Department of Religions and Philosophies

Overview

At SOAS, you can study a wider range of religious and philosophical traditions than any other programme in the field. With our highly diverse expertise, our comprehensive resources, and our interdisciplinary approach we offer a unique learning and research environment for a truly inter-cultural approach to systems of belief and thought in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Meet the academics.

Our Head of Department says...

At SOAS, we study philosophy and religion because they have been powerful and enduring forces in all societies at all times. A culture’s religion and philosophical thinking encapsulates its people’s values and ideas and is integrally related to a sense of identity for many. So in studying philosophy and religion one is studying how people reflect on and react to what they consider to be of value. As understanding philosophy and religion will be key to your study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, I invite you to join one of our exciting programmes for a single or joint degree. Our modules are taught by specialists of international standing and bring to light the latest scholarship in philosophy and the academic study of world religions.

Facts and figures

12th in UK

QS World University Rankings 2022 (for History)

Our research

The SOAS Religions and Philosophies Department offers a vibrant, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment. Our members of staff cover a wide range of religious traditions, geographic areas, and methodological approaches to the study of religions.

We have been very successful in acquiring research funding, we host a number of research centres, and we are actively engaged in professional networks with scholars worldwide. 

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