SOAS UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
Imagine studying at a university where every conversation opens a window to another culture. At SOAS University of London, the world truly gathers on one campus. From politics to music, languages to law, you won’t just learn about global issues — you’ll study them alongside people who live them. If you’re curious about the world and eager to create real change, SOAS is where your journey begins.
STUDY AT SOAS UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
SOAS is unlike any other university in the world. As the UK’s national centre for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East; the university offer a uniquely global perspective across subjects like politics, economics, culture, environment, languages, law, and development. Student classrooms are filled with students from more than 130 countries, creating daily discussion that challenges assumptions and broadens horizons.
Teaching at SOAS is research-led, discussion-based and socially engaged — expect small group learning, open debate, and academics who are world experts as well as activists, policymakers, linguists and community leaders. Sustainability, decolonisation and social justice are not just buzzwords here — they shape what and how SOAS teach. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, migration, climate justice or cultural heritage, you’ll find your people at SOAS.
HISTORY OF SOAS
SOAS was founded in 1916 to train British officials in Asian and African languages — but over the past century, it has transformed dramatically. Once focused on language instruction, SOAS is now one of the world’s leading universities for global studies and critical thought. Still based in historic Bloomsbury in central London, SOAS has expanded from a small specialist school to a vibrant, internationally renowned institution that plays a vital role in shaping academic and political conversations worldwide.
SPECIALIST AREAS AT SOAS
SOAS is globally recognised for Development Studies, Politics, Anthropology, Law, Linguistics, Economics, Music, History, and Cultural Studies — especially where they relate to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We offer more than 50 languages, many of which are unavailable anywhere else in Europe. SOAS research centres explore topics such as migration, diplomacy, decolonisation, gender, climate change and heritage studies.
Interdisciplinary learning is central to SOAS — students can often combine subjects across departments, tailoring degrees to their interests. Want to study Economics with Arabic? Politics with Music? Anthropology with Human Rights Law? At SOAS, that flexibility is encouraged.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
SOAS has a compact, friendly campus in leafy Bloomsbury — one of London’s most historic and academic neighbourhoods, home to the British Museum, University College London and countless bookshops and cafés. The iconic SOAS Library is one of the world’s greatest resources for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies, and students spend much of their time there studying or socialising over coffee.
Facilities on campus include cafés, prayer spaces, performance rooms, music studios, study lounges and green outdoor courtyards. While SOAS is city-based rather than isolated, students often describe the campus as feeling like a “village in the middle of London” — close-knit, welcoming and full of conversation.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT SOAS
Support at SOAS begins the moment you apply. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team offers guidance on visas, accommodation, finances, disability support, mental health counselling and academic skills. There’s also dedicated language support for students adapting to academic English.
International students receive arrival guidance, welcome programmes and year-round practical assistance — from opening bank accounts to adjusting to UK culture. Peer mentoring and academic advising ensure you never feel lost.
SOAS also offers a range of scholarships and bursaries — contact Across the Pond to find out which options may be available to you.
SOAS FACILITIES
Teaching buildings at SOAS combine historic charm with modern technology. Classrooms are equipped with smart presentation systems, language labs and broadcast facilities. The SOAS Library offers study zones for every mood — silent, collaborative or casual — as well as group rooms for presentations and projects.
Students in music have access to practice rooms and recording studios; law students can join legal clinics and advocacy workshops; anthropology and media students use digital labs for editing, filmmaking and sound design. Even theoretical degrees include practical elements where possible — fieldwork, policy simulations, research projects, language immersion and community engagement.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT SOAS
The SOAS Students’ Union is a student-led organisation that represents your voice and brings the community together. They organise everything from open mic nights and film screenings to political rallies and field trips around the UK.
SOAS has over 200 student societies — from academic and cultural groups (e.g. Palestinian Society, Korean Culture Club, Feminist Society, UN Association) to more unusual ones like Tea Appreciation, Afrobeat Dance or Dungeons & Dragons. If your niche doesn’t exist yet, you can start it!
Sport is open to everyone — from casual fitness classes to competitive leagues. Popular clubs include football, basketball, martial arts, yoga and rowing, and many teams play against other London universities. Students have access to the University of London’s intercollegiate facilities, including gyms, pitches and courts across the city.
ACCOMMODATION AT SOAS
SOAS guarantees accommodation to first-year international students who have accepted an offer to study and apply by the annual deadline. Options include residence halls within walking distance of campus and shared flats across central London.
Most SOAS accommodation is self-catered with shared kitchens, Wi-Fi, study spaces and social lounges. Students can choose between en-suite rooms, shared bathrooms or studio apartments. Bills typically include heating, electricity, water and security. Laundry facilities are available on-site.
For those who prefer private renting, SOAS provides advice and lists of trusted housing providers — but many students enjoy living in halls for the instant community it offers.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
With more than half of its students coming from outside the UK, SOAS is one of the most international universities in the world. You’ll meet classmates from places you may have never imagined — United States, Ghana, Indonesia, Brazil, Jordan, Japan, Korea, Italy, India, and beyond.
Rather than being treated as “visitors,” international students are an essential part of campus life. Your cultural background is seen as an academic strength — your lived experience becomes part of classroom discussions.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
SOAS graduates are highly valued for their cultural fluency and analytical thinking. The university maintains strong links with NGOs, international organisations, government departments, media outlets, think tanks, museums, banks, and global charities.
Guest speakers are frequent — from UN ambassadors to journalists, diplomats, activists and filmmakers. Some departments organise work placements, while others embed real-world consultancy projects into coursework.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
Many degrees at SOAS offer the option to spend a year abroad — particularly for language students. Exchange partners include, amongst many others, universities in India, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Turkey, the USA and across Europe.
Internship opportunities are supported through the SOAS Careers service, which helps students gain experience with NGOs, research centres, law firms, international businesses and even cultural institutions like the British Museum.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
SOAS graduates are highly sought after across a wide range of sectors, and many go on to work for internationally recognised organisations such as the United Nations (including agencies like UNDP and UNICEF), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the BBC, the World Bank and Amnesty International. Others forge careers with major NGOs such as Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee or enter the corporate and consultancy world with employers like Goldman Sachs and Deloitte. Many also take on cultural and diplomatic roles through the British Council and similar organisations, reflecting the unique global perspectives and specialist expertise that SOAS graduates bring to the workplace. The Careers Service offers workshops, CV clinics, interview practice, networking events and one-to-one coaching.
Alumni form a powerful global network — from BBC journalists and ambassadors to NGO founders, musicians and social entrepreneurs. Many return to mentor current students or offer internships.
STUDY IN LONDON
SOAS is located in central London, just steps from the British Museum and a short walk from Covent Garden, Soho and Camden. Bloomsbury is historic, academic and artistic — full of leafy squares, cafés, museums and bookshops.
London is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, with food, music and communities from every corner of the globe. Students spend weekends exploring markets, galleries, theatres, festivals or simply wandering along the River Thames. Transport is excellent — with fast links to the rest of the UK and Europe.
Despite its size, London can feel like a collection of villages — and SOAS is one of the most welcoming.
WHY STUDY AT SOAS
Students choose SOAS for its truly global outlook, with a community representing more than 130 countries and a shared passion for international issues and social change. Ranked among the world’s best for subjects such as Development Studies, Politics, Law, Anthropology and Languages, SOAS combines academic excellence with a strong commitment to justice, sustainability and decolonial thinking. Its central London location offers all the excitement of the UK’s capital while still providing a welcoming, close-knit campus atmosphere. Degrees are flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing you to shape your studies around your interests, and international students are supported from the moment they apply. With access to world-class specialist resources, inspiring networks and outstanding career opportunities, SOAS is the ideal place for students who want to make a meaningful impact on the world.
