About

SOAS University of London is a specialist public research university focused on the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A member of the University of London, SOAS is internationally renowned for its expertise in languages, cultures, politics, economics, law and development studies relating to these regions.

Founded in 1916 and located in Bloomsbury, SOAS brings together scholars, students and practitioners from around the world to address global challenges through research, teaching and public engagement. 

With a student and academic community representing over 130 nationalities, we’re known for our interdisciplinary approach and commitment to understanding societies beyond Europe and North America.

SOAS is recognised globally for its teaching and research on the societies, economies, histories, cultures and languages of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The university is particularly known for:

• Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages
• Development studies and global inequality research
• International politics and diplomacy
• Law, human rights and social justice
• Economics and political economy
• Anthropology, religion and cultural studies
• Music, arts and heritage from Africa and Asia 

SOAS applies this deep regional expertise to contemporary global issues – from migration and climate justice to economic development, conflict, governance and cultural change. Find out more about how SOAS research shapes global understanding.

SOAS alumni make up political leaders, diplomats, academics, journalists, activists, writers and business figures across the world. Among our most prominent alumni:

• David Lammy: one of the most prominent Black British politicians, the Labour MP graduated with an LLB in 1993.
• Maro Itoje: a professional international rugby Itoje earned a BA in Politics in 2018
• Zeinab Badawi: our current President and a highly-regarded journalist and international broadcaster, Badawi graduated in 1989 with an MA in Middle East History and Anthropology.
• Nick Mulvey: the Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter graduated with a BA in Music Studies in 2007.
• Fatima Bhutto: the award-winning writer and columnist graduated with an MA South Asian Studies in 2005.