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SOAS University of London

London, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 26,592
  • Tuition Fee From£ 20,350
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength4,633
  • Global Diversity53%
  • Gender Ratio36:64

Overview

About

SOAS University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) is a public research university located in London, England. It is a federal University of London member institution and a public research university in London, England. SOAS, which was established in 1916, is situated in the Bloomsbury neighbourhood of London. 

 

There are three faculties here. The students admitted to these faculties are more than 5,500 at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These faculties are 

 

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities - The departments of Anthropology and Sociology, History of Art and Archaeology, History, Music, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and the Centre for Media Studies. 

 

  • Faculty of Languages and Cultures -  The SOAS Department of Linguistics, established in 1932 as a centre for research and study in Oriental and African languages, became the first linguistics department ever established in the United Kingdom.

 

  • Faculty of Law and Social Sciences - Development Studies, Economics, Financial and Management Studies, Politics and International Studies, the School of Law, the London Asia-Pacific Centre for Social Science, the Centre for Gender Studies, the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, the Centre of Taiwan Studies, along with a number of department-specific centres, are all housed in the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences. The SOAS School of Law, one of Britain's top law schools and the only law school in the world specialising in the study of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern legal systems, is one of the biggest individual departments. 

 

Acceptance Rate

SOAS University of London’s acceptance rate stands at just 44%, indicating that the university possesses an extremely stringent admission policy. The institution has over the years become an international centre for the study of Asian and African studies offering more than 500 programmes. It has 350 undergraduate degrees and 115 postgraduate programmes taught by a respected faculty. 

University Name SOAS University of London
Official Website https://www.soas.ac.uk/
Year of Establishment 1916
Average Living Cost £26,242 - £26,742
Total International Students 6,295
University Type Public
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Ranking

QS World University Ranking 2024:

SOAS University of London has shown excellence by securing 401–500 spot on the global scale.


A precise ranking for this university is quite challenging due to the institution's specialisation in a narrow field. However, SOAS University of London has been ranked both nationally and internationally by well-known university ranking websites QS and Times Higher Education. On a global scale, Times Higher Education ranks SOAS Institution between positions 401 and 500, while QS ranks it as the 391st top university in the world (Times Higher Education). In terms of overall rankings, The Complete University Guide places SOAS at number 48. The university was placed 77th by The Guardian in its most current rankings from 2022. Given below are SOAS University of London’s rankings by various magazines for the year 2022: 

 

Rankings by various publications: 

  • #401-500 - THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking 2022
  • #48 - The Complete University Guide - University Ranking (UK) 2022
  • #77 - The Guardian - University Rankings 2022
  • #73 - In the UK - URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance 2022
  • #22 - In the UK - RUR World University Rankings
  • #66 - In the UK - Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities

 

Course Wise Rankings 

SOAS has been highly ranked for its interdisciplinary courses in the areas of Business, Humanities, Law and various other areas by Times Higher Education, Guardian, The Complete University Guide. 

 

Business Courses Rankings

  • #201-250 - THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics 2022
  • #41 - The Complete University Guide - Accounting & Finance Ranking 2022
  • #39 - The Complete University Guide - Business & Management Studies (UK) 2022
  • #83 - The Guardian - Business, Management & Marketing 2022
  • #47 - The Guardian - Guardian Economics Rankings 2022 

 

Humanities Courses Rankings 

  • #201-300 - ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Shanghai Political Sciences Rankings 2022
  • #101-150 - QS Communication and Media Studies Rankings 2022
  • #21 - QS - Politics & International Studies Rankings 2022
  • #101-150 - QS Sociology Rankings 2022
  • #56 - THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts & Humanities Rankings 2022
  • #20 - The Guardian - Guardian Politics Rankings 2022

 

Law Courses Rankings 

  • #151-200 - QS Law Rankings 2022
  • #41 - The Complete University Guide - Law Rankings 2022
  • #36 - The Guardian - Guardian Law Rankings 2022

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#443

#1463

2022

#391

#1463

2021

#391

#1399

Facilities

The Brunei Gallery, College Buildings (the Phillips Building and the Old Building), the northern Block of Senate House (since 2016), the Faber Building (23–24 Russell Square), and 21–22 Russell Square are all part of the campus. Students can avail of SOAS University of London’s facilities whose details are given below: 

 

Library: SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Sir Denys Lasdun created the cutting-edge library, which is housed in the Philips Building. It holds over 1.5 million books, journals, manuscripts, and other resources in more than 400 languages, as well as a large collection of electronic resources.

 

Accommodation: It provides a variety of accommodation options for students, including on-campus and off-campus options. The university has 6 residence halls - Dinwiddy House, Goldsmiths House, Helen Graham House, Paul Robeson House, Urbanest St. Pancras and Wood Green Hall. These residence halls have single, studio, twin, en suite and non-en suite, catered and self-catered, double rooms, and flats.

 

Cafeteria: The university does not have an official cafeteria but there are several options for eating and relaxing around the campus premises. Like Cafe Troppea, a little Italian cafe in the middle of Russel Square. Momo’s Garden Cafe provides a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of university life. Whitfield Gardens which is just 5 minutes away from SOAS, also has many takeaway places around it.

Notable Alumni

Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson
American Bass-Baritone
Ghida Fakhry
Ghida Fakhry
Lebanese-British Journalist
Jemima Goldsmith
Jemima Goldsmith
Screenwriter

Courses

Admission

SOAS University of London Entry Requirements

Students applying to this university should procure good grades all through their semesters at high school or college. Along with the grades the university’s admission committee will also go through students' extracurriculars and volunteering activities in NGOs.  In general, the process includes submitting an application, providing transcripts and other required documents, and possibly an interview or entrance exam. It is recommended that international students have a look at the university’s website for further details about document submission deadlines. SOAS University of London entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate are given in detail below: 

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of High School
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs

 

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of College
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • CAS statement
  • Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
  • Resume or CV showing work experience 

 

English Language Requirements 

 

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

IELTS

6.5

6.5

TOEFL

100

100

 

SOAS University of London Fees

SOAS University of London Fees vary across many of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered here. Given below is detailed information regarding the same: 

  • Master of Science [M.Sc] International Business Administration - £ 10,920 /Yr 
  • Master of Science [M.Sc] Agricultural Economics
  • Master of Science [M.Sc] Finance - £ 26,766 /Yr
  • Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Research Degrees: Anthropology and Sociology -

 £ 20,193 /Yr

  • Master of Arts [M.A] Global Media and Postnational Communication - £ 25,603 /Yr 

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the SOAS University of London through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:

 

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • College-specific scholarships
  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the SOAS University of London. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the SOAS University of London. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

London is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world, and it attracts students from all over the globe. As a result, it offers a diverse and exciting student life, with a range of cultural and social activities, as well as world-class universities and colleges. However, the cost of living in London can be high, particularly in terms of accommodation. Rent is typically the biggest expense for students, and it can vary greatly depending on the area of the city and the type of accommodation. In terms of standard of living, London is known for its high quality of life, with access to world-class healthcare, transportation, and cultural institutions. The city is also a hub for international business and has a thriving job market, which can be a great opportunity for students looking to gain work experience or find part-time employment. 

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,220

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 1,200

Transportation

£ 186

Food Cost

£ 480

Entertainment

£ 60

Groceries

£ 200

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 2,216

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 2,196

Annual Cost of Living

£ 26,592

SOAS University of London Placements

Part-time positions, full-time positions, and internships are advertised on a specific website maintained by the institution. Students have access to jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities through CareerZone, the career management system at SOAS. SOAS University of London’s placements are offered to recent graduates in organisations such as the UN, the Bank of England, HM Treasury, HSBC Bank, Bloomberg, Deloitte, Standard Chartered Bank, and others.

 

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