Studies programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across the United Kingdom cover the same discipline as SOAS, University of London from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.
Universities Compared with SOAS, University of London
When students choose SOAS, University of London, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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