How to apply for postgraduate study

At SOAS we offer over 100 postgraduate taught degree programmes. To find the program which is right for you, have a look at our postgraduate taught courses. Each programme page provides information about the programme content, specific entry requirements, delivery methods, mode of study, and tuition fees. 

You can only apply to and hold an offer for one postgraduate programme at SOAS per year. As part of your application, you can let us know if you have a second-choice programme. You will initially be considered for your first choice. Your second choice will only be considered if you are not successful for your first choice of programme or if you change your mind about which programme is best for you. 

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, SOAS will only sponsor you for full-time studies. If you are considering applying for a scholarship or financial sponsorship to fund your studies, we advise you to submit your application as early as possible. 

Academic 

For our Master’s programmes, we will consider a 2:2 or above Bachelor (honours) degree or international equivalent. Each programme has slightly different requirements so remember to check individual degree programme pages for any subject-specific entry requirements. 

Check country-specific requirements on our entry requirements pages. 

English language 

All applicants must be able to demonstrate that their English is at the level required to successfully engage with their degree programme. 

You can find the required scores and accepted evidence, tests, and qualifications for our courses on our English language requirements pages. 

International preparatory courses 

Our IFCELS department offers a range of programmes to help prepare international students for study at SOAS. This includes programmes designed to improve academic English skills, and short courses on various subjects across the arts, humanities and social sciences. 

If your English isn’t at the required level, your academic qualification is not equivalent to a UK Bachelor (honours) degree, or you haven’t quite met the entry grades, these programmes may help you fulfil the entry requirements. 

Required documentation 

Make sure you have all the required documents ready when you submit your application; these include:  

• Academic qualifications:
  • Colour scans of degree transcripts listing your qualification and all modules studied and marks achieved as part of your degree.
  • If you are currently studying, you should provide an interim transcript.
  • If you have completed your degree, you should also provide your certificate.
  • Where your academic documents are not originally in English, you must provide certified English translations in addition to the original documents.
• Proof of your English language level (this is not mandatory at the time of application but it will help with the processing of your application).
• A copy of the identity page of your passport.
• A CV or resume.
• Supporting statement: around 1000 words in length, explaining your motivations and suitability to study your chosen programme.
  • Your statement should be written in your own words; please do not use templates.
• References are not required as part of a Masters application. However, if you do wish to include a reference as part of your application, please upload one under the Document section of the application.

We aim to process a complete application within a 4-week period. If we need more information to assess your application, we will contact you via email.  

If your application is successful, you can find more information on the next steps on our dedicated offer holders page.