SOAS and Nazarbayev University launch joint programme in Global Affairs and Eurasian Studies

A new joint one-year Master’s in Global Affairs and Eurasian Studies with Nazarbayev University (NU) Kazakhstan was launched today at SOAS University of London. This agreement signifies the first joint Master’s programme in Kazakhstan with a UK university.

NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad and SOAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib were joined by representatives from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK at the formal signing ceremony for this new equitable partnership.

The joint Master's will cover the geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the political landscapes of Russia, China, and broader Eurasia. Co designed by the Department of Politics and International Studies, under the leadership of Professor Matt Nelson and colleagues at NU, Dr Bhavna Davé's extensive experience in Central Asia and research in Kazakh over 30 years was central in forming this partnership.

Today’s announcement shows our continued commitment to make education more accessible in our regions. Our international partnerships are at the very heart of what we stand for as a university.

Professor Adam Habib said: “Today’s announcement shows our continued commitment to make education more accessible in our regions. We are incredibly proud to be moving forward with this innovative joint programme - where students will have the opportunity to live and study in two world capitals - Astana and London. Our international partnerships are at the very heart of what we stand for as a university.” 

NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad stated: “Nazarbayev University and SOAS are extraordinary institutions. I am delighted that we are joining forces to offer this unique Master's programme, providing students an exceptional opportunity to study and gain practical experience in global relations through carefully chosen placements.”

Responding to the growing demands for English-language taught programmes in Kazakhstan, the programme has been designed to equip students with the analytical tools, regional insights, and the knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with an increasingly complex, volatile, and unpredictable global environment.

Students will have the opportunity to study a one-year programme in both London and Astana with a single tuition fee. The first semester will be spent at SOAS, and the second semester will be at NU where students will be offered an optional internship in a diplomatic or NGO setting. Each student will be co-supervised by an academic from NU and SOAS.

The programme will be available from September 2026.