Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.03.44.3
SOAS is a vibrant and truly international university renowned for its global outlook, academic excellence, regional specialisms, and diverse student environment.
SOAS's academic expertise is in African, Asian, and Middle Eastern studies. The university's specialist teaching and research informs current thinking about economic, political, cultural, security and religious challenges at a global scale. Students at SOAS are encouraged to challenge accepted perspectives and question the global status quo to develop solutions to pertinent issues facing society today. An SOAS education prepares students with the transferable skills and cultural insights to pursue a professional career on the international stage.
At SOAS, there are an array of specialist undergraduate degrees available across the humanities, social sciences, development studies, law, politics, arts, and economics. The university additionally offers a broad range of language courses. Programmes are taught by respected international academics with interdisciplinary expertise. Lecturers and teaching staff are engaged in cutting-edge fieldwork and research which is actively developing equitable partnerships with governments, industries, and communities across the world. This research informs teaching at every level of study at SOAS.
Students starting undergraduate courses at SOAS can expect to join a welcoming and close-knit community based in the centre of London. Coming from over 135 countries, students and staff make up one of the most international and diverse campuses in the UK. Students are encouraged to attend an upcoming undergraduate open day at SOAS to learn more about the university's unique approach to undergraduate education.
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''SOAS is great for meeting people from all places, most people are very friendly and the atmosphere is positive.''
''It's a wonderful University with many cool and interesting courses.''
''The university is amazing if you want to learn a specalised subject.''
3.8SOAS has a single campus in Bloomsbury equipped with study spaces, lecture theatres, an on-site cafeteria, and access to University of London's comprehensive shared facilities.
The SOAS library is one of the world's most important academic resources for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The impressive library houses over 1.3 million volumes, including manuscripts, archives, and vast digital collections. The Brunei Gallery, meanwhile, is a free exhibition on campus which hosts an exciting programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''Classrooms are nice and modern.''
''The campus is great, facilities are strong.''
''Great library, good location, good praying facilities.''
3.4SOAS offers a variety of housing options to suit individual student needs, budgets and tastes. All accommodation is close to the SOAS campus in central London. Accommodation options include halls of residence, intercollegiate halls, self-catered and catered housing.
Dinwiddy House is the university's self-catered halls of residence and is located near King's Cross. At Dinwiddy House, single ensuite rooms start at £211.86 per week and studios start at £276.70 per week (2023/24 fees). International Hall is a catered, intercollegiate accommodation option located five minutes away from SOAS's campus and costs £190.33 to £266.28 per week (2023/24 fees).
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''The location [of Dinwiddy House] couldn't be better, it's very close to the university (10 minute walk) and to King's Cross Station. It's located in Bloomsbury, so everything you could possibly need is within walking distance.''
''Good value.''
''It is in a location where everything is nearby and accessible.''
SOAS is located in the centre of London, the UK's buzzing capital. London is one of the most exciting student cities in the world and is full of world-renowned entertainment, culture, and landmarks. Students at SOAS are within walking distance to the West End and many of the capital's iconic attractions, including The British Museum, the British Library and Regent's Park. The SOAS campus is surrounded by a variety of green spaces, cafes, bars and restaurants, bookstores, museums, and arts venues. London is also very well connected, with an easily accessible transport infrastructure, so students can make the most of the surrounding city and explore the UK.
SOAS Students' Union (SU) facilitates a range of societies and sports teams. There is something for everyone, and getting involved is a great way for students to socialise and develop their interests.
3.7The SU is an independently run charity that helps students in a range of ways. The SU represents the student voice within the university and beyond, giving guidance to students on anything that may impact their studies while helping to make campus life exciting with a diverse range of events and activities.
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''Amazing location, very safe and great community.''
''Vibrant student life.''
''There are a lot of different societies so plenty of variety.''
2.9At SOAS there is a dedicated careers service team on hand to help students throughout their studies. The careers service offer one-to-one sessions with advice on writing a standout CV and cover letter to help prepare students for successful future careers. The careers service team also facilitates study skills sessions and career fairs. The online bespoke careers management system CareersZONE provides a range of careers related resources and students can partake in e-mentoring with successful alumni. All SOAS students also have access to the University of London Careers Group throughout the year to help them explore which industry they might want to enter upon graduating.
Alongside career support, there are a range of SOAS-exclusive paid internships available. SOAS partners with organisations across diverse sectors to offer summer internship opportunities, while the Co-creator Internship scheme is a chance for students to work on cutting-edge projects with staff across departments.
SOAS graduates have gone on to find work in companies and global charities such as United Nations, Amnesty International, EY, Deloitte, The New York Times, Google, BBC, World Economic Forum, Save the Children and many more.
There are a range of scholarships, funds, and bursaries available to undergraduate students at SOAS. SOAS offers an Access to Learning Fund, which is awarded using national guidelines to provide financial support to home students where access to education may be limited by financial considerations. The SOAS Childcare Fund is also available for students who require support with the costs of childcare while studying.
Students eligible for the merit based SOAS Excellence Bursary can receive up to £7,500 over the course of their degree if in need of financial support. The Academic Excellence Scholarship and Undergraduate SOAS Global Leadership Scholarship are also merit based awards available to undergraduate students. Six SOAS Sanctuary Scholarships are available for UK resident students with Limited Leave to Remain status. These scholarships cover the fees of up to three years of study.
SOAS are committed to a fair and inclusive admissions policy. Each application to the university is considered on an individual basis. Specific entry requirements vary on a course-by-course basis and certain subject pre-requisites may be required for undergraduate degrees. An applicant will be considered for a place at the university based on a combination of their grades, personal statement, and academic references. Taking all this into account, students will be individually assessed as to their suitability and eligibility for their chosen course of study. Specific entry requirements for each course can be viewed on individual course pages.
To be accepted for a place on the majority of undergraduate programmes at SOAS, students are required to have obtained at least ABB grades at A level (or equivalent). In addition to A levels, a wide range of alternative UK and international qualifications are accepted for entry onto SOAS undergraduate courses. Prospective students should consult the university's entry requirements information page for a full list of qualifications accepted by SOAS for undergraduate courses and any additional course specific requirements. SOAS's helpful admissions team are always on hand to offer guidance and answer any questions on the application process.
While course fees vary on a course-by-course basis, undergraduate students can generally expect to pay £9,250 a year for full-time degree study if they are a UK student, and £21,990 for full-time degree study if they are an international student.
SOAS offers undergraduate courses in a wide range of specialist subject areas. Interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses span the humanities, social sciences, development studies, law, politics, arts, economics, and a broad range of languages. Courses at SOAS provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen discipline and a unique opportunity to pursue an academic specialism shaped by regional expertise. Students can tailor their degrees to suit their specific interests and career aspirations. At SOAS, students can choose to undertake a single or joint honours degree and pick from a wide range of optional modules. Teaching is delivered at SOAS through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Assessment methods vary, depending on each course and module, but students at SOAS can expect to be assessed through essays, exams, and group study projects.
SOAS values small group teaching to optimise contact time between the university's world-renowned lecturers and students. Students at SOAS are given the opportunity to work closely with lecturers and cultivate independent thought and open discussion.
Students can also apply to study abroad as part of their SOAS degree. The university holds partnerships with a number of top universities around the world, in countries including China, India, Japan, Jordan, Kenya and Thailand.
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''Lecturers seem to really care for the subject and the students.''
''My teachers and lecturers are super enthusiastic and engaging.''
''Small classes make for effective learning and all tutors are passionate.''
SOAS is a prestigious UK institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence, particularly within the fields of politics, development studies, law, and anthropology. Core academic strengths at SOAS are in African, Asian, and the Middle Eastern studies. Academics at SOAS are regularly engaged in fieldwork and research which informs their teaching.
Lecturers draw from their wealth of experience to equip students with the skills they need to tackle contemporary global issues and influence government policy and the lives of individuals worldwide. The university's specialist teaching and research directly informs current approaches to the socio-political, economic, religious, and cultural challenges facing the world today.
SOAS also has one of the most comprehensive ranges of language courses in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages offered anywhere in the UK. Courses range from beginner to advanced learner and are taught in small group classes in a practical, fun, and accessible way. Students studying languages are in demand in a variety of industries, with graduates finding work as translators, journalists, teachers, and research assistants.
3.6SOAS offers a wide range of student advice and wellbeing services to ensure that all students are supported throughout the entirety of their studies. Dedicated support teams are always available to provide specialist advice and support to students across the whole of SOAS on a range of personal and academic issues.
Pastoral support is available at SOAS through the dedicated student mental health and wellbeing service. The university provides a free and confidential counselling service for all students, which is managed by its welfare team, and students are also assigned a personal tutor to answer any academic-related questions or concerns. Further specialist support services include a disability and neurodiversity support team, with operates to ensure that every student's university experience is an accessible one.
SOAS's disability and neurodiversity team provides specialist guidance and offers adjustments where necessary to enable students to get the most out of their university experience. The university also has a multi-faith chaplaincy and dedicated support teams for accommodation, immigration, and finance.
SOAS students on Whatuni say:
''Best thing is the support available.''
''I like the atmosphere and there are people around to help.''
''The disabilities team is very good and the student wellbeing team communicates in a very timely manner and can be very helpful.''
4.0
