Padraig Belton
MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies & Certificate in Arabic

I happily give to SOAS, my two courses and my lecturers my warmest recommendation.
MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies & Certificate in Arabic
I happily give to SOAS, my two courses and my lecturers my warmest recommendation.
MMus Ethnomusicology
I chose SOAS because it is the only place in London where I could gain a broad knowledge of Music in the Middle East.
MA History of Art and Archaeology (Near & Middle East & South East Asia)
The insight provided, knowledge delivered and understanding transmitted during lectures, seminars and conferences at SOAS is impressive and requires real personal involvement in the topics.
MSc Public Policy & Management
CeFiMS offered me a truly unique experience of top class education combined with an opportunity to achieve my full potential…
MSc in Environmental Management
The knowledge gained has helped me by improving both the skills and quality of my work…
MA in Taiwan Studies
Studying for my MA in Taiwan Studies at SOAS was a wonderful experience
MSc International Studies and Diplomacy
SOAS attracts such high calibre students with international backgrounds, I have not only enjoyed socialising with my classmates, but have learnt much from them as well.
PhD South Asia
The most lucrative resource has been the SOAS library which has an excellent South Asia collection
MPhil Development Studies
The past two years at SOAS have been most challenging and stimulating at the same time.
MSc Finance and Financial Law
There is absolutely no question that I would recommend SOAS to anyone interested in a hybrid finance and law master's program. It's a place like no other, and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered going back for another course. Hopefully one day…
PhD Study of Religions
The MA year was probably one of the most life-changing experiences in my life, and it was paramount in my decision to continue my studies towards an academic career.
PhD History
If you are interested in a truly global history, then SOAS is the place to study.
MA Global Media and Postnational Communication
SOAS is the ultimate place for intellectual thinking about the world with special attention to cultural and political issues.
MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
SOAS is a truly great institution that provides a stimulating learning environment with extensive resources and outstanding teaching staff.
MA Chinese Studies
SOAS was the ideal place for me to study cross-Strait relations
PhD Gender Studies
SOAS came to my mind naturally as it is well-known for its regional specialization and individual staff’s strength on gender studies.
MA Global Media and Postnational Communication
I was drawn to the university’s outstanding reputation in my area of interest (the Middle East, particularly Iran) as well as the availability of postgraduate programmes that could complement a career in journalism.
PhD South East Asian Studies
SEA is one of not many departments in the world where Thai cinema has been intensively taught and studied.
MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies
SOAS seemed the natural place to come, not only because of its fantastic location in the heart of London, but also because of its specialist focus and its diverse student body.
MSc International Management (Japan)
SOAS is a unique university in which to study management and its environment in Japan
MSc Globalisation and Development
The flexibility of the department to customize my classes was extremely appreciated so I could focus on the gendered component of globalisation.
MA Anthropology of Food
I loved every aspect of my MA. The teaching was exceptional; our seminars were intellectually stimulating and fascinating.
MA International Studies and Diplomacy
SOAS is the best place to learn about other cultures, not just through its courses but through the various social activities and interactions.
PhD Development Studies
Above all, being at SOAS is like coming ‘home’. It’s a place where I feel entirely comfortable in my own skin, while also being challenged to question who I am, and what I stand for.
MSc Political Economy of Development
SOAS is an amazing place, it has the most interesting lectures and events pertaining to a whole range of relevant issues.
MA Gender Studies
SOAS is a great place for collaborative learning and one that provides unique opportunities.
Ma International and Comparative Commercial Law
If I was to describe SOAS in one sentence it would be, ‘strong, ongoing, aspiring, successful’
PhD in Linguistics
My main reason for coming to SOAS was that this was the only place where there was a specialist who could supervise my thesis.
MSc State, Society and Development
SOAS is the place to be
MMus Ethnomusicology
It is fantastic being part of this wonderful community and having the opportunity to say and do things that would just cause bewilderment anywhere else! It really is a special place.
MA in Chinese Studies
There is some sort of positive vibe that makes this place highly addictive.
MSc Labour, Social Movements and Development
Deciding to come here will be one of the greatest decisions you ever make. You will find a warm, welcoming second home in the centre of London.
MA Anthropology of Development
Beyond academia, there is a lot of opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities at the SOAS.
MSc Finance and Financial Law
Part of the reason I chose SOAS over others is because it offered the Islamic Banking and Finance elective module.
MA Gender Studies
SOAS truly opens up a horizon of possibilities, possibilities you can explore and build upon.
MSc International Management (MENA)
In short, SOAS is a place where you feel that the world meets, but without boundaries
MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy
Having been part of SOAS is something I never want to miss in my life and whenever passing through London I will come back “home” to SOAS for a visit.
MSc Political Economy of Development
SOAS is a place where people find a home, and that is why so many, like myself, always seem to return; be it to study, protest, debate, or even just have a cup of tea.
MA Middle Eastern Studies
SOAS is truly a microcosm in the heart of London.
MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies
The MA fundamentally challenge the perceptions students have of migration and allow students to critically question our own perceptions.
MA Southeast Asian Studies
SOAS encourages and motivates its student to believe in themselves, and that is exactly what I have done.
MSc in Sustainable Development
When I discovered the MSc course in Sustainable Development on the internet I was thrilled because I could study part-time and work, all at the same time.
MSc Sustainable Development (specialism: Environmental Management)
I researched many online programs in US, Canada, and UK, but I found that the SOAS CeDEP Master of Science is the one that suited my needs best, in terms of quality, content, flexibility and finances.
MSc in Sustainable Development
The learning experience was exciting and interesting yet with some challenges also.
PG Dip Public Financial Management
I can assure my sponsor that the studies I undertook were value for money and have helped me tremendously in my career development. I would recommend studying through CeFiMS to anybody.
MSc Global Energy and Climate Policy
I would strongly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in contemporary energy and climate issues.
MSc Finance & Financial Law
Doing the MSc was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I can already see the benefits on a daily basis at work.
MSc Finance (major: Financial Sector Management)
This programme is designed perfectly for people already working in the financial industry
MSc Public Policy & Management
The distance learning mode is a very efficient way to study, especially for someone like me who had a full-time job and a family to look after.
CISD staff and the lecturers are super-dedicated and approachable, ready to make you feel part of the family.
At an academic and social level, the SOAS experience definitely exceeded my expectations!
CISD opened my eyes on the multitude of world visions, and helped me develop, articulate and believe in my own.
I gained academic and personal skills which I am now using on a day-to-day basis in my professional activities.
Nowhere in the world will you have the chance to meet so many helpful and caring staff, people who are truly interested in seeing you succeed.
CISD is a unique place where the West meets the East. Wherever you are from, you could feel that you are welcomed, accepted, and appreciated.
MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies
The range of academic expertise and specialised postgraduate courses show why the Department of Anthropology and Sociology continues to be so popular.
MA Global Media and Postnational Communication
The Centre for Media and Film Studies has been a turning point in my academic, professional, and epistemological life. I will never read, watch or receive information or media products as before.
Berkay Gulen, MSc International Politics
If you are looking for alternative approaches and think that “another way is possible”, SOAS can be the right choice.
MA Postcolonial Studies
I can't recommend this course enough for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of our contemporary world
PhD Finance and Management
The friendly research atmosphere, extensive library resources and academic training courses will help to stimulate your inspiration, promote your talent, and push yourself to new academic heights.
MA Media and the Middle East
The Media and Middle East degree is one in a million
MPhil/PhD Programme CCLPS
The MPhil/PhD programme offered by the CCLPS is a challenging and rewarding experience.
MA in Cultural Studies
"MA Cultural Studies in SOAS is a course where I was forced to question my perceptions, reexamine my beliefs, and widen my (mental) map.
MA Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism pathway
The multilingual culture and great diversity at SOAS makes it a unique place to study.
MA Religions of Asia and Africa
The Study of Religions department offers the perfect combination of unparalleled breadth of modules with excellent teaching by leading academics.
PhD Buddhist Studies
I would describe my time at SOAS as some of the happiest years of my life.
MSc Finance and Financial Law
I have found the MSc Finance and Financial Law degree particularly useful since it has added essentials of finance including but not limited to concepts of risk management, financial markets, banking and investment to my skill-set
MSc Finance and Financial Law (2012-2013)
I would recommend the MSc Finance and Financial Law programme at SOAS for those who are interested in both finance and financial law while also wish to compare the differences between jurisdictions.
At SOAS, I have learnt how to read a variety of texts critically and analytically and then to write about them in engaging ways.
The teaching has been passionate and engaging with a level of expertise hard to find elsewhere.
Studying history at SOAS has been a life-changing experience.
Studying Buddhism at SOAS is certainly an enjoyable journey full of enlightenment and encouragement.
MSc Environment, Politics and Development
SOAS offers such an open environment that fosters creative learning and encourages students to be proactive.
MA Japanese Studies with Intensive Language
SOAS has an excellent reputation and my chosen course fitted my interests perfectly. So far my time here has exceeded every expectation.
MA International Studies and Diplomacy
One of the things that make SOAS truly unique is the cultural diversity. You can meet people from all across the globe and understand better the place where they are coming from
MPhil/PhD International Development
SOAS is an utterly special institution, unrivalled both in the UK and internationally. It is a space where ideas at the margins of the academic mainstream develop, flourish and spread.
MPhil/PhD Film Studies
SOAS has allowed me to achieve more than I ever believed I was capable of - if someone had told me five years ago that I would be studying towards a PhD now, I would be more than surprised!
MA International Studies and Diplomacy
I have also been pleased with the quality of teaching. Lectures are engaging and seminars thought-provoking. I like the fact that we always apply the theory to current, real events and that the teachers push us to think outside the box and challenge our preconceptions.
MSc Environment, Politics and Development
I had dreamt about applying to SOAS since I started my undergraduate degree as it was presented to me as one of the best schools to study international development.
MSc Environment, Politics and Development
SOAS has given me the space to ask questions of myself and of my studies which I hadn’t had before, it gives you the academic and ideological freedom to explore your own ideas.
MA in Advanced Chinese Studies
I immensely enjoyed my undergraduate and knew that my only ambition was to take the interests that I had developed in its course forward into postgraduate study.
The professors I had were all high quality, and willing to spend the extra time going over concepts, or taking time during class to have in depth discussions.
The teaching focuses not just on lectures, but small discussion groups as well as ready access to individual support and guidance. All within a world-class university, and the library is excellent.
The teaching faculty is par excellence….. SOAS rightfully boasts of an exceptionally resourceful library, a paradise of sorts for bookworms and students alike! ….. SOAS has a special place in my heart.
The knowledge and enthusiasm regarding South Asia at SOAS made me proud of belonging to the region as well as embarrassed of how little I knew about it
Let me put it like this: studying South Asia at SOAS is a greatly enriching experience.
The course touched different topics and it opened my mind to diversified South Asian cultures, social issues and literature...
The MA, course tutors and overall SOAS experience invigorated and inspired me more than I could ever have imagined.
Taking an MA in Turkish Studies at SOAS has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
My time at SOAS has exceeded my expectations.
SOAS opens minds and broadens the spectrum of opportunities.
Knowing a language opens up different worlds.
SOAS offered the opportunity to study a more specific field of Anthropology than had been available during my undergraduate studies.
I am constantly impressed by the commitment of my fellow students at SOAS.
I would sum up my studies here so far as a white-knuckle intellectual adventure.
MSc Contemporary China Studies
In order to gain a wider understanding of other aspects of China it was a natural progression for me to come to study at SOAS.
MA Languages and Cultures of South Asia
I have been impressed by the quality, breadth and scope of the SOAS course.
MSc International Management
SOAS offered a unique programme combining Business with the Middle East and North Africa region, which was just what I was looking for.
MA Global Cinemas and the Transcultural
I was surprised to discover how closely the SOAS course matched what I wanted to study.
MSc Economics with reference to South Asia
I have always been fascinated by Asian cultures, so SOAS was my clear choice for postgraduate study.
MA International Studies and Diplomacy
SOAS gives everyone the chance to succeed, and it is up to you to make the most of the experience.
LLM Law
I was keen to increase my knowledge of International Law and so chose the SOAS LLM.
MA History
The academics teaching my history course have been fantastic.
MA African Studies
My tutors approach their subjects from unconventional perspectives, always searching for the truth.
MA Translation
The SOAS course has provided me with the practical foundation to help me excel as a translator.
MA Palestine Studies
SOAS was the obvious choice of place to study and the MA in Palestine Studies, taught by Palestinian, Israeli and British academics, fitted the bill.
MA Israeli Studies
SOAS has a reputation for being the best place to study the Middle East region.
MSc Finance
My entire time at SOAS has been a very positive experience.
MSc Politics of China
My time at SOAS has focused my knowledge and allowed me to get to know myself better.
PhD Student
More than any other place, the SOAS Music Department allows me to combine my interests in music, philosophy and culture in the Middle East.
MMus Ethnomusicology
As soon as I first walked into the Junior Common Room I said ‘this is what university should be like!’
MSc Politics of China
I received a Dalai Lama Trust Scholarship to study at SOAS and I have been able to take modules on both China’s foreign and domestic policies.
MA Southeast Asian Studies
The course has more than lived up to my expectations.
MA Anthropology of Food
SOAS has reinforced my interest in issues surrounding food.
MSc Globalisation and Development
SOAS has offered me a truly international education that I do not feel I could’ve received anywhere else.
MA Chinese Studies
When it came to studying and finding out more about China and its political systems, the SOAS course seemed like the obvious choice.
MA Anthropology of Food
The energy from course discussions, which brought texts and classmates into rigorous dialogue with each other, would often carry on after seminars.
MA Anthropology of Food
A deep dive into Anthropology is like living in a monochrome world and having it suddenly illuminated by vibrant colours.
MA Anthropology of Food
SOAS's MA in Anthropology of Food had been my dream programme and it did not disappoint.
MSc Finance and Financial Law
SOAS has a long-standing reputation for a rich curriculum that is especially focused on Asia and Africa.