All of Our Challenges

All of our challenges - climate change, renewable energy, public health, inequality, political and social polarization - are transnational in character, and require global and local knowledge, critical reflection, multidisciplinary perspectives, and practical engagement if they are to be sustainably addressed. This is what the SOAS education is about.

With an explicit mandate of social justice and academic excellence, and a desire to bridge the divides among the human community, we bring the diversity of our world to our campus in central London. Here at SOAS, we enable our students and staff to engage in critical research, deep thinking, robust deliberation, and practical experimentation on the world’s central challenges.

We would love to welcome each one of you to this inspiring yet challenging, demographically diverse, cosmopolitan community. At SOAS, you will learn both the professional skills required by your chosen field, and the soft skills that enable you to not only traverse diverse cosmopolitan communities, but also be transformed into citizens and leaders capable of impacting our world.

Adam Habib Director

soas.ac.uk 1 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.

Internationalism SOAS has a proud history of welcoming students from around the world. With over 50% of our student population coming from over 130 countries, we are one of the most diverse cultural hubs in the world.

2 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 3 Academic excellence 5th ————— In the UK for teacher-student ratio*

We're immensely proud of our QS 2020 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. • 6th in the world for Development Studies • 13th in the world for Anthropology • 18th in the world for Politics Our respected academics, alumni and current • 45th in the world for History students are shaping thinking and policy around the economic, political, cultural, security and religious Other notable awards challenges in society. Unravelling pressing issues such • Top 20 European institution in the QS rankings as human rights, migration, identity, legal systems, and a top 20 UK institution in the Times Higher poverty, religion, and social change through a non- Education (THE) World University Ranking for Western lens, our programmes offer the scope to Arts and Humanities. explore your passions – and build the capability, confidence and understanding of contemporary issues • Silver ranking in the Teaching Excellence to make a meaningful impact on a multicultural world. Framework 2018. • 3rd in the world in the 2019 THE University Impact Rankings for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal “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. � www.soas.ac.uk/academic/

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

*Guardian University League Table 2020

4 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 5 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, In order to enjoy all that is on offer, you might want to from more than 200 countries. With as many supplement your income – jobs for students are always as 300 languages spoken, the capital is a available in London. We have a number of on-campus colourful fusion of cultures – and never dull, jobs, including Student and Digital Ambassadors and whatever your budget: Library Assistants. • More than 170 museums, many being free. • Iconic art galleries. Student visas will usually allow you to work (part-time, • Legendary nightlife. paid or unpaid) for up to 20 hours per week during the term, and full-time during the holidays. • Student Central access. • NUS extra card for hundreds of discounts. As an international graduate you will be eligible to apply for the UK’s Graduate Immigration Route, which We’re close to several Underground stations allows you the opportunity to stay in the UK for two to (you’ll be eligible for 30% off Transport for three years of work depending on your level of study. London (TFL) travelcards and passes), and Studying at SOAS not only places you in the heart of London has six major airports too. London, it gives you an education that is recognised by all employers. If you’re looking to kickstart your career � www.studentcentral.london in London, there has never been a better time to study at SOAS!

For more information on the Graduate Route: see page 51

350,000 ————— Students in London

6 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 7 Electric Ballroom Haggerston Camden Town ISLINGTON Jewish Museum London KEY CAMDEN HAGGERSTON

SOAS Kings Place

Galleries & Museums KOKO

Theatres Angel King’s Cross Regent’s Park Music Venues Scala Hoxton The British Library HOXTON Columbia Road V&A Museum Point of interest of Childhood Open Air Theatre Tube Station Euston CLERKENWELL Rail Link Wellcome Collection HACKNEY The Foundling Museum Old Street XOYO

Village Underground Baker Street BLOOMSBURY Marylebone SOAS 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 Tottenham Whitechapel Gallery Court Road Oxford Circus SOHO Aldgate East Royal Opera House Bond Street City Thameslink WHITECHAPEL COVENT St. Paul’s Cathedral CITY OF GARDEN Blackfriars MAYFAIR Somerset House LONDON

Covent Garden The National Gallery Hyde Park Royal Academy of Arts Tower of London

Charing Cross National Theatre Serpentine Galleries Green Park Royal Festival Hall Tate Modern The Shard Houses of Parliament Hayward Gallery Shakespeare’s Globe Tower Bridge Green Park Southwark London Bridge St. James’s Park The Old Vic SOUTHWARK London Eye Waterloo Knightsbridge 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 8 soas.ac.uk Saatchi Gallery soas.ac.uk 9 King’s Cross ¾ Dinwiddy House ¾ E v e r s ¾ h Paul Robeson House o Euston lt Our campus S 500m t

Hughes Parry Hall Rd n sto Eu Canterbury Hall

Commonwealth Hall

l Wellcome ck P isto Collection Tav

SOAS is a place for people Euston Square T a v is with an interest in global issues, to University c Tavistock k College S Square q London who want to gain a more Gardens profound understanding of the world, whilst having their Gordon Curzon Bloomsbury assumptions challenged – Square

Sq W n o alongside a diverse student Petrie Museum o b rd u o r Grant Museum of Egyptian G n Institute of P Archaeology l body that does too. of Zoology Education t d S The Warburg nar Ber Institute International Hall Russell Square Located in cosmopolitan Bloomsbury, our Library and lecture theatres Pl Russell Square campus is at the heart of it all. The SOAS Library houses over 1.3 million volumes, g University It has everything you need – including the warm and provides quiet study spaces, as well as printing, Byn of London Union Main Building atmosphere our students tell us makes SOAS feel photocopying and scanning facilities. We also have SOAS Library R u s like a home away from home. five lectures theatres: s e Pl ll • Khalili Lecture Theatre – Main Building n College Hall Birkbeck S to q The Paul Webley Wing ng University rri Brunei • Kamran Djam Lecture Theatre – Main Building To G of London The Paul Webley Wing in our iconic Senate House o Gallery w Russell Square • Alumni Lecture Theatre – Paul Webley Wing e building is home to the Weston Student Hub, which is r S your first port of call for any enquiries related to study, • Wolfson Lecture Theatre – Paul Webley Wing t Senate House Paul Webley Wing accommodation, course registration, student finance, • Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre - Brunei Gallery S careers and enterprise. You’ll also find state-of-the-art o Senate House u th formal and informal learning facilities, various student a Other facilities m meeting spaces, cafés and breakout spaces. p We have open-access computer labs, and specialist to n R multimedia, AV, video, music and language labs. Goodge Street o Eating and entertainment Multimedia and IT training is available, and every Malet Street w A large refectory and several coffee shops mean Garderns student has their own account with email, 2GB T o t you’ll be well catered for. In our lively Students’ t storage, and WiFi. SOAS is also home to two e n KEY h Union, you’ll also find a popular bar, and a shop a exhibition areas: the Brunei Gallery, hosting changing m selling snacks, stationery and other essentials. A tree- contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia, C SOAS o u lined pedestrianised area, our precinct links several r Africa and the Middle East; and the smaller Wolfson t R The British Museum buildings, and is often the scene of impromptu music Gallery within the SOAS Library. d Halls of residence performances, alfresco food, and lively debate. Point of interest

B lo o m Tube Station s b u r y S Rail Link t

10 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 11

¾ Tottenham Court Road Holborn A world-class library 3km ————— Of archives and manuscripts

Our resources are always expanding, with an ever- The SOAS Library is one of 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 language materials relating to those regions. and the Middle East. 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

� www.soas.ac.uk/library

1,000+ ————— Seats for readers

12 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 13 Accommodation

Finding a place to live in London can be confusing. But don't worry - we provide all the help you need, including a dedicated Housing Adviser to offer information, advice and support.

Halls of residence Students with families If you’ve firmly accepted an offer to start in September If you’re moving with a family or partner, there are 2021, you can apply for halls of residence in spring family-friendly studios and flats available in SOAS halls 2021. We’ll email you with details in March/April. If you of residence, and with housing associations, privately do choose to live in halls, our options vary in price and run halls and privately rented accommodation. Our location, and we’ve negotiated some exclusive rates: website has more information. • Urbanest St Pancras – a premium quality hall in the � www.soas.ac.uk/accommodation/students-with- new Granary Square quarter at King’s Cross. families/ • Paul Robeson House – a postgraduate hall with en- suite bathrooms near King’s Cross, 20 minutes’ walk Accessibility from SOAS. We have accessible rooms in most of our hall options. Please email for advice and assistance. • Goldsmiths House – a smaller hall for female students only 20 minutes’ walk from SOAS. Living Costs • Helen Graham House – opposite the British Museum We estimate living costs in London to range from and a short walk to SOAS. £220-£430 per week. You can find more information • Wood Green Hall – centrally located in the heart of on budgeting in London here: Wood Green with its cafes, bars and shops, and two � www.soas.ac.uk/international/ukliving/living-in-the- minutes from the Tube. uk-living-expenses.html • Intercollegiate Halls – a great opportunity to meet students from other colleges, offering catered Contact and non-catered accommodation, studios, shared For more information contact: rooms, and family housing. • Disability Advisors: [email protected] We have panoramas of all our hall options at: • SOAS Housing Adviser: [email protected] � www.soas.ac.uk/accommodation/halls/ � www.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. Rent varies from £110.00 to £300.00 per week, plus bills. 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.

14 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 15 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 • Turkey • Kenya • Vietnam 40% ————— Of degree programmes offer a year abroad

16 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 17 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, 2014 Fatima studied a BA Politics degree, and was a student You can also find out more about notable CVE Advocate at ambassador, and President of the United Nations After graduating, you’ll join a alumni from a community that includes: the Kofi Annan 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 53,000 • British MP, Catherine West Kofi Annan Foundation, helping to prevent girls from • Prime Minister of Jordan, Bisher Al-Khasawneh becoming radicalised. SOAS alumni across 190 • 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 • Former President of Ghana, John Atta Mills

On our dedicated alumni website, you’ll enjoy Events access to alumni benefits, careers information, Receive invitations to SOAS events taking place on news and events across the globe. campus and around the world, including lectures, exhibitions, social gatherings and guest presentations. � www.soasworld.org Professional networking The best thing about being a lawyer is the intellectual Benefit from the professional knowledge and challenge. You’re constantly required to think outside experience of other SOAS alumni, as well as continued the box. People see you as a resource of information access to career services, alumni mentoring and our and ideas. Your client will be on the phone to you alumni LinkedIn groups. and, as their lawyer, you need to be able to provide answers quickly. International alumni We’ve hosted events in over 120 global cities. If you’re Studying at SOAS has been instrumental returning home or travelling abroad during or after to my career. The knowledge I acquired your studies at SOAS, you can get in touch with your has given me the opportunity to approach regional alumni group – a valuable resource for social Onyema Ugorji, and professional networking. transactions from a broader perspective. LLB, 2010 Associate, Walkers Philanthropy at SOAS A lot of the deals we work on are very international, Our generous alumni provide valuable financial and a lot of the clients we work with are multicultural, support to the next generation of students through so there are different cultural expectations. Coming scholarships, the SOAS Library, hardship grants and from an institution like SOAS, where you are always entrepreneurial student projects. learning about different regions and legal systems 190 and seeing how they are able to interact, has been ————— In the news very useful to me. Countries SOAS students Stay connected with news from in and around have reached SOAS with dedicated e-bulletins and event invitations. Follow SOAS Alumni on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and WeChat.

18 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 19 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, and our careers team can help you get there. We offer the study. Our Careers Service following support for students: can help you, whether you • Online resources including the “CareersZone” - a site dedicated to careers events, curated jobs, internships know what you want to do and volunteering opportunities. after graduation – or whether • Events including careers fairs, career-themed weeks, alumni panel discussions and networking events with you are still deciding. top employers such as The Red Cross, Teach First, WaterAid, PwC and the Civil Service.

• Guidance and advice on how to find part-time Connect with SOAS alumni jobs and internships - we only promote paid As a SOAS student you can connect and network opportunities to our students. with our alumni community through our dedicated • One-to-one appointments on formatting CVs and platform – SOAS Connect. Our mentorship cover letters and preparing for job interviews. programme allows you to find alumni based on degree and sector and receive guidance on job applications • Guidance on further study including what a Masters and work experience. or PhD programme involves, funding opportunities and the application process. With many of our alumni working in influential positions, students who have taken advantage of this • Not sure what to do next? We can help you to programme have landed their dream jobs. pinpoint a firm and fresh direction, plan your next step, research options, get relevant experience, access resources and develop your CV.

Visit the Careers Service Once you start, come and visit us in room SL62 in the Paul Webley Wing or make an appointment to talk to a careers consultant. You can also get in touch with us now on: T: +44 (0)20 7898 4115 E: [email protected] � www.soas.ac.uk/careers

20 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 21 Student Support services testimonials

SOAS Connect helped me secure my dream job

As a communications professional with an interest in foreign affairs, building relationships is a vital part of my career. So too is having trusted, global networks. The SOAS Connect platform allowed me to do just that, and the result was better than I ever could have imagined - it helped me secure my dream job. Disability advisors The wide-ranging expertise and skill-sets of SOAS We pride ourselves on We can offer information, advice and support, as alumni allowed me to gain first-hand career insights providing a friendly and well as negotiate adjustments to exam arrangements and personalized guidance, and develop meaningful and library services, loan equipment such as digital contacts. I was able to connect with numerous stimulating environment for recorders and laptops with specialist software, and alumni around the world, with varying backgrounds create study inclusion plans which make staff aware and experience. everyone, and helping to make of recommended adjustments.

The result was fairly quick. Within a few months, I your SOAS experience warm, Accessibility had landed the perfect role - providing public health welcoming, and healthy. The majority of SOAS buildings are accessible for Will Seal studied MA Global Diplomacy at communications support to 21 Pacific countries and wheelchair users and we can change timetables to SOAS, and now works as a Communications areas as part of WHO’s Pacific team based in Suva, Fiji. ensure all rooms are accessible to students unable Officer, Division of Pacific Technical Our support services are your safety net, to use stepped access. There is also some Braille and tactile signage. Support, World Health Organization. and on-hand for everyone: Finance, immigration and accommodation Contact We can provide impartial, confidential advice on T: +44 (0)20 7074 5015 non-academic issues such as visas, immigration, E: [email protected] finance, accommodation, childcare, benefits and E: [email protected] money management. � www.soas.ac.uk/studentadviceandwellbeing @SOASWellbeing SOAS will change the way you look at Wellbeing Our professionally trained counsellors can offer the world confidential support, groups and workshops, as well as online support. SOAS is more than just an academic institution. It’s not just a place you come to study and get a degree. It’s Mental health and mentoring a way of life and thinking. It will change the way you We can offer specialist support and mentoring to look at the world, help you learn new things and also students who may be struggling to manage their unlearn things. Most of all it will challenge you to look wellbeing or mental health. at the world with a different perspective and help you develop critical thought. Learning advice Our learning advisors offer support and advice on specific learning differences, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D and dyscalculia – as well as other disabilities or issues such as depression, anxiety and procrastination.

Felix scholar, Aapurv Jain, studied MA Gender and Sexuality at SOAS and now works in Uganda focusing on youth-led development.

22 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 23 Scholarships 180 ————— SOAS Bursaries awarded 2019/20

Curious minds shouldn’t We offer a range of scholarships, including: • The Rahim Lalji ‘14 Development Studies Bursary is be hemmed in by financial designed to support students with financial need. The bursary is worth £2,500 and is for new and barriers. That’s why we offer continuing BA Global Development students. a range of scholarships • SOAS International Postgraduate Scholarship offers students from eligible countries with outstanding and awards to support our academic achievement a £3,000 fee waiver. • SOAS Research Studentship is for new MPhil/PhD students. students from the Global South and covers tuition fees and a maintenance allowance. There may also be a number of external scholarships available to you, including the UK Government’s Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes. To find out more about external funding opportunities visit: "The beating heart of SOAS is its students. SOAS � www.soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships/external/ students are probably amongst the most active individuals that I have met in my lifetime. They are For more information on our scholarships, including so passionate and driven about campaigning on the eligibility criteria and application process, the issues they care about. I feel very fortunate please visit: and privileged to have met so many of these great � www.soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships people during my year at SOAS and I doubt any other university can claim to be as politically active and Alumni and family discounts vibrant as SOAS is. If you are interested in the power If you or a family member graduates from SOAS, we of education and in witnessing the change that a small will offer you a discount on your tuition fees should group of thoughtful, committed diverse citizens can you wish to start or continue to study with us. introduce to the world, then SOAS is just the place Find out more: for you.” � www.soas.ac.uk/alumni-tuition-fee-discounts/ Maya was awarded a Chevening Scholarship to � www.soas.ac.uk/family-bursary/ complete her Masters at SOAS. Since graduating, Maya has been busy with her non-profit organisation Maya Terro – FoodBlessed – which aims to provide a sustainable MSc Migration, Mobility and solution to food poverty and food waste in Lebanon. Development, 2016 Maya’s network of volunteers and community partners has distributed over 1.2 million free meals to vulnerable Lebanese communities. In 2018, Maya was crowned a “Chevening Changemaker” thanks to her commitment to creating lasting positive change in the world.

24 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 25 SOAS Stories

Above all else, we are an intimate single community: one that celebrates diversity and is respectful and tolerant.

Emmanuel Adringa �� 28 Zoha Rahman �� 30 Professor Philippe Cullet ��32 Dr Althea-Maria Rivas �� 34

26 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 27 SOAS Stories Emmanuel Adringa BA Development Studies and Politics

I’m from the Ivory Coast and growing up, I could see Emmanuel had some big 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 – a continent that’s the wealthiest in terms of natural help to secure its future. 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. I’m planning on doing a Masters Everything is challenged at SOAS! My first day though, 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.

28 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 29 SOAS Stories Zoha Rahman LLB Law alumna

SOAS could offer courses and modules nowhere Zoha graduated in Law in 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 protests, talks, events, societies… you learn something film industry. 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.

30 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 31 SOAS Stories Professor Philippe Cullet LLM/MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development

I first fell for SOAS as a student, after coming to Philippe was a student at London from Switzerland to do an LLM. As SOAS SOAS. Now he’s teaching was the place that I got the most from of anywhere I studied, I wanted to teach here. students from all over the At SOAS, we teach things nobody else teaches. world the power of sharing Well, actually, we teach what everyone else teaches – but we also provide so much extra. We’ve a mix of their diverse perspectives. cultures, languages, and people that you can’t find anywhere else. There’s expertise in a broader range of subjects. We offer an inter-disciplinary approach. And we focus on other parts of the world, not just Europe. SOAS offers more, to help set you up in today’s world.

We get a lot of people who do go into mainstream jobs, because we teach the mainstream foundation. But it’s the additional perspectives that give our students that edge. SOAS has one of the most mixed populations around. With people coming from different cultures, speaking different languages, and being used to different learning styles, it can be challenging – but the variety is ultimately so much more rewarding.

There are so many broad-minded people with different world view perspectives here. That’s something that students tell me every year. Being in London means you benefit from all the people who come through the city, as well as being in the academic centre of Bloomsbury. We’re lucky that class sizes are relatively small too. Staff are keen to engage with students and lots of them keep in touch, telling us how their jobs are stimulating, enjoyable, Be proactive. Get out of the and in line with what they were doing at SOAS. classroom. Make the most of the societies. Get involved in seminars. Look into student-led conferences. That mix of academic and non-academic activities is so rewarding, and SOAS students get to enjoy it all.

32 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 33 SOAS Stories Dr Althea-Maria Rivas MSc Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict

SOAS has always been a radical space with an active Althea embraces innovation student body. Students are involved in political issues, in her teaching – and students social justice, and what’s going on in the world – as well as their communities. It’s somewhere they can from cultures across the world. learn about issues – then help to tackle them.

Whatever your interests, SOAS is a place to learn from others who share them. I use a lot of different teaching methods and tech – my classes are all interactive and focused on experiential learning. Everything from drama pieces and podcasts, to group work and guest speakers help create active spaces of learning. It makes everything more engaging and accessible. Traditional presentations can cause real anxiety. So, students in my classes can contribute in creative ways. We’ve had rap, poetry, spoken word, sound installations – even a talk show simulation. It reduces tension, and increases inclusivity. I know all my students by name, and the smaller size of classes and SOAS in general creates a sense of community and opportunities to engage in critical discussions you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

An inclusive space to engage with each other. One of my proudest moments was being involved in a reading group to engage students of colour. We looked at decolonialism, feminism, justice, and other relevant topics, and students wrote their reflections on the blog, which then became a successful zine. It created a space to engage with key writings and each other – which was really important, especially this year! Students tell me how useful their We have an amazing alumni community. In general, course is to their careers. It’s about people who come here are open minded and willing the real-life application of what to learn, self-reflect, look at different points of view, they’re learning. I worked for and challenge ideas. That said, SOAS is inclusive and 12 years before my own PhD, so we help to overcome obstacles. Any student can come here and be supported to thrive. I really focus on the link between theory and practice. There’s no naval gazing!

34 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 35 Degree programmes

Our degrees are taught by dedicated and passionate academics. Discover the degree that suits you best from our wide range of expertise.

36 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 37 Degree programmes

Undergraduate

Africa Foundation Year Liberal Arts Religions and Philosophies • BA Languages and Cultures • BA/BSc Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities with • BA Global Liberal Arts • BA World Philosophies • BA Languages and Cultures and… Foundation Year • BA World Philosophies and… • BA/BSc Business, Management, Economics & Law Linguistics • BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics Anthropology and Sociology with Foundation Year • BA Languages and Cultures • BA Social Anthropology • BA Languages and Cultures and... South Asia • BA Social Anthropology and… History • BA Linguistics and… • BA Languages and Cultures • BA History • BA Languages and Cultures and... China • BA History and… Music • Certificate in South Asian Studies • BA Chinese • BA Music and… • BA Chinese and… History of Art and Archaeology South East Asia • BA East Asian Studies • BA History of Art Near and Middle East • BA Languages and Cultures • BA East Asian Studies and… • BA History of Art (Asia, Africa and Europe) • BA Arabic • BA Languages and Cultures and... • BA Arabic and… Creative Arts Japan • BA Languages and Cultures and... • BA Creative Arts • BA East Asian Studies • Certificate in Arabic • BA East Asian Studies and… • Certificate in Modern Hebrew Development Studies • BA Japanese (4 years) • Certificate in Persian • BA Global Development • BA Japanese and… (4 years) • Certificate in Turkish • BA Global Development and… • Certificate in Turkish Studies Korea Economics • BA East Asian Studies • BA Economics • BA East Asian Studies and… Politics and International Studies • BA Economics and… • BA Korean (4 years) • BA International Relations • BSc Development Economics • BA Korean and… (4 years) • BA International Relations and… • BSc Economics • BA Korean Studies (3 years) • BA Politics • BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics • BA Politics and... Law • BA Politics and International Relations Finance and Management • BA Law and… • BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics • BSc Accounting and Finance • LLB Law • Certificate in Politics and International Studies (students have been approved to enter straight • LLB with year abroad into the Management level which qualifies them • Senior Status LLB for 8 CIMA exemptions). • BSc Management

38 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 39 Degree programmes

Postgraduate

Africa Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial Studies Economics Gender Studies • MA African Studies • MA Comparative Literature • MA Economic Policy • MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics (Online) • MA African Studies (Literature Pathway) • MA Cultural Studies • MSc Development Economics • MA Gender Studies • MA African Studies and Intensive Swahili • MA Postcolonial Studies • MSc/PGDip Economics • MA Gender Studies and Law • MA...and Intensive Language (Swahili) • MPhil/PhD in Cultural, Literary and Postcolonial • MSc Economics and Environment • MA Gender Studies (Middle East Pathway) • MPhil/PhD in African Studies Studies • MSc International Finance and Development • MA Gender Studies (Security Pathway) • MSc Political Economy of Development • MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics Anthropology and Sociology Development, Environment and Policy • MSc Research for International Development • MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics with special • MA Anthropology of Food • MSc/PGDip/PGCert Climate Change and • MPhil/PhD in Development Economics reference to the Middle East • MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language Development (Online) • MPhil/PhD in Economics • MPhil/PhD in Gender Studies • MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability • MSc/PGDip/PGCert Sustainable Development • MPhil/PhD in International Development • MA Curating Cultures (Online) History • MA Migration and Diaspora Studies Finance and Management • MA History • MA Migration and Diaspora Studies and Intensive Development Studies • MSc Accounting and Finance • MA History and Intensive Language Language • MSc Development Studies • MSc Finance and Financial Law (Online) • MPhil/PhD in History • MA Social Anthropology • MSc Development Studies (available as Central Asia/ • MSc Finance (Banking) (Online) • MA Social Anthropology and Intensive Language South Asia/Palestine pathways) • MSc Finance (Financial Sector Management) (Online) History of Art and Archaeology • MRes Social Anthropology • MSc Development Studies with reference to Gender • MSc Finance (Quantitative Finance) (Online) • MA Contemporary Art and Art Theory of Asia • MRes Social Anthropology and Intensive Language • MSc Environment, Politics and Development • MSc International Business and Africa • MPhil/PhD in Anthropology and Sociology • MSc Humanitarian Action (Online) • MSc International Business Administration (Online) • MA Curating Cultures • MSc Humanitarianism, Aid and Conflict • MSc International Financial Management • MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia Arts • MSc International Development (Online) • MSc Public Financial Management (Online) • MA History of Art and Archaeology of East Asia and • Cert/PGDip Asian Art • MSc Labour, Activism and Development • MSc Public Policy and Management (Online) Intensive Language (Japanese/Korean) • MA Curating Cultures • MSc Migration, Mobility and Development • MSc Public Policy, Finance and Management • MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic • MA Global Creative and Cultural Industries • MSc Research for International Development • MPhil/PhD Finance and Management Middle East • MPhil/PhD Creative Arts • MSc Violence, Conflict and Development • MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic • MPhil/PhD Cultural Industries • MSc Violence, Conflict and Development (Palestine Middle East and Intensive Language • MPhil/PhD in Film Studies Pathway) • MA History of Art and/or Archaeology • MPhil/PhD in Development Studies • MPhil/PhD History of Art and/or Archaeology China and Inner Asia • MPhil/PhD in International Development • MPhil/PhD Museums and Heritage • MA Chinese Studies • MA Taiwan Studies • MPhil/PhD in Chinese and Inner Asian Studies

40 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 41 Degree programmes

Postgraduate

International Studies and Diplomacy Law Music Religions and Philosophies • MA/PGDip International Studies and Diplomacy • MRes in Law • MA Music (Development) • MA Buddhist Studies • MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics (Online) • PGCert Law • MA Music (Ethnomusicology) • MA Religion in Global Politics • MA Global Diplomacy (Online) • LLM (Master of Laws) • MA Music (Performance) • MA Traditions of Yoga and Meditation • MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia (Online) • LLM Environmental Law and Sustainable • MPhil/PhD Music • MPhil/PhD Religions and Philosophies • MA Global Diplomacy: MENA (Online) Development. • MA Global Diplomacy: South Asia (Online) • LLM Human Rights, Conflict and Justice Near and Middle East South Asia • MA Global Security and Strategy (Online) • LLM International Commercial and Economic Law • MA ... and Intensive Language (Arabic) • MA South Asian Area Studies • MA Muslim Minorities in a Global Context (Online) • LLM International Law • MA ... and Intensive Language (Persian) • MA South Asian Studies and Intensive Language • MSc Global Corporations and Policy (Online) • LLM Islamic Law • MA ... and Intensive Language (Turkish) • MPhil/PhD in South Asian Studies • MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy • LLM Law and Gender • MA Iranian Studies • MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy (Online) • LLM Law, Development and Globalisation • MA Iranian Studies and Intensive Persian South East Asia • MSc Global Public Policy (Online) • MA Environmental Law and Sustainable Development • MA Islamic Studies • MA ... and Intensive Language • MPhil/PhD in Global Studies • MA Human Rights Law • MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies (South East Asian Language) • MA International Law • MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies and Intensive • MA South East and Pacific Asian Studies Japan and Korea • MA Islamic Law Languages • MPhil/PhD in South East Asian Studies • MA ... and Intensive Language (Japanese) • MA Legal Studies (General Programme) • PhD in Near and Middle Eastern Studies • MA ... and Intensive Language (Korean) • MPhil/PhD Law • MA Japanese Studies Politics and International Studies • MA Japanese Studies (Dual Degree Programme) Linguistics • MSc International Politics • MA Japanese Studies and Intensive Language • MA Linguistics • MSc Political Thought • MA Korean Studies • MA Linguistics and Intensive Language • MSc Politics of Africa • MA Korean Studies and Intensive Language • MA Translation • MSc Politics of Asia • MPhil/PhD in Japanese and Korean Studies • MPhil/PhD in Linguistics • MSc Politics of Conflict, Rights & Justice • MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies • MSc Politics of the Middle East • MPhil/PhD in Politics and International Studies Media Studies • MA Global Media and Communications • MA Global Media and Digital Cultures (Online) • MA Media in Development • MPhil/PhD in Media Studies

42 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 43 What you need to know

Now that you've made the decision to go to university, find out how to successfully complete your application.

How to apply �� 46 Qualifications �� 48 Visa requirements �� 50 English language and academic preparation ��52 English language requirements �� 54 Fees and financial support �� 56 School policies �� 58

44 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 45 How to apply

Undergraduate Degrees: statement and relevant experience into the following year by contacting the Masters education after a break. consideration. We accept applications for Admissions team at the beginning of the new If you have been out of formal education All applicants for undergraduate degree the forthcoming academic year from application cycle. for some time or left school without the programmes at SOAS must apply through November onwards. For more information, visit: necessary qualifications, you may be advised the Universities and Colleges Admissions � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/faqs/ to consider an option such as an Access to Service (UCAS) online at: Applications won’t be considered unless accepting/ HE Diploma. � www.ucas.com they’re complete, with all necessary supporting documentation, including Transfer students If you gain a place, you may also wish to The UCAS form allows you to apply to academic transcripts, degree certificate (if attend a one-week bridging course during up to five institutions or degrees. If you you’ve graduated), supporting statement If you wish to transfer from another UK the summer prior to the start of your studies. require further assistance with completing and CV. university to SOAS, either to continue a This programme is designed to familiarise the online application form, please contact similar programme or to start another you with studying at SOAS. UCAS either by phone on 0371 468 0468 Deferred entry: undergraduate programme, you must do so through UCAS. (+44 330 3330 230 from outside the UK) For further information visit: � www.soas.ac.uk/widening-participation/ or online at: SOAS is happy to consider applicants who Each case is looked at individually: you outreach/mature-students/ � www.ucas.com wish to take a year out to gain some specific should give full details of your qualifications, experience or to take part in projects. the modules you have taken at university If you need to speak to us about your and the examinations you have passed there. Application Questions application, please contact: You should apply in your final year of school We also require an academic reference from [email protected] and remember to mention or college, and indicate on the UCAS form your current university tutor to be included For any further questions relating to your your UCAS number (which you will be that you wish to defer your admission. in your UCAS application. application, please email us directly at given by UCAS once they have received [email protected] quoting your UCAS or and processed your form) and the degree There is a special section in the form for For further information, visit: postgraduate application number. programme(s) for which you have applied. deferral, which you must remember to � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/ug/ For more information, visit: complete. If your plans are relevant to your howtoapply/ For assistance completing the online � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/ug/ degree choice, it is advisable to mention application form, please contact UCAS: howtoapply/ them in your personal statement. Disabled students 0371 468 0468 (+44 330 3330 230 from outside the UK) Postgraduate Degrees For further information, visit: Applications from disabled students are � www.ucas.com � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/ug/ considered using the standard academic You can apply for the degrees or options howtoapply/ criteria regardless of any disability, and listed below online at: any related information supplied is treated � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/ Deferred entry: postgraduate as confidential. howtoapply or on each course webpage: If you wish to defer your postgraduate offer, You are encouraged to disclose any disability • Postgraduate Taught Programmes you should email your request to the Masters that you may have, as this will help us to • Postgraduate Research Programmes Admissions team, stating the reasons for work with you and plan for your support • Graduate Diploma in Economics your deferral. We can defer your offer to needs and for any adjustments the School • Certificate Programmes the next academic year providing you have may need to make. • Visiting Research Students accepted your offer and paid the £1,000 deposit. There is no need to submit a new For further information, visit: Your information is transmitted through a application when requesting a deferral, � www.soas.ac.uk/disability/applying/ secure server and kept confidential until you however you may be asked to provide submit your application, when it becomes updated supporting documentation. Mature students (over 21) available to admissions staff. We assess applications as a whole and take academic Offers that are not accepted by the deadline We welcome applications from those achievements, references, a supporting will be suspended, but can be reinstated for who are considering returning to

46 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 47 Qualifications

Admissions staff take all available information programme before admissions to an Postgraduate research they have chosen. Languages at the into consideration when assessing an undergraduate degree. School are usually taught from application. You must demonstrate that you Each application is considered carefully and beginner level. have achieved (or are expected to achieve) Students who are not qualified for direct we aim to make a decision within five weeks. the appropriate entry requirements for the entry to a degree should apply to the ICC At some times of the year it may take longer, However, admissions tutors will look degree you are applying to. International Foundation Programme run so we encourage you to apply as early for evidence of language learning ability by the IFCELS department at SOAS. All ICC as possible. in a classroom situation, such as study In addition to looking at the suitability students are guaranteed an offer of a place of a second language. If you have prior of your prior and potential academic on any SOAS degree and the programme is Research students at SOAS are initially knowledge of the language you may be profile, our admissions staff consider also recognised throughout the UK. registered for an MPhil and, usually by able to start your degree at an advanced your whole application, including your More information: the end of June in the first full-time year, level of language study. personal statement. You should provide � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/ugfoundation/ are transferred to PhD registration if their considered and persuasive reasons for Email: [email protected] progress is satisfactory. For further information, email: your choice of subject(s). [email protected] Postgraduate taught You’ll need at least a 2:2 degree (or Considerable weight is also given to the international equivalent) in a Masters degree Access courses academic reference. In light of the range SOAS welcomes applications from students You’ll need at least a 2:2 degree classification from a recognised university to apply for our of factors that are taken into account on appropriate access courses. For those in a bachelor’s degree from a recognised MPhil/PhD programmes. when considering an application, please hoping to study law at SOAS, an Access to university or international equivalent. note that having or being predicted Law Course is highly recommended. Please Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in If you have any questions about your grades, qualifications which meet the published note: All applicants offering non-traditional an appropriate field may need to complete you can email us directly: entry requirements does not qualifications, including Access courses, are a qualifying year or one-year diploma, � [email protected] guarantee acceptance. required to take the Law National Admissions although relevant work experience might be Test (LNAT). considered. Individual courses often have Find out more at: Undergraduate qualifications specific entry requirements, so please check � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/research/ the programme pages in the prospectus or howtoapply SOAS accepts a range of qualifications online, or email us directly. from international applicants including [email protected] Entry requirements for A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) and � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/ degree language study European Baccalaureate (EB) certificates. howtoapply/ Applicants who are hoping to study Please check our website for specific languages as a single or two-subject requirements for each programme, or If your score falls below our requirements degree do not need any previous contact us directly: or you’d like to fully prepare for study or experience of studying the languages � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/ug/entryreq research we can help. Our International Email: [email protected] Foundation Courses and English Language Studies (IFCELS) department offers the The school-leaving qualifications of FDPS Pre-Master’s Diploma and shorter some countries are not recognised by the programmes focused on developing English School as meeting its minimum entrance language and academic skills. You should requirements. apply to IFCELS at SOAS directly at: � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/pgfoundation Applicants from these countries and those who do not hold a qualification recognised For more information on entry requirements by the School are required to supplement in your country visit: their studies with GCSE, A-Levels, the � www.soas.ac.uk/yourcountry/ International Baccalaureate or a Foundation

48 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 49 Visa requirements

Do you need a visa to study Making an application Other useful information The Graduate Entrepreneur Visa has been in the UK? replaced by the Start-Up visa. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months The Student visa usually allows you to work If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national arriving before the start of your programme. It is (part-time, paid or unpaid) for up to 20 Graduate Immigration route in the UK on or after 1 January 2021 or if very important that you check your visa hours per week during term time. Successful you are a national of a country outside the requirements and allow enough time for the applicants from outside the UK will be issued We understand that this visa is due to be EEA you will need a Student Visa unless your application which can take several weeks. Do an entry visa vignette (sticker in your passport) introduced from “Summer 2021”. Full details programme is less than 6 months long in not book a non-refundable air-ticket until you to travel to the UK. You will need to collect of the visa route have not yet been released which case you will require a Standard have your visa and passport and make sure a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a but UKVI have indicated that applicants will Visitor Visa. you keep everything you need to show with post office within ten days of arriving in the need a valid Tier 4 or Student visa at the you in your hand luggage when you travel. The UK. In some circumstances, you may also be time they apply. Students with visas expiring More information about the conditions, Student visa application fee and information required to register with the police when you and completing their course before the requirements, and application process for a about the compulsory Immigration Health arrive. Further information and guidance can new route is introduced will be unable to Student visa can be found on our website: Surcharge can be found on our website. be found at: apply for the graduate visa. Individuals will � www.soas.ac.uk/international/entry/ only be able to obtain a graduate visa once � www.soas.ac.uk/international/entry/ � www.soas.ac.uk/ rather than after each successive degree. applying-for-student-visas/ studentadviceandwellbeing/students/ The graduate visa will be granted for 2 years immigration (except for PhD graduates who will be given a visa for 3 years). Please keep a look out for You may need a visa to join the Academic more information from the UK Government Summer School depending on which and the SOAS webpages about this visa type country you are coming from. International as new information gets released closer to students should refer to the relevant pages the introduction of the visa. on the SOAS website:

� www.soas.ac.uk/international/entry

If you are currently studying in the UK on a Tier 4 or Student visa and providing you have not completed your studies, you will be able to attend SOAS’s Summer School, providing that you obtain a letter of permission from your home university.

50 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 51 English language and academic preparation

International Foundation FDPS Pre-Master’s programme Pre-sessional English courses Courses and English FDPS is a 10-month preparatory programme, SOAS Pre-sessional English courses run for On the subject courses, academic and combining academic and English language four or eight weeks from the end of June English teaching are combined so that Language Studies (IFCELS) study, and research and study skills. If your until late September and are designed for the content is accessible to students with first language isn’t English, it’s the ideal international students who have narrowly an intermediate to upper-intermediate IFCELS is one of the UK's leading centres of pathway into Social Sciences, Business, failed to meet the English language entry level of English. expertise in International Foundation, Pre- Finance, Management, Arts, and Humanities requirements for undergraduate and master's and Academic English Programmes. programmes at SOAS and other top UK postgraduate degrees. Read more and apply: universities. DPS students are guaranteed � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/summer a conditional offer of a place on Master’s The courses aim to develop students' Programmes degrees at SOAS, plus a 10% discount on English language and study skills to the In-sessional English courses tuition fees. level required for them to be successful in In-sessional courses, which are free of ICC International Foundation their studies and to help students gain an charge and non-credit bearing, are provided Programme (IFP) Read more at: understanding of the academic and cultural by IFCELS’ team of expert teachers, to ICC is a 30 week programme which runs from � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/pgfoundation context of university study so that they will students for whom English is not their September 2021 until July 2022. It is designed be able to participate in and benefit fully first language, and who need support in for students wishing to progress to degrees in English Language and Academic Studies from their degree programme. Academic English and Academic Study Business and Management-related subjects, Programme (ELAS) Skills while on degree programmes at Economics and Finance, Law, the Social ELAS is a 3, 6, or 9-month Diploma Pre-sessional details, entry requirements SOAS. Classes take the form of two-hour Sciences, Media and the Humanities. Programme in Academic English. It covers and application: sessions once a week over a five or ten-week English language, academic study, research � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/presessional period. Examples of courses offered include The flexible programme structure allows methods, and IELTS preparation, and Academic Essay Writing, Seminar Speaking students to choose two academic modules modules in International Business, Social IFCELS Summer programme Skills, Reading and Note-taking, Dissertation from a range of nine, so they can create their Science or Humanities. You can even use Enjoy summer in London by studying on Writing and 1-1 tutorials. own pathway to the degree of their choice. your mark in the Academic English module campus for three, six or nine weeks and to demonstrate your English proficiency, stay in the SOAS halls of residence at a Read more: ICC integrates subject study with academic meaning you won’t need an IELTS or other special rate. � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/insessional English and study skills so students develop test score to apply for a SOAS degree. academic knowledge and skills and learn the As well as developing students' academic subject-specific language they need to study Learn more at: and English language skills and knowledge, successfully at degree level. � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/elas the IFCELS Summer Programme offers an introduction to university study through the Students are guaranteed offers for all SOAS Academic Summer School medium of English in the UK and can be degrees and receive a 10% discount on tuition Our Academic Summer School offers a "taster" for students thinking of taking a fees for the full period of their undergraduate students the chance to try out a subject longer programme at SOAS or elsewhere. study. The programme Certificate is also before moving on to further studies. recognised across the UK as a valid entry Choose from a range of subjects such The IFCELS Summer Programme offers qualification. Since 2015 over 80% of ICC as Law, Politics, Economics, Finance and International Students a range of 11 students have progressed to SOAS or a top Business, Development Studies, Cultural and different courses - some with a subject 30 UK university and 65% have gone on to Area Studies. For more information on the focus (Business, Art, Environment/ a college of the University of London. Academic Summer school, visit the website: Development, Literature, International � www.soas.ac.uk/summerschool/ Relations, Film) and others aimed at Read more and apply: language improvement (Reading and � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/icc Writing - intermediate and advanced level courses, English Language Skills).

52 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 53 English language Our International requirements Recruitment Team

If your first language is not English, you must SOAS accepts a variety of English Our student recruitment team is on hand Key SOAS contacts provide evidence of your English language qualifications for entry either directly throughout the application process to offer ability before admission to the School. or with a Pre-sessional course at a all the support and guidance you need. If you have any questions, please contact the variety of levels. international recruitment specialist for your Language competence is generally Virtual events and country/region: demonstrated by success in one or more Please note that you do not need to sit an in-person visits � www.soas.ac.uk/msr/staff/ of a range of English tests, although other English Language test prior to applying to evidence may be acceptable, including A your chosen programme at SOAS. If you We regularly participate in a number of Level grades. are required to sit an English test, this will events (both online and in person) to meet In-country representatives be stated in your offer letter from us. If you with prospective students, applicants and This requirement is specified in order believe you meet the English Language offer holders. The team attends education We work with a number of in-country to ensure that the academic progress requirements for admission, you should exhibitions and arranges visits to schools, representatives who support students in of students is not hindered by language email this evidence to the admissions team universities and agent offices. These visits finding courses, applying to universities and difficulties and that students are able to after applying. and events provide the perfect opportunity submitting visa applications. To find out integrate socially whilst studying at SOAS and for you to find out more about the School. which representatives we work with in your living in the UK. Email: [email protected] country, visit: To see what’s going on in your area, visit: � www.soas.ac.uk/yourcountry/ Acceptable qualifications Read more: � www.soas.ac.uk/international/events/ The following examples apply for entry into � www.soas.ac.uk/international/ SOAS degree course. englishrequirements/ � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels/presessional/ For direct unconditional entry with a free in-sessional orientation course requirement, the minimum scores are:

Overall Listening Reading Speaking Writing

IELTS 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5 Academic

TOEFL iBT 100 21 21 21 23

PTE 65 60 60 60 65 Academic

The minimum scores for entry to the longest pre-sessional course at SOAS (8 weeks) are:

Overall Listening Reading Speaking Writing

IELTS 6.0 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5

TOEFL iBT 90 18 18 20 18

PTE 60 55 55 55 55 Academic

54 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 55 Fees and financial support

Fees Payment of fees Scholarships and awards

The tuition fee rates for each academic Tuition fees are payable in full before, We offer a wide range of scholarships to year are posted on our website. For the or at, enrolment at the beginning of help students to finance their postgraduate current fee rates and information on ways each academic year. However, fee studies and research. to pay, please see: payments in two equal instalments by � www.soas.ac.uk/fees debit or credit card are available for Scholarships at SOAS are awarded through self-funding students undertaking a competitive application process. Most Please note that there may be additional on-campus degree programmes. If your deadlines for these are in the January and costs incurred relating to some optional fees are being paid by Student Finance, a February before your academic year of entry. modules, field trips and the cost of living sponsor or other government funding body There are also a number of scholarships abroad if you undertake a study abroad then you must provide proof of this before from external funders such as the British programme. Please refer to the website or at enrolment. Government. for up-to-date information. Fees include charges for tuition and To read more about our complete range of For IFCELS fees, please see: examination. For further information visit: awards, deadlines, criteria, and application � www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels � www.soas.ac.uk/fees instructions, as well as links to external funding bodies, visit: Fee status Before you arrive � www.soas.ac.uk/registry/scholarships

SOAS charges tuition fees at the Home or Your Ministry of Education or Education See pg. 26 for information on scholarships. Overseas rate, depending on your fee status. Department will have details of most Your fee status depends on several factors, scholarship schemes and be able to advise including residency and immigration. For you on your government’s conditions for information on fee status regulations and studying abroad. You can also find advice on legislation, and to calculate your own fees funding at: status, please see the UKCISA website: � www.soas.ac.uk/scholarships � www.ukcisa.org.uk Details on scholarship schemes, educational If you have a query about your fees status, programmes and living in the UK can all be please contact us and we will send found on the British Council website at: you a fees questionnaire: � www.educationuk.org/global [email protected] If there’s no British Council office in your country, contact the nearest British Council Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate for advice on studying in the UK.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs offers advice on subjects such as immigration, visas, fees, funding, and living, working and studying in the UK at: � www.ukcisa.org.uk

56 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 57 School policies

Terms and conditions Equality and diversity Freedom of Expression: Complaints procedure Statement of Principles You can find the most up-to-date SOAS is made up of a diverse population For our admissions complaints procedure specification and regulations for each of students and staff. This diversity is one SOAS is committed to the pursuit and please see our website: programme at the bottom of the structure of our greatest strengths, and in order to dissemination of knowledge. This can only � www.soas.ac.uk/infocomp/ tab on each individual programme page. consolidate and build upon it, equality be conducted effectively in an atmosphere admissions-process Find your programme page at: of opportunity and the absence of unfair of open enquiry, mutual tolerance and discrimination must be at the core of all intellectual freedom. In practice this means Undergraduate: our activities. that we acknowledge the paramount � www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/ug/progs importance of freedom of expression. The School recognises the link between Freedom of expression may not be Postgraduate: quality and equality and will not discriminate exercised to threaten the safety or freedom � www.soas.ac.uk/pg-degrees-subject/ in the recruitment or treatment of students of expression of others. In making this or staff on the basis of: age, disability, assertion, the School endorses the principles ethnicity/race, gender, marital status, of the Universal Declaration of Human Admissions policy nationality, religion/belief, sexual identity, Rights and related international covenants. sexual orientation or any other factor that is We are committed to providing high-quality not relevant to their academic development. education to all, regardless of background, colour, nationality, ethnic or national For the full text of the School’s Equality origin, gender, disability, sexual identity or and Diversity statement, please see: religion. Applicants are welcomed from � www.soas.ac.uk/equalitydiversity/ all backgrounds and will be considered statement on the basis of their academic ability and potential to benefit from the programme. SOAS actively ensures that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.

Our admissions policy can be found in full at: � www.soas.ac.uk/admin/governance/ policies

58 soas.ac.uk soas.ac.uk 59 Useful contacts

Student Recruitment Office/ International Office

For all enquiries prior to submission of an application and for advice on studying at SOAS, including available programmes and modules, entry requirements, application procedures, housing, living costs etc.

T: +44 (0) 20 7898 4700 E: [email protected]

60 soas.ac.uk