PhD in Chinese and Inner Asian Studies
SOAS University of London
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.0) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

location-pin
Location

SOAS, University of London

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Asian Studies
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

The China and Inner Asia Department is able to supervise MPhil and PhD degrees by research and thesis in a wide range of cultural and linguistic subjects.Intending research students should not feel constrained to limit their choice of topics to those indicated against the names of current staff members (postgraduate students have recently been working on such diverse topics as colour symbolism in ancient Chinese texts, Chinese cinema, and Chinese Braille systems, and translation studies). If ...Read more

The China and Inner Asia Department is able to supervise MPhil and PhD degrees by research and thesis in a wide range of cultural and linguistic subjects.

Intending research students should not feel constrained to limit their choice of topics to those indicated against the names of current staff members (postgraduate students have recently been working on such diverse topics as colour symbolism in ancient Chinese texts, Chinese cinema, and Chinese Braille systems, and translation studies).

If necessary, arrangements can be made for joint supervision with teachers from other departments of SOAS. Research undertaken at MPhil and PhD level is based on literary, documentary, and archive materials in the languages of the area and/or on fieldwork conducted in those languages.

Our alumni are to be found in academic and government posts, journalism and other media, museums, art galleries, aid agencies, libraries, charities, medicine, and large and small businesses of many kinds all over the world, and a large number of them work in the area or in the cultural field of their studies.

Why study Chinese and Inner Asia Studies at SOAS?

  • We are ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • we have a range of expertise at SOAS, not only in East Asian studies, but also with regard to languages and literatures of other regions - unique in UK institutions
  • we offer strong interdisciplinary support and have great facilities, such as a multimedia suite, a radio station and a satellite access to a wide range of world television. Our Library houses a major collection of digital and paper resources, with books and journals on China-related issues that scholars from all around the world travel to consult.

All students register in year 1 of the programme as MPhil students. The upgrade from MPhil to PhD takes place at the end of the first academic session for full time students (or at the end of the second academic session for part time students).

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
6th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
A
Alexandra
22 Feb 24

Overall I really like the professors (most seem very passionate, are helpful, and create very interesting modules) and the course materials. I’m glad I’m doing this degree at the..Read more

C
Cosmo
02 Nov 23

SOAS is decent, it has a strong and stringent Chinese course that I am absolutely loving at current. The campus is great, facilities are strong, and the Student Union has a good..Read more

Entry requirements

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,860 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Chinese Languages reviews

Chinese Languages
Chinese Languages
China: Studies
A
Alexandra
22 Feb 24
MA Chinese Studies
Overall I really like the professors (most seem very passionate, are helpful, and create very interesting modules) and the course materials. I’m glad I’m doing this degree at the...
Read more
C
Cosmo
02 Nov 23
Chinese and Linguistics BA (Hons)
SOAS is decent, it has a strong and stringent Chinese course that I am absolutely loving at current. The campus is great, facilities are strong, and the Student Union has a good...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Chinese Languages students rated:

Student rating
( 3.8) 13 reviews
5 star
31%
4 stars
24%
3 stars
38%
2 stars
7%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 734 reviews
5 star
30%
4 stars
49%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
4%
1 star
1%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
Thinking of studying in London?

Check out our

London city guide

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate