Research
SOAS is unique. It is the only higher education institution in the UK specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. With more than 350 academics dedicated to research and teaching in these areas, it has become one of the world’s leading institutions of its kind.
The 2008 independent assessment of the quality of research activities in UK universities (the RAE) puts SOAS amongst the top research universities in the country.
SOAS has achieved much in this research assessment. In addition to our premier position in Asian Studies, four of our units of assessment have figured in the top 25% as compared with their equivalent departments nationally, namely Anthropology, History, Music, and Politics.
In the majority of SOAS submissions at least 60% of the staff submitted were ranked at either the highest grade of 4* (world-leading quality) or 3* (internationally excellent):
- Music: 80% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- Anthropology: 70% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- Asian Studies: 65% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- Study of Religions: 65% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- History: 60% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- Middle East and African Studies: 60% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
- Politics: 60% of the submission was graded 3* or 4*
In the 2008/2009 financial year, SOAS research staff were awarded £4.8 million in external research grants from various organisations. The Research Office provides support and guidance for members of academic staff who wish to apply for external funding for research. The Research Office is located in Room 336 of the Main SOAS building we operate an open door policy from Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.
By using the links on the left you can find resources that you will help you identify and apply for research funding. The Research pages will be the main method of communicating new developments and initiatives within the research community. The contents of these pages will be continually updated and modified to meet your needs. If you have any comments and/or ideas for these research pages please contact Robert Whiteing rw35@soas.ac.uk.
For advice on research degrees and student funding opportunities please contact the Registry on registrar@soas.ac.uk
