SOAS University of London

Facts and figures

5th

ranked in the UK, 7th in Europe, and 23rd in the world - in the 2019 QS World University Rankings

Alumni and student stories

• "I love coming into SOAS every day, because I never know what I’ll find or who I’ll end up having a conversation with in the bar"

  I came to SOAS because I wanted to gain a detailed insight into the politics and political systems of the developing world, but I’ve got so much more than that

• "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.

• "SOAS is the place to be"

  SOAS is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and friendly atmosphere, as well as its focus on Asia, Africa and Middle East. Given my passion for development in Africa and the regional focus of my studies, there was only one place that could offer me what I wanted – and that is SOAS.

• "If I were to summarise SOAS in one sentence it would be that it is a great place to prepare me for the future."

  I chose to study at SOAS because of the interesting course options that cover pertinent topics other leading institutions are yet to cover.

• "SOAS is a unique University that combines both academic excellence and a vibrant, active and innovative student body."

  SOAS is a unique University that combines both academic excellence and a vibrant, active and innovative student body.

• "SOAS is a World class organisation, with not only state of art teaching facilities but also a wide ranging mix of students, ranging from various parts of the globe"

  SOAS is a place that accepts everyone for who they are, and where your individual talents are encouraged to shine. I do not regret my hesitant decision to come to SOAS, and hopefully, neither will you.

• "It is the unique SOAS community that makes studying here so special"

  The MSc in Middle East Politics allowed me to take both Politics courses and a language option, all of which I enjoyed. The lecturers were fantastic! My favourite class was Politics of Resistance in the Middle East which was clearly helpful for understanding contemporary politics of the region.

• "Living in Dinwiddy was amazing. My flatmates were all very welcoming. Because of them, I feel like I got a full British experience"

  The learning here really continues outside of the classroom. After tutorials, students would often ask me about how I felt as an American about different issues. We often went out to coffee or to grab a falafel afterwards. It gave me a great perspective on how the US is viewed and it allowed me to change minds about America

• "Having now experienced SOAS life, I can say there really is no other place quite like it"

  Having now experienced SOAS life, I can say there really is no other place quite like it

• "SOAS gave me the skills necessary to achieve what I have."

  SOAS gave me the skills necessary to achieve what I have.

• "I think the key factors that helped me get the jobs were my degree choice, prior experience and my language skills."

  I think the key factors that helped me get the jobs were my degree choice, prior experience and my language skills.

• "SOAS has provided me with extremely useful tools for this new direction."

  SOAS has provided me with extremely useful tools for this new direction.

• "My time at SOAS helped deepen my appreciation and respect for other cultures and also fired an interest in languages. "

  My time at SOAS helped deepen my appreciation and respect for other cultures and also fired an interest in languages.

• "It was a great time and I met a lot of interesting people. [SOAS] made me understand a little bit better how Africa works."

  It was a great time and I met a lot of interesting people. [SOAS] made me understand a little bit better how Africa works.

• "My time at SOAS has exceeded my expectations. "

  Running the courses are brilliant individuals who are intensively engaged in their respective fields, making their teaching relevant and very much cutting edge.

• "Studying Middle Eastern politics and governmental affairs at SOAS was a key point in obtaining the job. "

  Studying Middle Eastern politics and governmental affairs at SOAS was a key point in obtaining the job.

• "Graduating from SOAS set me apart when I was applying for jobs."

  Graduating from SOAS set me apart when I was applying for jobs.

• "SOAS was crucial to my career development. I would not be in my role today if it wasn't for the knowledge I gained on international development and politics."

  SOAS was crucial to my career development. I would not be in my role today if it wasn't for the knowledge I gained on international development and politics.

• "SOAS is the ideal place for people interested in emerging market geographies. "

  SOAS is the ideal place for people interested in emerging market geographies.

• "SOAS is a great place to learn about and discuss politics, and I owe a lot to some inspiring lecturers and students."

  SOAS is a great place to learn about and discuss politics, and I owe a lot to some inspiring lecturers and students. My International Politics Master's degree definitely helped in getting my first post at CND, as did work experience in other areas.

• "I was told that the time that I spent in the region, along with my language skills, were significant factors in helping me to secure this role."

  I was told that the time that I spent in the region, along with my language skills, were significant factors in helping me to secure this role.

Read more alumni and student stories