Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
Where everything connects
Undergraduate Prospectus
2022 entry
Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
A dynamic,                                                                   We live in a historical moment,
                                                                             when all of our big challenges
diverse and                                                                  – pandemics, climate change,
thriving student                                                             inequality, political and social
                                                                             polarisation – are transnational in
environment                                                                  character and require local and
                                                                             global knowledge, multidisciplinary
                                                                             perspectives, critical thinking, and
                                                                             practical engagement if they are to
Discover a lively social hub                                                 be sustainably addressed. This is what
that’s home to music, debate,                                                the SOAS education is about.
clubs, societies and strong
                                                                             At SOAS, we use our expertise in Africa, Asia and the Middle East
student support for everyone.                                                as a lens through which to interrogate and understand the major
                                                                             challenges of our time. We believe that building a better world
                                                                             requires all of us to work together. We are therefore committed
Students’ Union                                                              to building bridges within the human community and forging
Our Students’ Union (SU) is known around the                                 equitable global partnerships.
University of London and the wider community in
Bloomsbury as the place to be. There are several                             With an explicit mandate of social justice, we bring the diversity
reasons why:                                                                 of the world to our campus in central London. Here, our staff
• It’s famous for its music scene – amplified by the                        and students engage in the robust debate and academic rigour
   fantastic SOAS Radio (www.soasradio.org).                                 required to produce future leaders who are capable of making
 Why SOAS?
• For decades, our bar has served as the go-to place                        an impact in a changing world. At SOAS, you will learn not only
 Afor dynamic,     diverse
         after-hours            and and discussion.
                      lively debate                                          the professional skills required by your chosen field, but also the
                                                                             soft skills required to be an engaged and effective global citizen.
•thriving
   It’s one of the  most     politically
              student environment            active    in the UK,02
                                                   .................. with
    the largest proportional turnout in SU elections in
 Academic                                                                    We look forward to welcoming each of you to our community.
    the country.excellence ................................. 04
•London
    We have.........................................................
               around 160 clubs and societies covering                06
     sport, political debate, cultural issues and everything
 London        map ................................................ 08
     in between. For more information, visit:                                Adam Habib
 Our     campus ................................................ 10
  � www.soasunion.org                                                        Director
A  world-class library .................................. 12
Clubs and societies
The
All ourBrunei  Gallery
        clubs and societies.....................................
                               are free, and include anime,      14
beekeeping, circus, cycling, dance, drama, feminism, film
Accommodation          ......................................... 16
making, hiking, journalism, music, origami, photography,
Study    abroad
SOAS Radio,   SOAS..............................................
                    Spirit newspaper, taekwondo, 18
vegetarian, ventures and yoga. There is also a wide
A global alumni network ........................... 20
range of religious, cultural and political societies.
Careers support and advice .................... 22
Enough is Enough
Support services ......................................... 24
‘Enough is Enough’ is an SU initiative that aims to
Widening
tackle        participation
        potential gender-based    ..............................
                                      violence on campus         25
through consent training workshops, events and
Scholarships ................................................ 26
online campaigns. All new students are required
to take part in Enough is Enough. If you have any
questions, or would like to get involved, please email:
SOAS Stories ............................................... 28
su-consent@soas.ac.uk
Degree programmes ............................... 42
What you need to know........................... 90

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
A dynamic,
diverse and
thriving student
environment

Discover a lively social hub
that’s home to music, debate,
clubs, societies and strong
student support for everyone.

Students’ Union
Our Students’ Union (SU) is known around the
University of London and the wider community in
Bloomsbury as the place to be. There are several
reasons why:
• It’s famous for its music scene – amplified by the
   fantastic SOAS Radio (www.soasradio.org).
• For decades, our bar has served as the go-to place
   for after-hours lively debate and discussion.
• It’s one of the most politically active in the UK, with
   the largest proportional turnout in SU elections in
   the country.
• We have around 160 clubs and societies covering
   sport, political debate, cultural issues and everything
   in between. For more information, visit:
  � www.soasunion.org

Clubs and societies
All our clubs and societies are free, and include anime,
beekeeping, circus, cycling, dance, drama, feminism, film
making, hiking, journalism, music, origami, photography,
SOAS Radio, SOAS Spirit newspaper, taekwondo,
vegetarian, ventures and yoga. There is also a wide
range of religious, cultural and political societies.

Enough is Enough
‘Enough is Enough’ is an SU initiative that aims to
tackle potential gender-based violence on campus
through consent training workshops, events and
online campaigns. All new students are required
to take part in Enough is Enough. If you have any
questions, or would like to get involved, please email:
su-consent@soas.ac.uk

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
Academic
excellence                                                                                                                                                         6th
                                                                                                                                                                     —————
                                                                                                                                                                  In the UK for
                                                                                                                                                                teacher-student
                                                                                                                                                                      ratio*

We're immensely proud of our                              QS 2021 World University Rankings
                                                          • Global Top 50 for Arts and Humanities
global reputation and our lively                          • 10 subjects among the world’s top 100
environment, where curious                                • 6 subjects among the world’s top 50

minds come to debate, discover                            Top ranking subjects include:

and develop.                                              • 5th in the world for Development Studies
                                                          • 21st in the world for Politics and International Studies
                                                          • 45th in the world for History
Our respected academics, alumni and current
students are shaping thinking and policy around the       Other notable awards
economic, political, cultural, security and religious     • Top 20 European institution in the QS rankings
challenges in society. Unravelling pressing issues such      and a top 20 UK institution in the Times Higher
as human rights, migration, identity, legal systems,         Education (THE) World University Ranking for
poverty, religion, and social change through a non-          Arts and Humanities.
Western lens, our programmes offer the scope to
                                                          • Silver ranking in the Teaching Excellence
explore your passions – and build the capability,
                                                             Framework 2018.
confidence and understanding of contemporary issues
to make a meaningful impact on a multicultural world.     • Top 20 in the UK for 2021 THE Impact Rankings for
                                                             UN Sustainable Development Goals ‘Sustainable
                                                             Cities and Communities’ and ‘Peace, Justice and
                                                             Strong Institutions’.
                                                          • Top 10 courses in The Complete University Guide
                                                             2020 include our South Asian and South East Asian
                                                             Studies; and Middle Eastern and African Studies.

            x5
             —————
       The proportion of
     international students
    is around five times the
        national average

                                                                                                                       *Guardian University League Table 2021

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
Live and study in the
best student city in
the world: London

There’s nowhere better to
be a student than London.
And SOAS is right at its heart.

London is home to influential graduate
employers – and with 350,000+ students,
there are more international students here
than any other city. Over 100,000 in fact,
from more than 200 countries. With as many
as 300 languages spoken, the capital is a
colourful fusion of cultures – and never dull,
whatever your budget:
• More than 170 museums, many being free.
• Iconic art galleries.
• Legendary nightlife.
• Student Central access.
• NUS extra card for hundreds of discounts.

We’re close to several Underground stations
(you’ll be eligible for 30% off Transport for
London (TFL) travelcards and passes), and
London has six major airports too.

� studentcentral.london

    350,000
          —————
     Students in London

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
Electric Ballroom
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Haggerston
                                               Jewish Museum London
                                                                                     Camden Town                                                                                                       ISLINGTON
         KEY                                                                             CAMDEN                                                                                                                                                                                   HAGGERSTON
               SOAS                                                                                                                                  Kings Place

                                                                                                   KOKO
               Galleries & Museums
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Angel
               Theatres
                                                                                                                            King’s Cross

               Music Venues                Regent’s Park                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Hoxton
                                                                                                      The British Library
                                                                                                                                                         Scala                                                                                      HOXTON
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Columbia Road                               V&A Museum
               Point of interest                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            of Childhood
                                               Open Air Theatre
               Tube Station                                                                                     Euston

                                                                                                                                                                             CLERKENWELL                                                                                       HACKNEY
               Rail Link                                                     Wellcome Collection
                                                                                                                   The Foundling Museum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Old Street            XOYO

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Village Underground
                                            Baker Street
                                                                                                        SOAS                           BLOOMSBURY
             Marylebone
                                                                                                                                                                                     FARRINGDON                                                                                                    Brick Lane
                                                                                  FITZROVIA
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Barbican Centre
            Edgware Road                                                                              The British Museum                                                            Farringdon                                                                                                                        Whitechapel

                                                   MARYLEBONE                                                                                                                                                                    Museum of London
                                                                                                                              Sir John Soane’s Museum                                                                                                       Liverpool Street
                                                                                                                                           Holborn                                                                                                                                                    Whitechapel Gallery
                                                                                                      Tottenham
                                                                                                      Court Road
                                                                  Oxford Circus                                              SOHO                                                                                                                                                               Aldgate East
                                                                                                                                                         Royal Opera House
                                              Bond Street
                                                                                                                                                                                City Thameslink
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     WHITECHAPEL
                                                                                                                                                                                                            St. Paul’s Cathedral
                                                                                                COVENT
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Blackfriars                 CITY OF
                                                            MAYFAIR                             GARDEN
                                                                                                                                                                   Somerset House                                                      LONDON

                                                                                                                                           Covent Garden
                                                                                              The National Gallery
                                                            Royal Academy of Arts                                                                                                                                                                        Tower of London
                      Hyde Park
                                                                                                                                  Charing Cross                               National Theatre
  Serpentine Galleries                                                             Green Park
                                                                                                                                                                       Royal Festival Hall                  Tate Modern
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Shakespeare’s Globe                The Shard
                                                                                                       Houses of Parliament                                            Hayward Gallery                                                                                                Tower Bridge
                                                                      Green Park                                                                                                                       Southwark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    London Bridge

                                                                                             St. James’s Park
                                                                                                                                                                                             The Old Vic                  SOUTHWARK
                                   Knightsbridge
                                                                                                                                                  London Eye            Waterloo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Fashion and Textile Museum

                                                                                                      Westminster Abbey                                                                                                                White Cube Bermondsey

Natural History Museum
                                         BELGRAVIA
         V&A Museum
                                                                                             WESTMINSTER                                                                                     Imperial War Museums

                                                                                  Victoria                                                                                                                         Elephant & Castle

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    BERMONDSEY
                                                                      PIMLICO                                                                                                LAMBETH
                                                                                                             Tate Britain
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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
King’s Cross                ¾
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profound understanding of
the world, whilst having their                                                                                                                                                 Gordon                                                                                        Curzon Bloomsbury
assumptions challenged –                                                                                                                                                       Square

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Russell Square
Located in cosmopolitan Bloomsbury, our                       Library and lecture theatres
Russell Square campus is at the heart of it all.              The SOAS Library houses over 1.3 million volumes,                                                          Pl   University
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It has everything you need – including the warm               and provides quiet study spaces, as well as printing,                                           By              of London
                                                                                                                                                                              Union                   Main Building
atmosphere our students tell us makes SOAS feel               photocopying and scanning facilities. We also have                                                                                      SOAS Library
like a home away from home.                                   five lectures theatres:

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                                                              • Kamran Djam Lecture Theatre – Main Building                      rri                                                                              Brunei
The Paul Webley Wing in our iconic Senate House                                                                             To                                                     of London
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Gallery

                                                                                                                                                               Go
                                                              • Alumni Lecture Theatre – Paul Webley Wing                                                                                                                                    Russell Square
building is home to the Weston Student Hub, which is

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      Senate House

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your first port of call for any enquiries related to study,   • Wolfson Lecture Theatre – Paul Webley Wing

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accommodation, course registration, student finance,                                                                                                                                                  Paul Webley Wing
                                                              • Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre - Brunei Gallery
careers and enterprise. You’ll also find state-of-the-art

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Senate House

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formal and informal learning facilities, various student      Other facilities

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meeting spaces, cafés and breakout spaces.

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                                                              We have open-access computer labs, and specialist

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   on
                                                              multimedia, AV, video, music and language labs.                Goodge Street

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Eating and entertainment                                      Multimedia and IT training is available, and every                                                                                  Malet Street

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A large refectory and several coffee shops mean               student has their own account with email, 2GB                                                                                       Garderns
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Union, you’ll also find a popular bar, and a shop             exhibition areas: the Brunei Gallery, hosting changing

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selling snacks, stationery and other essentials. A tree-                                                                                                                                                                                                                           SOAS

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                                                              contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia,

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lined pedestrianised area, our precinct links several         Africa and the Middle East; and the smaller Wolfson

                                                                                                                                             urt
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The British Museum
buildings, and is often the scene of impromptu music          Gallery within the SOAS Library.                                                                                                                                                                                     Halls of residence

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performances, alfresco food, and lively debate.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Point of interest

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                                                                                                                                      Tottenham Court Road                      ¾                                                                                                                                   Holborn
Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
A world-class library
                                                                                                                        3km
                                                                                                                          —————
                                                                                                                        Of archives
                                                                                                                      and manuscripts

The SOAS Library is one of                                  Our resources are always expanding, with an ever-
                                                            growing digital library complementing more than
the world’s most important                                  1.3 million printed volumes and a major collection
                                                            of archives, manuscripts and rare books.
academic resources for
                                                            We actively source materials in the languages of Asia,
the study of Asia, Africa                                   Africa and the Middle East, and Western European
and the Middle East.                                        language materials relating to those regions.
                                                            Collections on global concepts such as migration and
                                                            diaspora, gender, food studies, film, media, financial
                                                            management, law, international politics and diplomacy
Our library is at the heart of our School – and attracts
                                                            are also covered, to inform, illuminate and inspire the
scholars from all over the world. Providing unrivalled
                                                            global focus of our students and staff. It offers:
information resources, services and systems, it further
strengthens our standing as a leading international         • Various study environments, including silent
centre of excellence for research, learning and teaching.      and group areas.
                                                            • More than 40,000 electronic journals, 100,000
                                                               eBooks and 100 research databases.
                                                            • Extensive archival collections, manuscripts and rare
                                                               books relating to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the
                                                               South Pacific, and Australasia.
                                                            • Wide-ranging training sessions, delivered by experts.
                                                            • Additional facilities for students with disabilities.

                                                            As one of only five National Research Libraries in the
                                                            UK designated by HEFCE, our library also enjoys extra
                                                            funding to support UK higher education research in
                                                            Asian, African and Middle Eastern studies.

                                                            Opening times
                                                            Monday – Friday, 8am – 11:30pm
                                                            Saturday/Sunday, 10:30am - 11:30pm

                                                            � soas.ac.uk/library

      1,000+
           —————
       Seats for readers

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
The Brunei Gallery

SOAS has its very own                                      Dedicated to promoting a better understanding of
                                                           the art, culture, history and contemporary contexts of
respected gallery right here                               Africa, Asia and the Middle East, it’s convenient too –
                                                           sitting opposite the main SOAS building.
on campus, hosting an exciting
                                                           Visiting and permanent collections
programme of international                                 The galleries have exhibition space on three floors
exhibitions and events.                                    which can be used combined to present major
                                                           exhibitions, or independently for smaller projects.

                                                           We also have our own collections of art and artefacts,
For more than 25 years, The Brunei Gallery has
                                                           which are managed by the gallery and used for study
presented stunning artworks and events that reflect
                                                           and teaching. A selection of these collections is on
the diverse subjects and regions being studied at
                                                           rotating display or themed to relate to key temporary
SOAS. It’s a rich source of inspiration and information,
                                                           exhibitions in the Foyle Special Collection Gallery.
allowing our students to get close to some truly
influential concepts and craftmanship.
                                                           Many exhibitions have provided the first opportunity
                                                           for artists, collections and exhibitors, including those
                                                           working with non-governmental organisations and
                                                           charities, to be shown in this country.

                                                           Opening times
                                                           Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5pm
                                                           (late night Thursday until 8pm).
                                                           Closed: Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays.
                                                           Admission: FREE.

                                                           � soas.ac.uk/gallery

          12+
            —————
       Exhibitions a year

                                                                                                                      Images from the 2020 exhibition
                                                                                                                      'Ancient Vessels', a joint project between
                                                                                                                      SOAS and the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath.

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Where everything connects - Undergraduate Prospectus 2022 entry - SOAS University of London
Accommodation

Finding a place to live in London can be
confusing. But don't worry - we provide
all the help you need, including our own
Accommodation Office and a dedicated
Housing Adviser to offer information,
advice and support.
                                           Halls of residence                                       Students with families
                                           We offer a range of catered and self-catered rooms,      If you’re moving with a family or partner, there
                                           studios and flats. These start at £156.49 per week,      are family-friendly studios and flats available
                                           going on to our most common room type at £173.73         in SOAS halls of residence, and with housing
                                           and up to £307.53 per week at Urbanest St. Pancras.      associations, privately run halls and privately rented
                                           Once you have firmly accepted a place at SOAS,           accommodation. Our website has more information.
                                           we will send you information about applying
                                           for accommodation.                                       Accessibility
                                                                                                    We have accessible rooms in most of our hall
                                           We’ve a range of halls, some with a mix of students      options. Please email for advice and assistance.
                                           at other London universities, some SOAS only – all
                                           within 5-30 minutes’ of our Bloomsbury campus and        Contact
                                           near to transport links. We also have rooms with the     • Disability Advisors: disabilities@soas.ac.uk
                                           University of London Intercollegiate Halls, with the     • SOAS Housing Adviser: accommodation@soas.ac.uk
                                           option of catering and starting from £162.83 for a
                                           single room.                                             � soas.ac.uk/accommodation

                                           Private rented accommodation
                                           Privately rented accommodation can offer more
                                           privacy, independence and, depending on location,
                                           value for money than halls of residence. We can also
                                           help you to rent privately, through our housing events
                                           from May to October, one-to-one support, contract
                                           checks and house hunting resources.

16   soas.ac.uk                                                                                                                             soas.ac.uk       17
Study abroad

With such a diverse community
in the heart of London, we
                                                         While I had always liked learning
offer students a uniquely rich                           Japanese and studying languages,
environment in which to study,                           trying to make friends using a
                                                         newly-acquired second language
develop and live alongside                               makes the learning process so
people from different                                    much more meaningful. Going to
countries, communities                                   Japan not as a tourist, but a would-
                                                         be member of society, I finally
and cultures.                                            experienced a culture I had only
                                                         previously observed through media
However, we understand the importance of                 and the internet. On one hand,
experiencing these regions first hand, to see the        I felt that Japan really was like a
challenges, breathe in the air and get a true feel for   living, breathing anime. However,
what life is like there as a local.
                                                         its culture was so complex and
That’s why more than 40% of our degree programmes        nuanced that many of my ideas
offer you the chance to spend a year studying a          about Japan before coming were
language in another country. This normally involves      completely blown away.
at least half of your modules being in language study.

Our partners                                             Isabella Lau
We currently have exceptional                            4th Year, BA Japanese
links with study partners in:
• China        • Myanmar
• Egypt        • Nepal
• India        • Palestinian Territories
• Indonesia • South Korea
• Israel       • Tanzania
• Japan        • Thailand
• Jordan
• Kenya
               • Turkey
               • Vietnam
                                                                                                  40%—————
                                                                                                    Of degree
                                                                                                programmes offer
                                                                                                  a year abroad

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A global alumni network
                                                                                                                                                  SOAS is home and it will always be the place where
                                                                                                                                                  I was able to explore the concept of identity. I arrived
                                                                                                                                                  here when I was 18, wanting something very
                                                                                                                                                  heterodox, very vibrant and very rich – and it didn’t
                                                                                                                                                  disappoint. And I received a scholarship to study
                                                                                                                                                  here, so I’m just incredibly grateful for everything
                                                                                                                                                  SOAS has done for me in terms of my education and
                                                                                                                                                  development of my character."

                                                                                                                                                  A SOAS education is highly valued and
                                                                                                               Fatima Zaman,                      well respected by employers.
                                                                                                               BA Politics.
                                                                                                               CVE Advocate at                    Fatima studied a BA Politics degree, and was a student
After graduating, you’ll join a                   You can also find out more about notable
                                                  alumni from a community that includes:                       the Kofi Annan                     ambassador, and President of the United Nations
                                                                                                                                                  society. She was recently recognised at The Asian
distinguished community and                       • Former Turkish prime minister, Bülent Ecevit               Foundation                         Women of Achievement Awards for her work with the
global network of over 54,000                     • Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy                                            Kofi Annan Foundation, helping to prevent girls from
                                                                                                                                                  becoming radicalised.
                                                  • TV comedian, Dom Joly
SOAS alumni across over 200                       • Director of V&A East, Gus Casely-Hayford
countries. Wherever life takes                    • Previous director of BBC News, James Harding
                                                  • Crown Princess of Norway, Mette-Marit
you, stay connected through                       • England national rugby player, Maro Itoje
our alumni family.                                • Singer and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson
                                                  • Musical artist, Poppy Ajudha
                                                  • Former President of Ghana, John Atta Mills
On our dedicated alumni website, you’ll enjoy
access to alumni benefits, careers information,
                                                  Events
news and events across the globe.
                                                  Receive invitations to SOAS events taking place on
                                                  campus and around the world, including lectures,           SOAS is a prime environment to widen one's horizons
� soasworld.org
                                                  exhibitions, social gatherings and guest presentations.    and perspectives on a variety of issues, topics and
                                                                                                             debates - you meet people from all walks of life and
                                                  Professional networking                                    hear stories of some phenomenal experiences.
                                                  Benefit from the professional knowledge and
                                                  experience of other SOAS alumni, as well as continued      As far as a fully comprehensive experience
                                                  access to career services, alumni mentoring and our
                                                  alumni LinkedIn groups.
                                                                                                             of academia, debate, culture, friendships
                                                                                                             and extra-curricular goes - SOAS is the
                                                  International alumni                                       place to be.
                                                  We’ve hosted events in over 120 global cities. If you’re                                                                   Hussain Hilli,
                                                  returning home or travelling abroad during or after        I studied Economics and Chinese:the dual honours
                                                  your studies at SOAS, you can get in touch with your
                                                                                                                                                                             BA Economics
                                                                                                             course was invigorating and engaged different sides of
                                                  regional alumni group – a valuable resource for social     the brain. Understanding markets, general economic
                                                                                                                                                                             and Chinese.
                                                  and professional networking.                               frameworks and financial modelling has always been              Entrepreneur
                                                                                                             a great asset in the business world - and my Chinese
                                                  Philanthropy at SOAS                                       comes into play at times when negotiating a deal
                                                  Our generous alumni provide valuable financial             or investment.
                                                  support to the next generation of students through

                190
               —————
                                                  scholarships, the SOAS Library, hardship grants and
                                                  entrepreneurial student projects.
                                                                                                             The degree I achieved in Economics and Chinese
                                                                                                             has always been a big part of my career journey.
                                                                                                             Economics will always provide a fundamental
       Countries SOAS students                    In the news                                                grounding in understanding the world better, and as
           have reached                           Stay connected with news from in and around                for Chinese - well it's the future.
                                                  SOAS with dedicated e-bulletins and event
                                                  invitations. Follow SOAS Alumni on Instagram,
                                                  Facebook and Twitter.

20     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                                                                                                            soas.ac.uk   21
Careers support
and advice

                                Our education can equip you with the knowledge
A job. An internship. Further   and skills to be successful in the career you want.
study. Our Careers Service      Our careers service can help you to identify, apply
                                for and secure it.
can help you, whether you       • Online resources include our website, tailored
                                   emails, our intranet ‘MySOAS Student’, and
know what you want to do           ‘CareersZONE’ – a site dedicated to careers
after graduation – or whether      events, curated jobs, internships and
                                   volunteering opportunities.
you are still deciding.         • Events including skills sessions, careers fairs,
                                   careers-themed weeks, and events with
                                   employers such as The Red Cross, Teach First,
                                   Water Aid, PwC and the Civil Service.

                                                                                      • Alumni panel events are very popular, where SOAS         Visit the Careers Service
                                                                                         graduates share their career paths, inspire ideas and    Once you start, come and visit us in room SL62 in
                                                                                         help you explore unexpected career options.              the Paul Webley Wing or make an appointment to
                                                                                      • Regular workshops on key topics such as decision         talk to a careers practitioner. You can also get in
                                                                                         making, job applications and social media.               touch with us now on:
                                                                                      • We know how useful internships are: we offer             T: +44 (0)20 7898 4115
                                                                                         guidance and advice about finding an internship,         E: careers@soas.ac.uk
                                                                                         and only promote paid opportunities for our
                                                                                         students. Our internships officer runs weekly            � soas.ac.uk/careers
                                                                                         drop-in sessions too.
                                                                                      • Application support such as one-to-one careers
                                                                                         advice on the application process, including CVs,
                                                                                         covering letters and practice interviews.
                                                                                      • Volunteering opportunities available in the UK
                                                                                         and abroad.
                                                                                      • Further study support means you can talk to our
                                                                                         careers consultants or attend events on what
                                                                                         doing a Masters or PhD involves, funding,
                                                                                         applications and more.
                                                                                      • Part-time or temporary work to help you gain vital
                                                                                         skills, as well as an income. Opportunities are posted
                                                                                         on CareersZONE alongside other vacancy sources.
                                                                                      • Not sure what to do next? We can help you pinpoint
                                                                                         a firm and fresh direction, plan your next step,
                                                                                         research options, get relevant experience, access
                                                                                         resources and develop your CV.

22   soas.ac.uk                                                                                                                                                                           soas.ac.uk    23
Support services                                                                                               Access,
                                                                                                               Participation and
                                                                                                               Student Success

We pride ourselves on                                 Disability and neurodiversity support
                                                      We can offer information, advice and support, as
                                                                                                               We believe everyone should
providing a friendly and                              well as negotiate adjustments to exam arrangements       have the chance to realise their
                                                      and library services, loan equipment such as digital
stimulating environment for                           recorders and laptops with specialist software, and      potential. Our aim is to enable
                                                      create study inclusion plans which make staff aware of
everyone, and helping to make                         recommended adjustments.                                 students with the potential to
your SOAS experience warm,                            Our Learning advisors offer support and advice on
                                                                                                               succeed at SOAS – irrespective
welcoming, and healthy.                               Specific Learning Differences, including dyslexia,       of social, financial or personal
                                                      dyspraxia, AD(H)D and dyscalculia.
                                                                                                               circumstances. That’s why we
                                                      Accessibility
Our support services are your safety net,
and on-hand for everyone:                             The majority of SOAS buildings are accessible for        ensure our doors remain firmly                           •S
                                                                                                                                                                          tudent Success conference which aims to equip
                                                                                                                                                                         participants with the skills for success
                                                      wheelchair users and we can change timetables to
                                                      ensure all rooms are accessible to students unable
                                                                                                               open to people from all walks
Finance, immigration and accommodation                                                                                                                                  For more information, visit:
We can provide impartial, confidential advice on      to use stepped access. There is also some Braille and    of life.                                                 �s
                                                                                                                                                                          oas.ac.uk/see/student-success/student-success-
non-academic issues such as visas, immigration,       tactile signage.                                                                                                    at-soas
finance, accommodation, childcare, benefits and
money management.                                     Contact                                                  Improving access through outreach                        Providing financial support
                                                      T: +44 (0)20 7074 5015                                   We run a number of interactive programmes that help      We aim to enable students with potential to succeed
Wellbeing and mental health                           E: studentadviceandwellbeing@soas.ac.uk                  to increase ambition, attainment, and accessibility      at SOAS – irrespective of social, financial or personal
Our student counselling team, which consists          E: disabilities@soas.ac.uk                               to university. These are designed to support young       circumstances. We support students with the cost
of professionally trained psychotherapists and           @SOASWellbeing                                        people and adult learners to explore study options.      of university study in a number of different ways,
psychologists, can offer confidential support,        � soas.ac.uk/support                                                                                              including:
                                                                                                               •T aster days for primary school children
groups and workshops, as well as online support.                                                                                                                        •T he SOAS Bursary for students with household
                                                                                                               •Y ear 12 summer schools, offering subjects including
We can also offer professional mentoring to                                                                                                                               income of less than £25,000
                                                                                                                 Law and Anthropology
students who may be struggling with their wellbeing
                                                                                                               •M asterclasses in subjects such as Development         •H ardship funds for students experiencing
or mental health, supporting them to manage
                                                                                                                 Studies, History, Politics and Art                       unexpected financial difficulties
their academic workload.
                                                                                                               •C ommunity outreach for adults returning
                                                                                                                                                                        For more information, visit:
Multi-faith chaplaincy                                                                                           to education
                                                                                                                                                                        � soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships
We have a group of Chaplains from different faiths
and personal backgrounds who can provide pastoral                                                              For more information (including eligibility), visit:
                                                                                                                                                                        Discover more at:
support to students of any faith or none.                                                                      � soas.ac.uk/widening-participation/outreach
                                                                                                                                                                        � soas.ac.uk/widening-participation

                                                                                                               Contributing to student success
                                                                                                                                                                        or email: wpteam@soas.ac.uk
                                                                                                               We deliver a range of programmes designed to
                                                                                                               add value to, and make the most of, the university
                                                                                                               experience. We support students to achieve their
                                                                                                               aspirations through initiatives including:
                                                                                                               • Pre-entry preparation activities for offer holders
                                                                                                               • A range of peer-to-peer mentoring schemes

24     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                soas.ac.uk       25
Scholarships
                                                                                                                                                                                             180
                                                                                                                                                                                             —————
                                                                                                                                                                                          SOAS Bursaries
                                                                                                                                                                                         awarded 2019/20

Curious minds shouldn’t                                • The Rahim Lalji ‘14 Development Studies Bursary is
                                                          designed to support students with financial need.
be hemmed in by financial                                 The bursary is worth £2,500 and is for new and
                                                          continuing BA Global Development students.
barriers. That’s why we offer                          • SOAS Bursary: We believe strongly that all students
a range of scholarships                                   should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
                                                          The SOAS Bursary offers additional financial support
and awards to support                                     for students with the greatest need.
                                                       • There may also be a number of external scholarships
undergraduate students.                                   available to you.

                                                       To find out more about external funding
Naturally, the application for these is competitive,   opportunities visit:
and based on academic merit. But we can offer          �soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships/external
the support you need to give you the best possible
chance of success.                                     For more information on our scholarships, including
                                                       the eligibility criteria and application process,            Muhammad was born in Syria into a liberal Kurdish
                                                       please visit:                                                family. After the outbreak of civil war, he was forced
                                                       � soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships                           to leave, along with an estimated 5.8m others. In late
                                                                                                                    2015, after a long, risky journey, he sought refuge
                                                       Alumni and Family discount                                   in the UK. Then in 2017, he was accepted onto our
                                                       If you or a family member graduates from SOAS, we            MA Translation course. For Muhammad, translation
                                                       will offer you a 20% discount on your tuition fees           provides a method through which he can “pass on an
                                                       should you wish to start or continue your studies            accurate and true picture of vulnerable people in the
                                                       with us.                                                     Middle East and the world.”
                                                       A 10% discount in tuition fees is available to all
                                                                                                                    At SOAS, Muhammad received a Sanctuary
                                                       students who have an IFCELs ICC or FDPS
                                                                                                                    Scholarship. “Scholarships are vital because life can
                                                       Pre-Masters.
                                                                                                                    sometimes be unjust for people who need our help.
                                                                                                                    There will always be good times and bad ones, but        Muhammad Issa
                                                       Find out more:                                               I must thank Sanctuary Scholarships for making my        Sanctuary
                                                       � soas.ac.uk/alumni-tuition-fee-discounts                    life full of pleasure again. Sanctuary Scholarship was   Scholarship
                                                                                                                    a new start for my life. It meant that no matter how
                                                                                                                    hard life is, good-hearted people were by my side.”
                                                                                                                    Since starting his course Muhammad has begun to
                                                                                                                    look to the future. “With an MA in Translation, I will
                                                                                                                    help as many fellow Syrians and Kurds as possible to
                                                                                                                    communicate and give a positive view of our tolerance
                                                                                                                    towards other people in the world. One day, I will go
                                                                                                                    back home and help rebuild Syria.”

26     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                                                                                               soas.ac.uk   27
SOAS Stories
Above all else, we are an
intimate single community:
one that celebrates diversity
and is respectful and tolerant.

                                  Emmanuel Adringa������������������������������������������� 30
                                  Aisha Seriki����������������������������������������������������������32
                                  Alvin Carpio������������������������������������������������������� 34
                                  Zoha Rahman���������������������������������������������������� 36
                                  Dr. Richard Williams����������������������������������������� 38
                                  Dr. Sîan Hawthorne������������������������������������������ 40

28   soas.ac.uk                                                                       soas.ac.uk        29
SOAS Stories
Emmanuel Adringa
BA Development Studies
and Politics

Emmanuel had some big                     I’m from the Ivory Coast and growing up, I could see
                                          challenges, and how politics is affecting everyone.
questions about the shape                 I wanted to improve people’s lives. And gain the
                                          knowledge I need to do that.
of Africa today, and knew
                                          It made me question a lot of things.
that studying at SOAS could               As a high school student, I looked at African countries –
help to secure its future.                a continent that’s the wealthiest in terms of natural
                                          resources, but has some of the poorest countries.
                                          Why are some countries so rich? Why is the population
                                          rising at an amazing rate? People are willing to study
                                          hard, so why is the continent still struggling with
                                          poverty? Something was lacking in leadership. And
                                          the answer is in politics and development. So, for
                                          me to be an effective agent of change, I needed
                                          an understanding of them. In a world that’s ever
                                          changing, the future is no longer sustainable.
                                          If we want to survive, things need to change.

                                          The staff are leading thinkers, and as diverse
                                          as the students.
                                          There’s no agenda at SOAS – it’s not Eurocentric
                                          or generalised. There’s an emphasis here on context,
                                          and seeing the African continent from a different
                                          perspective. I’ve been taught by British, African, Indian,
                                          Canadian, and Latin American people. The world is
                                          neither black nor white. It’s blue, green, purple, silver.
                                          If you take a narrow, reductionist view, this can lead to
                                          conflict. So, the broader your perspectives, the better
                                          you see the world.

                                          Be open minded.
                                          Everything is challenged at SOAS! My first day though,
I’m planning on doing a Masters           I felt I’d been here my entire life. It’s so easy to access
too, either in Diplomatic Studies or      London, and full of memories, friendly people…
Politics. I want to focus on policy       whatever you need.
development, ideally in Africa.
Eventually, I plan to go back to my
country as a full-time politician. It’s
entirely realistic, because of what
I’m studying here at SOAS.

30    soas.ac.uk                                                                                        soas.ac.uk   31
SOAS Stories
                  Aisha Seriki
                  BA Global Liberal Arts

                  Sanctuary Scholar Aisha           I’ve always wanted to study at SOAS. The global
                                                    aspects of the modules, the chance to learn about
                  describes what has made her       all different things in the world and because SOAS
                                                    doesn’t take the Eurocentric model. I also knew it
                  SOAS experience so rewarding.     would give me freedom and flexibility. SOAS has
                                                    definitely met my expectations.

                                                    I wouldn’t be at SOAS without their support.
                                                    Even though I moved to the UK from Nigeria
                                                    when I was eight, it meant I wasn’t eligible for
                                                    student finance. And I just couldn’t pay for it all.
                                                    But because of amazing support from alumni,
                                                    SOAS and students – both financially and with
                                                    my application – I was awarded a Sanctuary
                                                    Scholarship. As I’d always wanted to go to SOAS,
                                                    it just seemed right. Everything worked out.

                                                    It feels like home.
                                                    The location of the campus and my student halls
                                                    makes me so happy. It’s so central. Living in halls
                                                    gives me that ‘student experience’ and helps me
                                                    meet loads of people from different places. SOAS is
                                                    somewhere for people who are interested in global
                                                    issues and learning new things. They’re genuinely
                                                    kind, and positive, and help in so many ways. When I
                                                    was looking for unis, I wanted that support. I wanted
                                                    somewhere smaller, and a relationship with lecturers
                                                    who knew me. Here, I see people I know all the time.
                                                    It’s like a little bubble, and inspires me to be better.

                  Come to an open day and           My advice is throw yourself in the deep end. There
                  see what SOAS is about.           are lots of student societies, for example. There’s a
                                                    social side to it, as well as being part of a group of
                  Everyone’s nice – don’t           people who want to change the world!
                  be scared! Be open to
                  chatting to new people.
                  The connections you make
                  here will be really beneficial.
                  People are doing all sorts of
                  cool things. You never know
                  what you’ll find.

32   soas.ac.uk                                                                               soas.ac.uk     33
SOAS Stories
Alvin Carpio –
Human Rights Campaigner
History and Politics alumnus

Alvin channelled the                  Once you graduate from SOAS, you never really leave.
                                      You stay in touch through events – and of course, that
confidence, skills, and               certain way of being open to the world. It’s amazing
                                      how many people you meet in your first week become
knowledge he gained at                lifelong friends. Even now, when I meet someone from
                                      SOAS, there’s an immediate connection and sense of
SOAS into setting up the              unity. One of the beauties of SOAS is the feeling of
UK's first non-profit                 safety, trust, and belonging.

organisation dedicated to             Even to this day, I use all of those lessons from SOAS.
                                      They’ve impacted on my career and influenced my
addressing the racism faced           way of thinking. The anti-racism work I do now is
                                      made possible through the educational underpinning
by people of East and                 from SOAS – having the confidence to present an
Southeast Asian heritage.             argument, think critically, and come from a
                                      different perspective.

                                      Since graduating, I’ve worked as a Community
                                      Organiser, campaigning for a living wage for
                                      migrants and amending laws to support those who
                                      are marginalised. I’ve set up a think tank. And now
                                      I’m focused on anti-racism work. Since the start of
                                      Coronavirus, there’s been a 300% increase in hate
                                      crimes towards people of East and Southeast Asian
                                      heritage in the UK. But there were no non-profit
                                      organisations here. I was instrumental in setting up
                                      the first, to tackle these issues at the highest levels.
                                      SOAS encourages you to get involved in causes. Had it
                                      not been for the knowledge of Asia’s political history,
                                      confidence to influence democracy, and ability to
                                      articulate myself in key conversations on behalf of
                                      those who can’t that I gained at SOAS, I wouldn’t be
                                      doing what I’m doing.

SOAS is so diverse and open to lots   The SOAS library is one of my favourite places
of personalities. The people who      in the world.
thrive are proactive, and challenge   The amount of resources and knowledge at SOAS is
                                      amazing. Plus the fact SOAS is spread over the city
themselves and their opinions. You    means they become your life, those streets of London.
need to open your mind to what you    You meet great friends, life partners, and mentors. The
might learn. Your time at SOAS goes   history of the SOAS bar, the debates around current
very fast. So make the most of it.    affairs in the café, and the stories – they all stay
                                      with you.

34   soas.ac.uk                                                                                  soas.ac.uk   35
SOAS Stories
                  Zoha Rahman
                  LLB Law alumna

                  Zoha graduated in Law in                  SOAS could offer courses and modules nowhere
                                                            else could. Then when I visited the campus, I just
                  2017, but now she’s leveraging            knew I wanted to be there. I really enjoyed my law
                                                            degree, but my passion has always been acting.
                  her SOAS experience to raise              So for me, gaining the qualification itself wasn’t
                                                            everything. It was about the experience. I knew
                  the bar for diversity in the              SOAS would help me grow as a person. There are
                  film industry.                            protests, talks, events, societies… you learn something
                                                            new every day. I was quite shy. But because SOAS is
                                                            more compact and there’s always something going
                                                            on, it’s easy to get involved and make friends.

                                                            You can go on to do whatever you want.
                                                            University doesn’t have to be about what you thought.
                                                            Learning transferable skills, extra-curricular activities,
                                                            the people you meet, the inclusivity – they’re all
                                                            important to your experience. My advice would be to
                                                            embrace the SOAS spirit. Enjoy your Freshers' Week!
                                                            Get involved in different societies. Be open to what
                                                            comes your way. Being here will help to broaden your
                                                            horizons. So, have the confidence to speak up about
                                                            your values – there’ll be someone else here who
                                                            shares them.

                                                            I want to become the first Muslim female
                                                            actor to win an Oscar.
                                                            I’m working on it! I’ve already been in films – including
                                                            the latest in the Spider-Man franchise. In fact, I was
                                                            the first featured hijab-wearing person in a Marvel
                                                            movie. Being at SOAS gave me that strength to speak
                                                            out about diversity and have the platform I have today.
                                                            It enabled me to dig much deeper into those cultural
                                                            norms. When you learn why something has happened,
                                                            you can start to change it.
                  It was a comfortable environment,
                  and I could see people of all cultures,
                  ages and backgrounds. It seemed
                  very inclusive. And when I started,
                  I was right. It was more than the
                  people though – there was a real
                  diversity of thought there too.

36   soas.ac.uk                                                                                       soas.ac.uk    37
SOAS Stories
Dr. Richard Williams
Lecturer in Ethnomusicology

Richard loves teaching a            SOAS had been a dream destination of mine long
                                    before I started teaching here. Since I research Indian
passionate community of             music and South Asian cultural history, there really is
                                    no better setting for my work. Everyone comes here
students that is both incredibly    for a reason and this creates a really strong sense of
                                    community: we all take it for granted that the world
diverse, whilst sharing a broad     is a very large place and worth exploring with an
global outlook.                     open mind and a willingness to challenge our own
                                    assumptions. When I visit other universities and say
                                    I teach Indian classical singing or Urdu poetry, I’m
                                    often faced with surprise. By contrast, there is
                                    nothing unusual about wanting to explore these
                                    deep and rich subjects at SOAS.

                                    It feels like a cosy village within a very large city.
                                    I’m particularly struck by the advantages of the
                                    scale of SOAS. We are a small community, but far
                                    from parochial: my students come from all around
                                    the world, from Chile to Japan, and even everyday
                                    conversations in class can turn into eye-opening
                                    exchanges, enriched by personal and global insights.

                                    My students reap the benefits of some
                                    exceptional facilities.
                                    These include a state-of-the-art recording
                                    studio, a radio station, an internationally-renowned
                                    museum gallery, and an extremely eclectic musical
                                    instrument collection. Most of our visitors ask to see
                                    our gamelan – a percussive ensemble from Southeast
                                    Asia – but often end up entranced by the koras from
                                    Mali or the Korean kayakeums.

                                    As a lecturer, I relish learning something new every
                                    day, just by hearing what my colleagues and students
SOAS is a genuinely unique          are working on, from Cambodian sculpture to popular
institution, and we offer courses   music in the Congo.
that you simply will not find
anywhere else. I recommend
coming here with a very open mind
and finding your own path through
the world as seen by SOAS.

38   soas.ac.uk                                                                               soas.ac.uk   39
SOAS Stories
                  Dr. Sîan Hawthorne
                  Senior Lecturer – Philosophy,
                  Religion and Politics

                  Sîan studied at SOAS as an             I was offered jobs elsewhere, but SOAS was more
                                                         cutting edge. The student body is very open and the
                  undergraduate, then as a               level of discussion is much deeper. It’s a really lively
                                                         campus, and the lack of hierarchy between students
                  postgraduate, and is now a             and staff lends itself to a better environment – one
                                                         where I’m always challenged. Everyone benefits.
                  senior lecturer here. Read             Students have a huge amount of input in how I think
                  what sets SOAS apart for her.          about things. They’ll say something that provokes or
                                                         gives a different perspective.

                                                         I find graduations incredibly moving.
                                                         I often sit on the stage to see my students graduate.
                                                         They may come from difficult backgrounds, so then to
                                                         see them triumph with a huge smile on their face and
                                                         making their families proud, is such a moving thing.
                                                         I keep in touch with lots of students from across the
                                                         globe. They’re making a difference in the world. It
                                                         helps me see what’s possible. Not just talking about
                                                         ideas, but seeing the real-life application of what we
                                                         learn about. Everything in the classroom affects what
                                                         you do outside it. It’s part of what makes our students
                                                         highly employable.

                                                         The SOAS Library is special.
                                                         There’s nothing like it anywhere in the world. The
                                                         Student Union is a jewel too. There’s so much going
                                                         on, with workshops, seminars, and music events.
                                                         SOAS is quite small, so there are lots of opportunities
                                                         to meet. There’s a collegial feel, and staff aren’t distant
                                                         to students. Everyone’s much more connected.
                                                         My advice is to visit the campus, and don’t feel you
                                                         can’t approach or email people. You can get a feel
                                                         for whether it’s the right place for you by talking to
                  If you’re interested in the wider      people. Just ask!
                  world, different cultures and new
                  ways of looking at things, come to
                  SOAS. I’m proud that people are
                  impressed I work here. As SOAS is
                  considered a world leader, it really
                  marks you out if you’ve been there.
                  It’s an accolade.

40   soas.ac.uk                                                                                    soas.ac.uk       41
Degree programmes
Our degrees are taught by dedicated
and passionate academics. Discover
the degree that suits you best from
our wide range of expertise.

                                      Africa������������������������������������������������������������������� 44
                                      Anthropology and Sociology������������������������� 46
                                      China������������������������������������������������������������������� 48
                                      Creative Arts������������������������������������������������������ 50
                                      Development Studies���������������������������������������52
                                      Economics��������������������������������������������������������� 54
                                      Finance and Management������������������������������ 56
                                      Foundation Year������������������������������������������������ 58
                                      History���������������������������������������������������������������� 60
                                      History of Art and Archaeology��������������������� 62
                                      Japan������������������������������������������������������������������ 64
                                      Korea������������������������������������������������������������������� 66
                                      Law���������������������������������������������������������������������� 68
                                      Liberal Arts��������������������������������������������������������� 70
                                      Linguistics�����������������������������������������������������������72
                                      Music��������������������������������������������������������������������74
                                      Near and Middle East����������������������������������������76
                                      Politics and International Studies�������������������78
                                      Religions and Philosophies����������������������������� 80
                                      South Asia���������������������������������������������������������� 82
                                      South East Asia�������������������������������������������������� 84
                                      University of London Joint
                                      Degree with BA French����������������������������������� 86
                                      Degree combination table����������������������������� 88

42   soas.ac.uk                                                                              soas.ac.uk         43
Africa

Study an African language with                                     Courses:
                                                                   • BA Languages & Cultures
teaching staff who have unrivalled                                 • BA Languages and Cultures and…
                                                                      (see pages 88-89)
expertise, first-hand experience,
and an infectious passion for                                      Duration:
                                                                   • 3 years (OR)
their subject.                                                     • 4 years with a language

                                                                   You’ll need:
Learn from the very best, as you study a fascinating African       • AAB-ABB (excluding General Studies)
language of your choice, including Swahili, Zulu, and Yorùbá.      • IB:35 (6/6/5 in Higher Level subjects)
This will open the door for you to gain a richer understanding
of the diverse cultures of Africa, such as literature in English   You’ll gain:
and African languages, as well as African film and philosophy.     • The practical skills of careful listening
Our aim is for you to develop a breadth of knowledge and
                                                                                                                   Global
                                                                      and acquiring languages.
new perspectives. That’s why we also offer a choice of options
                                                                   • The intellectual skills of examining
from an unparalleled range of other disciplines, such as
                                                                      and evaluating cultures and theories.
religious studies, anthropology, art, archaeology, performance,
and history. By the end of your programme, you’ll be delighted     • Highly employable skills such as being
                                                                      able to confidently research, analyse,
                                                                                                                  Top 100
at your language fluency, inspired by the diverse African                                                             —————
culture, and poised for success in a range of careers or              communicate and solve problems in           For Languages*
further study options.                                                a range of scenarios.

                                                                   Where our graduates go:
                                                                   • UNDP
                                                                   • The Black Curriculum
                                                                   • BBC World
                                                                   • Ernst & Young
                                                                   • Cafod
                                                                   • Edelman

                                                                   More information:
                                                                   � soas.ac.uk/africa

                                                                   *QS 2021 World University Rankings

44     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                     soas.ac.uk   45
Anthropology
and Sociology

Help to change the world by                                        Courses:
                                                                   • BA Social Anthropology
gaining a deep understanding                                       • BA Social Anthropology and…
                                                                      (see pages 88-89)
of its cultures, communities
and complexities.                                                  Duration:
                                                                   • 3 years (OR)
                                                                   • 4 years with a language
Join one of the UK’s most respected social and cultural
anthropology departments, and benefit from the world-class         You’ll need:
expertise of our anthropologists – all focused on widening your    • AAB-ABB (excluding General Studies)
horizons. Learning from experts in Asian, African and Middle       • IB:35 (6/6/5 in Higher Level subjects)
Eastern cultures, you’ll gain a broad education in anthropology,
an infectious curiosity about the world and the tools you need     You’ll gain:
to engage with urgent global issues. Developing alongside          • Knowledge of anthropological concepts,
academics and students who are passionate about social justice        data collection methods and analysis.
and climate change, you’ll grow at the heart of a like-minded,     • Understanding of the peoples, cultures and
international community.                                              societies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
                                                                   • Lateral thinking, critical reasoning, research
Flexibly structuring your course through a wide choice of
                                                                      and presentation skills.

                                                                                                                        16TH
compelling modules, including languages, you’ll thrive on an
interesting blend of theory-based teaching, with practical and
                                                                   Where our graduates go:
research-led elements too.
                                                                   • Deloitte                                              —————
                                                                                                                       In the world for
                                                                   • The New York Times
                                                                                                                       Anthropology*
                                                                   • Hackney Migrant Centre
                                                                   • Saatchi Gallery
                                                                   • The Week
                                                                   • BBC Media Action

                                                                   More information:
                                                                   � soas.ac.uk/anthropology

                                                                   *QS 2021 World University Rankings

46     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                          soas.ac.uk     47
China

                                                                                                                     7th in
                                                                                                                      UK
                                                                                                                         —————
                                                                                                                  For East Asian Studies*

Study Chinese languages and                                       Courses:
                                                                  • BA Chinese
cultures on courses that are more                                 • BA Chinese and…
                                                                     (see pages 88-89)
thorough, extensive and immersive                                 • BA East Asian Studies
than anywhere else in the UK.                                     • BA East Asian Studies and...

                                                                  Duration:
Our incredibly diverse range of expertise in the languages        • 4 years (OR)
and literatures in China, Tibet and other Asian regions is        • 3 years - BA Chinese Studies
unique in the UK. With more than 50 wide-ranging China
experts, unrivalled library resources and the country’s largest   You’ll need:
choice of China-related language and discipline modules,          • AAB-ABB (excluding General Studies)
you’ll lay the best possible foundations for success.             • IB:35 (6/6/5 in Higher Level subjects)

To give you a solid grounding, your first year will be more       No prior knowledge of Chinese is required.
structured – with greater freedom and a huge choice in the
following years. Language modules focus on practical skills,      You’ll gain:
whilst others, such as literature, film and cultural studies,     •L  anguage, listening, research,
centre more on theory. Chinese is a fascinating language –           communication and critical
and one which you’ll be able to read, speak, understand              thinking skills.
and write fluently.
                                                                  • The ability to examine and evaluate
                                                                     cultures and theories.
                                                                  •K  nowledge of language, translation,
                                                                     East Asian civilisations, Chinese-language
                                                                     literatures, cinema, theatre and
                                                                     popular culture.

                                                                  Where our graduates go:
                                                                  • Google
                                                                  • UNDP
                                                                  • Bloomberg LP
                                                                  • Nanjing Museum
                                                                  • ITN
                                                                  • PwC
                                                                  • KPMG

                                                                  More information:
                                                                  � soas.ac.uk/cia

                                                                  *Complete University Guide 2021

48     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                       soas.ac.uk    49
Creative Arts

Discover the freedom of creativity                                  Course:
                                                                    • BA Creative Arts and Cultural Industries
across an array of disciplines,
                                                                    Duration:
underpinned by fascinating theory                                   • 3 years

around global history, society                                      You’ll need:
and culture.                                                        • A AB-ABB (excluding General Studies)
                                                                    • IB:35 (6/6/5 in Higher Level subjects)

Creative Arts here is unique. You’ll thrive in a creative           You’ll gain:
environment that offers huge scope to hone your craft, whilst       • Knowledge and expertise across
developing the critical thinking, communication and vocational         disciplines including art history,
skills needed for a successful career in the creative industries.      music, performing arts, film,
                                                                       media, and literature.
We combine a heady mix of theoretical teaching, creative            • Employable skills and a creative portfolio.
expression and deep subject knowledge – all across your
choice of disciplines, styles and regions that include Africa,
                                                                    • Exposure to notable academics.
                                                                    • Work placement opportunities.
                                                                                                                     Global
Asia and the Middle East. The range of modules we offer is
exceptional – and rare. Choosing a broad selection of arts,
                                                                    Where our graduates go:
                                                                                                                     Top 50
or focusing on one, you’ll produce anything from a musical                                                              —————
                                                                    • Christine Park Gallery
performance, film, podcast or piece of creative writing, to                                                           For Arts and
exhibition and festival designs.                                    • Hydrogen                                        Humanities*
                                                                    • Japanese Gallery
                                                                    • KUONI Global Travel Services
                                                                    • Somerset House Trust

                                                                    More information:
                                                                    �s
                                                                      oas.ac.uk/soasoas/programmes/
                                                                     ba-creative-arts

                                                                    *QS 2021 World University Rankings

50     soas.ac.uk                                                                                                      soas.ac.uk    51
Development Studies

International politics, economics,                                Courses:
                                                                  • BA Global Development
migration, climate change and                                     • BA Global Development and...
                                                                     (see pages 88-89)
conflict are all pressing global
issues, ever changing – and at                                    Duration:
                                                                  • 3 years (OR)
the core of our programme.                                        • 4 years with a language

                                                                  You’ll need:
Focused on power, inequality and change, we do more than          • A AA-AAB (excluding General Studies)
support our students to identify some of the biggest challenges   • IB:37 (6/6/6 in Higher Level subjects)
facing today’s global community. We’ll equip you to address
them head on, through specialist knowledge, robust policies       You’ll gain:
and nuanced responses. By the time you graduate, you’ll           • Professional knowledge and experience
have a deep understanding of the causes of social, political
                                                                                                                  5TH
                                                                     through innovative learning techniques
and economic transformation around the world. Presenting             on campus and online, internships,
an authentic and refreshingly global view, we ensure that            placements and more.
you are able to critique mainstream and Western theories of                                                        —————
                                                                  • The chance to choose ‘open option’         In the world
development, and crucially, offer alternatives. Here, you’ll be
                                                                     modules in other departments,            for Development
informed and inspired by academics with experience of shaping
                                                                     including languages.                          Studies*
policy, and research in areas such as politics, anthropology,
sociology, economics, conflict and the environment – often        • The ability to debate contemporary
focused on Africa, Asia or the Middle East.                          global development and present
                                                                     concepts and arguments.

                                                                  Where our graduates go:
                                                                  • UNICEF
                                                                  • Sunday Times
                                                                  • BBC World Service
                                                                  • CAFOD
                                                                  • Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi
                                                                  • Room to Heal
                                                                  • The CIFA Trust
                                                                  • The Fostering Network
                                                                  • United Nations High Commissioner
                                                                     for Refugees

                                                                  More information:
                                                                  � soas.ac.uk/development

                                                                  *QS 2021 World University Rankings

52     soas.ac.uk                                                                                              soas.ac.uk   53
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