At SOAS the study of Turkish can be combined with an unparalleled range of disciplines and languages. All combined-honours degrees in Turkish are four-year programmes that expose students to at least three years intensive study of Turkish language and literature.
The information for BA, BSc, or LLB programmes refer to data taken from the single subject degrees offered at SOAS; however, due to the unique nature of our programmes many subjects have a separate set of data when they are studied alongside another discipline. In order to get a full picture of their chosen subject(s) applicants are advised to look at both sets of information where these occur.
Start of programme: September annually
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
Fees for 2020/21 entrants. The fees are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. Further details can be found in the Fees and Funding tab on this page or in the Registry Undergraduate Tuition Fees page
Dr Yorgos Dedes Convenor
Please see the Unistats data for the various combinations of this programme under the Combinations tab.
Click on a combined programme to load KIS data
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.
BA Turkish and Another Subject is a 4-year degree that gives students the opportunity to study the language of Turkey and the Ottoman empire ab initio to advanced levels in four years and to learn about the culture and literary traditions of Turkey and the Ottoman world, in parallel with either another language, such as Arabic or Persian, or a discipline that will give them a broader context of, for example, the History of Art and Archaeology, Religions and Philosophies, History, Politics, Music, Law, Economics and Anthropology of the region.
The programme structure varies depending on whether Turkish is combined with another language or a discipline.
BA Turkish and another Discipline
When combined with a discipline, students normally take an equal number of modules in both named subjects while at SOAS but the have the option of taking only 30 credits in Turkish and 90 credits in the discipline in the final year.
Year 1 students begin with the Intensive Modern Turkish Language module (60 credits) and take two other modules in their second subject (discipline).
Year 2 is the Year Abroad at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, where students continue the study of Turkish while also taking advantage of the wide range of courses in different disciplines.
In Year 3, back at SOAS, students continue with the study of Turkish language and take either Ottoman or a literature module in addition to two modules in their other subject.
In Year 4 students consolidate their Turkish proficiency by taking the Advanced Translation module and EITHER take an additional 30 credits from a list of modules related to Turkish and 60 credits from their second subject OR take 90 credits from their second subject.
BA Arabic and Turkish
In Year 1 students begin with Arabic 1 Intensive and take the module Literatures of the NME.
In Year 2 students continue with Arabic and begin Turkish (Intensive Modern Turkish). They take another unit in Arabic.
Year 3 is the Year Abroad, with one semester in Jordan and the other semester in Turkey.
In Year 4 students take Arabic 4 and Advanced Turkish (or Advanced Translation if their level allows it), another 30 or 60 credits from Turkish or Arabic-related courses.
BA Turkish and Persian
For specific information on combining Turkish and Persian, please see the Programme Structure pdf below.
NB: The structure for this module has changed for new students who enrolled in or after September 2017. Students who enrolled in 2016/17 or earlier, please use the structure directly below. Students who enrolled in/after September 2017, please use the structure set out at the bottom of this page.
A typical syllabus
* Core module signifies a module that must be passed before progressing to the following year of study
* Core module signifies a module that must be passed before progressing to the following year of study
The third year is spent at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, where a full programme of study is scheduled: students are expected to attend a minimum of four courses each semester and are required to sit the local examinations.
If there is room for a year abroad and Istanbul is chosen, two semesters are spent at the Boghazici University. There students are expected to attend a minimum of four modules each semester and are required to sit the local examinations.
* A course in the second subject can only be taken by students who have spent the entire Year Abroad in Turkey.
This module must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.
Students take 60 credits in their Second Subject.
This module must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman Turkish Language | 155900549 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literatures of the Islamic Near and Middle East | 155900991 | 15 | Term 2 |
Students spend the whole year at Boğaziçi University if the second subject is a discipline and one semester if Turkish is combined with another language. There students are expected to attend a minimum of four modules each semester and are required to sit the local examinations.
This module must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish 3 | 155900548 | 30 | Full Year |
Choose ONE of the following modules:
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman Turkish Language | 155900549 | 30 | Full Year |
| Nation and Nationalism in Middle Eastern fiction (in Translation) | 155901380 | 30 | Full Year |
| Twentieth Century Turkish Literature | 155901405 | 30 | Full Year |
Students take 60 credits in their Second Subject.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Turkish/English/Turkish Translation | 155900913 | 30 | Full Year |
A module from List A, B2, B3 or C to the value of 30 credits
A module(s) to the value of 30 credits from the second subject (Only if year abroad was spent in Turkey)
A modules to the value of 60 credits in the second subject
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman Turkish Language | 155900549 | 30 | Full Year |
| Twentieth Century Turkish Literature | 155901405 | 30 | Full Year |
| Classical Ottoman Texts | 155900744 | 15 | Full Year |
| Independent Study Project (Turkish Literature) | 155901052 | 30 | Full Year |
| Extended Essay in Turkish Studies a | 155901340 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Extended Essay in Turkish Studies b | 155901341 | 15 | Term 1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Arabic Culture | 155901205 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| H130 Introduction to the Early History of the Middle East | 154800230 | 15 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| R130 Islam: Religion and Rationality | 158000189 | 15 | Term 2 |
| R170 Introduction to the Religions of East and Central Asia | 158000100 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Themes in the Art and Archaeology of the Near and Middle East | 154900101 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| States, people, and power in Asia and Africa | 153400056 | 30 | Full Year |
Some modules require successful attendance of a relevant introductory module; students are advised to check the relevant module descriptions for prerequisites and consult the relevant convenor before selecting modules.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Persian Poetry | 155901372 | 15 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| H248 Nationalism and Revolution in the Modern Middle East, 1914-1979 | 154800227 | 15 | Term 2 |
| H241 Crusades, Conquest and Coexistence in the Middle East, 1050-1291 | 154800254 | 15 | Full Year |
| H247 Medieval Iran: Nomads, Settlers and Dynasts | 154800222 | 30 | Full Year |
| H246 Cities of Paradise and Empire | 154800211 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| R480 Christianity in the Middle East: Historic and Modern Dynamics | 158000132 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Minority Religions in the Modern Middle East | 158000163 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Messianic Movements in Muslim History | 158000149 | 15 credits (0.5 unit) | |
| Shi'a Islam: Religious Authority and Community Identity | 158000147 | 30 | Full Year |
| Islam in Britain | 154800312 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman Art and Architecture (14th-17th centuries) | 154900185 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Islamic Art Theories and Aesthetics | 154900205 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issues in Turkish Politics | 153400076 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Government and politics of the Middle East | 153400060 | 30 | Full Year |
| International Relations of the Middle East | 153400081 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Law | 155200037 | 30 | Full Year |
Some modules require successful attendance of a relevant introductory module; students are advised to check the relevant module descriptions for prerequisites and consult the relevant convenor before selecting modules.
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politics and Aesthetics in Modern Arabic Literature | 155901382 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Reading Classical Arabic historians | 155901334 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Modern Persian Poetry | 155901379- | 15 | |
| Cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa 1 | 155905000 | 15 | Term 1 |
| Cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa 2 | 155905001 | 15 | Term 2 |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| H343 Reform, Resistance and Revolution: the Ottoman Empire 1876-1909 (I) | 154800197 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islam and Democracy | 153400065 | 30 | Full Year |
| Module | Code | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persian 2 | 155900801 | 30 | Full Year |
| Persian 3 | 155900802 | 30 | Full Year |
| Hebrew 2 | 155900713 | 30 | Full Year |
| Hebrew 4 | 155900714 | 30 | Full Year |
Please see the Teaching & Learning tab for more details on intercollegiate modules in Greek, Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Serbian and Croatian, Hungarian and Romanian.
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.
One semester si spent at Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey in the third year (http://www.boun.edu.tr/en-US/Index). There students are expected to attend a minimum of four modules each semester and are required to sit the local examinations at Boğaziçi University.
All students need to submit an application to Boğaziçi University by May of the previous year and they are assisted by the BA Convenor in doing so. A detailed Briefing Document is also provided in advance.
It is possible to apply for university accommodation at Boğaziçi University (details provide in the Briefing Document), though most students prefer to make their own arrangements even though Istanbul is no longer a cheap city. Rents and cost of living in Istanbul are almost comparable to London, though still a little cheaper.
The SOAS BA convenor determines progression to the final year on the basis of performance and, if required, following consultation with colleagues at Boğaziçi. Students are expected to pass at least 6 semester-long modules or their equivalent. If they do not, then they need to submit an Independent Project to be agreed with the SOAS BA convenor, normally an essay of approximately 10,000 words in English, by September 1. The topic of the project is decided in consultation with the subject tutors at SOAS.
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.
Full details of undergraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Undergraduate Tuition Fees page.
Fees for 2020/21 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year.
| Programme | Full-Time | |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU Students |
Overseas Students |
|
| BA, BSc, LLB | £9,250 | £18,630 |
| BA/BSc Language Year Abroad | £1,385 | £9,320 |
For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section
As a graduate who specialised in Turkish, you will have gained competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a study of language in combination with literature, development studies, economics, geography, history, history of art and archaeology, law, linguistics, music, politics, social anthropology or religion.
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, both in business and in 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. Choosing to study a joint degree programme will increase the breadth of your knowledge, and will develop additional skills with which to further your studies of the region, or to make comparative study with other areas. The study of Turkish may be combined with a huge range of other disciplines. For more information on the extra skills you will gain from your second subject, please see the relevant departmental page.
Graduates have found employment in the Foreign Office, in education, the media with the BBC or the Turkish Radio station, in the press, in multinational business companies. Others have chosen non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International.
For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.
Mysa Kafil-HussainIt’s a global experience and, thankfully, everyone is included, no matter what their colour, religion, or ‘class’.
If you still have questions about this programme or studying at SOAS get in touch.
Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS.