SOAS University of London

Facts and figures

2nd
ranked for overall satisfaction in the UK in the NSS 2016

Teaching

  • Undergraduate Applicant/Place Ratio 9:1
  • 5th for teaching quality in the Times & Sunday Times University League Table 2016,
  • 6th in the Complete University Guide 2018 (East & South East Asia)
  • 21st in the Guardian 2015 Guide (Languages and Linguistics combined)
  • 86% satisfaction for teaching and 86% for learning resources in the NSS 2016
  • NSS - Asian Studies departments ranked 2nd in UK
  • Number of Staff: 8 academic, 7 teaching and scholarship, 14 teaching and scholarship (fractional)
  • SOAS joining the global elite for Modern Languages in the recent QS World University Rankings by Subject, where it has been ranked sixth in the UK and 32nd internationally.
  • BA Chinese and BA Tibetan students will spend a year studying in China or Tibet
  • MA Chinese Studies (Literature Pathway) is the only postgraduate programme of its kind in the UK
  • MA in Taiwan Studies is the first and only postgraduate degree focusing on contemporary Taiwan in the English-speaking world.

Research

  • Ranked 1st in the UK in the Times & Sunday Times University League Table 2015 for Research Quality (East and South Asian Studies)
  • The department works closely with the SOAS China Institute and the Centre for Taiwan Studies
  • The SOAS Library (a National Research Library) has an extensive collection on China and Inner Asia
  • Staff research interests include language, linguistics, translation studies, classical philology and philosophy, cultural and intellectual history, popular culture, cinema, visual culture and media technology, literature, drama, theatre and performance studies.

Alumni and student stories

  • "There is some sort of positive vibe that makes this place highly addictive."

    When I first arrived in London, I didn’t know many people but SOAS soon felt like home. As the campus itself is quite small, students develop a strong sense of community, as if they were all part of a large eccentric family. Also, given the nature of our studies, people here are extremely diverse, friendly and open-minded. You can tell that everyone is really passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. It’s very contagious and inspirational.

  • "When I heard about SOAS I immediately knew it was the school for me."

    When I heard about SOAS I immediately knew it was the school for me. An institution like SOAS is the ideal platform for students who want to learn a language and gain insight into a culture. It is also a leading school in Tibetan studies.

  • "SOAS gives you an understanding of non-western languages, cultures and countries which is increasingly important in a globalised world."

    SOAS picks up where other universities leave off. Others might give you knowledge that is predominantly western oriented. SOAS, on the other hand, gives you an understanding of non-western languages, cultures and countries which is increasingly important in a globalised world.

  • "Studying for my MA in Taiwan Studies at SOAS was a wonderful experience"

    Studying for my MA in Taiwan Studies at SOAS was a wonderful experience

  • "I came to study at SOAS because of its good reputation in Mandarin Chinese."

    If I were to describe SOAS in one sentence it would say that you will hear at least six different languages on the same day while you casually walk through the corridors of the university.

  • "SOAS was the ideal place for me to study cross-Strait relations"

    With some of the West’s leading experts on Taiwan’s political economy, SOAS was the ideal place for me to study cross-Strait relations

  • "Students come to SOAS with an interest that soon develops into a passion and, in time, an obsession with their discipline."

    You will establish and hone key analytical skills, amass a broad and in-depth knowledge of your chosen field and, from day one, befriend students from around the globe.

  • "Here you’re not only intrigued by the lectures but also by the people around you."

    The best thing about my time here is that there has been a huge improvement in my language skills and I have become more aware of people from various backgrounds. 

  • "There’s a vibe around the campus that relays a closeness, and acceptance."

    There’s a vibe around the campus that relays a closeness, and acceptance. As diverse as her student body is, SOAS provides a common ground for all of us.

  • "Be open to new experiences and bring your appetite."

    One of the most memorable things I did outside of SOAS was to sign up for a homestay – it’s free through SOAS, it’s just for the weekend, and it gives you a taste of English life outside of London.

  • "When you come to London, you don’t just come to exchange ideas with the English, but to exchange ideas and culture with people from all of the world. This is especially true at SOAS."

    In my opinion, I think London is such an interesting city because of the unique composition of its population. It is the most internationally focused place I have ever lived. It is the meeting and merging point of people and cultures from around the world who are eager to share their experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives with you.

  • "In my spare time I enjoy both watching and performing Chinese Opera. "

    I was interested in the BA Chinese course at SOAS because it allowed me to continue Mandarin, but I could also learn Classical Chinese and Cantonese, plus also spend a year studying abroad.

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