100 years of SOAS
SOAS University of London celebrates its centenary in 2016-17. Our key anniversary dates are:
- 5 June 1916 - the School (of Oriental Studies) receives its Royal Charter
- 18 January 1917 - the first students are admitted
- 23 February 1917 - the School is formally opened by the King Emperor George V
The SOAS story
SOAS was founded as the School of Oriental Studies. Over the last century we have built a strong academic reputation throughout the world and especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. To find out about the people and events that have made the School what it is today, explore the Centenary Timeline and the Centenary Blog and visit our alumni profiles.
Planning our future
SOAS has marked a new era with the opening of the Paul Webley Wing. The building, named in honour of SOAS's eighth director Professor Paul Webley. SOAS Director Baroness Valerie Amos CH said:
“How we work, learn, teach and study has changed dramatically over the last 100 years and so our work spaces have to change too. The focus in this building is on supporting collaborative working and enhancing creative thinking. SOAS students and staff are all about ideas and thinking the unthinkable.”
