This 4-year degree focuses on the languages and cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. It includes the study of an African language and a wide choice of modules in the related cultural fields of Literature, Art, Performance and Religion-Philosophy. It includes a year studying in Africa.
The languages normally available are Amharic, Hausa, Somali, Swahili, Yoruba and Zulu.
The range of expertise in SOAS, not only in the Africa Department, but also with regard to languages and literatures of other regions is unique in UK institutions. Along with proven excellence in other disciplines, such as religious studies, anthropology, art and archaeology, and history, this offers students an unparalleled range of options in choosing their second subject of study.
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September
Mode of Attendance: Full-time
BTEC: DDM
Access to HE: Minimum of 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction
Scottish Highers: AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB
Irish LC: 340 points from 5 Higher level subjects at grade C1 or above
Advanced Placement: 4 4 5 (Two semesters - UCAS Group A) plus US HSGD with GPA 3.0
Euro Bacc: 80%
French Bacc: 14/20
German Abitur: 2.0
Italy DES: 80/100
Austria Mat: 2.0
Polish Mat: Overall 75% including 3 extended level subjects
Dr Ida Hadjivayanis Convenor
Degree programmes at SOAS - including this one - can include language courses in more than forty African and Asian languages. It is SOAS students’ command of an African or Asian language which sets SOAS apart from other universities.
Students must take modules to the value of 120 credits each year.
Students must pass 90 credits in order to proceed to the following year, including any core modules.
Students who fail Language I are not required to continue with Language II in the second year. Students attaining 40-50% in Language I may be exempted from Language II, if they wish, after consultation with their Programme Convenor.
If a student passes Language in Africa and 120 credits in one language then the language may optionally be named in the degree title, e.g. African Studies (Swahili). This option is available for Swahili, Hausa and Somali only. 30 credits may be an Independent Study Project in which the language is used to a large extent. If this is important to you, please discuss it with your Programme Convenor at the end of year 1 or the beginning of year 2 of your degree.
Students must pass Culture in Africa, Swahili 1a and Swahili 1b in order to proceed.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swahili 1 A | 155906044 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Swahili 1 B | 155906045 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Culture in Africa | 155900838 | 15 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language, Identity and Society in Africa | 155900867 | 15 | Term 1 |
Choose related Language or Non-Language open option modules to the value of 30 credits
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swahili 2a Intermediate | 155900986 | 30 | Full Year |
Students must pass Swahili 2a Intermediate
Choose modules to the value of '90 credits' from the 'List of Optional Modules' below
Choose modules to the value of '60 credits' from the 'List of Optional Modules' below and 30 credits open option
Students will study for one year at one of the partner institutions Kenyatta University, Nairobi or State University of Zanzibar. This will be 120 credits.
Students who don't wish to study abroad can do the BA African Studies (3 Year) programme.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perspectives on African experience | 155900933 | 15 | Term 1 |
Choose a module(s) from List of Modules below to the value of 30 credits
Choose a module(s) from List of Modules below to the value of 30 credits
Choose related Language or Non-Language open option modules to the value of 30 credits
Before selecting a module, student's must first check that the module is at the correct level. They must also ensure that they meet any pre-requisites.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amharic 1 A | 155906036 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Amharic 1 B | 155906037 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Amharic 2 | 155900378 | 30 | Full Year |
| Hausa 1 A | 155906040 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Hausa 1 B | 155906041 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Hausa 2(a) intermediate | 155900324 | 30 | Full Year |
| Hausa II(b) Survey Of Hausa Literature | 155900818 | 30 | |
| Somali 1 A | 155906034 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Somali 1 B | 155906035 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Somali 2 | 155900811 | 30 | Full Year |
| Swahili 3 | 155900635 | 30 | Full Year |
| Yoruba 1 A | 155906038 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Yoruba 1 B | 155906039 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Yoruba 2 | 155900935 | 30 | Full Year |
| Zulu 1 A | 155906042 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Zulu 1 B | 155906043 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Zulu 2 | 155900851 | 30 | Full Year |
| African Philosophy | 155901397 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Philosophy and Decolonisation | 155901398 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Black Urban Studies | 151230001 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Contemporary African literature | 155900839 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Film Festivals and Film Curating | 155902002 | 15 | Term 1 |
| The structure of Bantu languages | 155902004 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Religion in Africa | 155901151 | 30 | Full Year |
| Extended essay in African studies (a) | 155900762 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Extended essay in African studies (b) | 155901188 | 15 | Term 2 |
| The World of Cuban Music | 155800058 | 15 | Term 1 |
| African language literatures (oral and written) | 155900677 | 30 | Full Year |
| Realism and Magical Realism in the African Novel | 155902005 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Sci-fi and Afrofuturism in the African Novel | 155902006 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Southern Spaces | 152900102 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Fictions of History | 155901013 | 30 | Full Year |
| Independent study project in African studies | 155900763 | 30 | Full Year |
| Directed study of an African language | 155900934 | 30 | Full Year |
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year, taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks). The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study (see Approaches to teaching and learning at SOAS). It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others.
In the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, undergraduate modules take various forms. Modules may be taught through 1 or 2 hours of lectures a week, and some may have an additional 1-2 hours of weekly seminars. Languages classes may be 4-5 hours per week in the first and second year, typically less at higher levels.
More information is on the page for each module.
Teaching is normally provided by lecture or seminar and students are required to attend such classes. Most modules involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
As a student specialising in the continent of Africa, you will gain competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature and culture (which can include literature, film, music, art and religion) of various parts of Africa. Graduates leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers in both business and the public sector. These include written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.
Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:
| Amnesty International BBC British Army Enchanting-Africa Future Roots Hanover Primary School |
Hill and Knowlton Institute of Education LBTH Oakfield school Oxfam Bayer CropScience Save the Children |
| Television Executive Producer Major Operations Manager Sub-Saharan Africa Consultant Film Maker Fundraising and Administration Coordinator Tutor |
Class Teacher PR Consultant Student Support Officer Teaching Assistant Principal Tourism and identity in Reunion Island Artist/ PR Journalist |
For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please
visit the Careers Service website.
Nazmul HudhaThe name says it all – it specialises in areas you wouldn’t normally be able to study elsewhere, and is truly an outstanding academic institution.
If you still have questions about this programme or studying at SOAS get in touch.
Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS.