Institutes / Universities
SOAS University of London
Ranking
75Established in
1916Famous For
Law, Politics, International Relations
Fees
£23,500 - £27,840
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
SOAS University of London is the world’s leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, offering a unique combination of language, regional and disciplinary expertise that few universities can match. Based in Bloomsbury in central London, SOAS gives you the academic rigour of a research-intensive university with the energy and opportunity of one of the world’s most global cities.
At SOAS, you join a diverse and internationally focused community, with students and staff from over 130 countries and one of the highest proportions of international faculty in the UK. Teaching is research-led and closely connected to real-world issues such as development, migration, conflict, human rights, climate justice and global governance, giving you the tools to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
SOAS offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across Law, Economics, Politics and International Studies, Development, Languages and Cultures, Anthropology, History, Religions, Music, Media and more. Small class sizes, specialist libraries and London-based work opportunities help you build both deep academic expertise and strong employability skills.
Courses offered at SOAS University of London
SOAS offers more than 250+ undergraduate and over 150+ postgraduate degrees and pathways across its specialist areas. Popular study areas include:
- BA Politics & International Relations, BA Politics and Development
- BA Economics, BA Development Studies, BA Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities with Foundation
- BA Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and South-East Asia), with options in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Hindi, Swahili and many more
- BSc Management, Finance and Accounting
- LLB Law and LLM Law programs
- Human Rights Law, International Politics, Diplomacy, Environment and Development, Migration and Diaspora Studies, and Area Studies across multiple regions
- New Programmes in MSc Data Science, Data Science & Economic Policy, AI & Sustainability
Services
SOAS offers dedicated support at every stage of your journey, from application to graduation. The Admissions and International Student Advice teams provide help with entry requirements, visas, immigration, CAS, fee status, and offer-holder guidance, including one-to-one appointments and webinars. Pre-arrival and welcome programs include orientation sessions, campus and London tours, social events and practical workshops to help you settle quickly into student life.
Academic skills support is available through workshops, one-to-one tutorials and language support, helping you adjust to UK university study and succeed in essays, exams and research projects. SOAS also has a Wellbeing and Counselling service, disability and mental health support, and a multi-faith chaplaincy to support your personal and emotional wellbeing.
The SOAS Careers Service connects you with internships, part-time jobs and graduate roles in London and beyond, with strengths in NGOs, international organisations, government, cultural industries and global business. You’ll also benefit from the wider University of London network, with access to intercollegiate societies, libraries and career events across the city.
Rankings
- 511th in QS World University Rankings 2026
- 401–500 band in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
- Strong subject strengths in Politics, Development Studies, Area Studies, Anthropology and Law in international league tables
- 2nd in the UK for International Faculty and highly ranked for internationalisation in QS indicators
- 6th in the UK for Job Employment Outcomes
SOAS is widely recognised for its specialist expertise and global outlook, and its graduates are particularly valued by employers needing deep regional knowledge, language skills and an understanding of international issues.
Accommodation
As a central London university, SOAS offers a range of accommodation options via its own halls and University of London partner residences. International first-year undergraduates and new postgraduates who apply by the deadline are prioritized for places in student residences.
Accommodation includes modern en-suite and standard rooms in self-catered halls located in Bloomsbury and nearby areas, all within easy reach of campus by foot or public transport. Students can choose different price points and room types, and have access to shared kitchens, study areas and social spaces. The University of London Housing Service also supports students in finding safe and suitable private rented accommodation across the city.
Location
SOAS’s main campus (Russell Square) is located in Bloomsbury, an area of central London known for its array of garden squares and famed for its literary connections. Cosmopolitan and buzzing, the SOAS campus is surrounded by other world-famous institutions and is next door to the impressive Senate House Library. Just a five-minute walk to the British Museum, and with its own exhibition space, the Brunei Gallery, SOAS is well-placed for students to explore London’s cultural offerings. The campus is well-located, with numerous train, underground and bus connections across London.
On campus, the colourful Students’ Union is a great place to meet friends. Pop by one of SOAS’s several coffee shops for a caffeine hit, or visit the on-site refectory, which offers a global cuisine of cold and hot food for hungry students. There are plenty of societies and groups to join, from debating to dancing, feminism to film.
Courses offered at SOAS University of London
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