South Asia Section, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics

Our Head of School says:

The study of language gives unique access to the culture of a region, to its contemporary life and its historical civilization. Starting from this premise, the South Asia Section of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics is devoted to research and teaching in the languages, literatures, cinemas and cultures of the Indian subcontinent, with the aim of reaching better understanding of one of the most complex and significant areas of the world.

This section's teaching and research complements that of other SOAS South Asianists whose disciplines include History, Religious Studies, Music, Art, Politics, Anthropology, and so forth, and who are based in other departments within the School. Together we constitute one of the largest centres of South Asian studies outside the subcontinent; and being located in a city which itself contains a virtual microcosm of South Asia brings incalculable benefits to us and our students.

The research interests of the Section's staff members include, but are not limited to: Indian cinema and popular culture; diaspora studies; postcolonial literature; literary and linguistic studies associated particularly with Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Nepali, and Sanskrit; classical Hinduism; feminism; representations of Islam; the politics of Nepal and Bhutan; and literary translation.

Degree Programmes

Facts and figures

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

Teaching

86% satisfaction for teaching and 86% for learning resources in the NSS 2016
Asian Studies departments ranked 2nd in UK - NSS 2016
UG Applicant/Place Ratio 3:1
Number of Staff: 5 academic, 3 teaching and scholarship, 12 teaching and scholarship (fractional)
The Department offers the widest coverage in Europe of research and teaching related to the languages, literatures and cultures of the main South Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal
21st in the Guardian 2015 Guide (Languages and Linguistics combined)
The four-year degree gives you the unique opportunity of spending the third year attending an intensive language programme in India, Nepal or Bangladesh and experiencing life and study in South Asia in what is a unique life experience
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

Research

Our research draws heavily upon the resources of SOAS’ world-renowned Library and its extensive South Asia collection, as well as all the institutions, galleries and resources on our doorstep throughout London
Current staff research interests include: Indian cinema and popular culture; diaspora studies; postcolonial literature; literary and linguistic studies; feminism; representations of Islam; the politics of Nepal and Bhutan; and literary translation

Alumni and student stories

Xavier Fournier MA History of Art and Archaeology (Near & Middle East & South East Asia)

"The insight provided, knowledge delivered and understanding transmitted during lectures, seminars and conferences at SOAS is impressive and requires real personal involvement in the topics."

The insight provided, knowledge delivered and understanding transmitted during lectures, seminars and conferences at SOAS is impressive and requires real personal involvement in the topics.
Akhil Katyal PhD South Asia

"The most lucrative resource has been the SOAS library which has an excellent South Asia collection"

The most lucrative resource has been the SOAS library which has an excellent South Asia collection. Also, the central London location of SOAS means I never really go far for anything!
Mikaela Parrack BA South Asian Studies and Development Studies

"My choice to study at SOAS was the best decision I ever made; being a student here is an exciting and unique experience."

I have had the chance to read the most up to date, often controversial and revealing perspectives on South Asia, presented by leading academics who will often actually be members of the South Asia Department Faculty itself. My choice to study at SOAS was the best decision I ever made; being a student here is an exciting and unique experience.
Ross Adkin BA Nepali and History

"SOAS is the only institution in the UK to offer Nepali as a BA, and the opportunities to study the history of South Asia are unparalleled anywhere else"

People come here to pursue things they’re passionate about and the sheer diversity of the student body is also another reason why school life is so fascinating
Andrew Werner BA Sanskrit and Study of Religions

"I have always had an interest in the history, culture and religions of South Asia and having experienced Sanskrit as a language before it was a logical choice to pursue it as a degree at SOAS"

I feel that the thorough and systematic teaching provided by SOAS has given me not only a good knowledge of Sanskrit but also skills in critical thought, linguistic and socio-political analysis and communication that will give me something unique to offer to a graduate employer.
Hannah Fitzpatrick, Barnard College Study Abroad Programme

"For the first time in my college career, I felt like I belonged to an intellectual community"

At SOAS, my area of study is nothing unique, it’s quite normal, and I like being among people who know what I’m talking about and appreciate what I’m doing.
Tora Toreng, University of Oslo Study Abroad Programme

"I really enjoyed the language course. The teachers are amazing and give every student the attention they need. "

I chose SOAS because of the reputation of the language courses. The South Asian languages that are offered at SOAS are the best option if you’re not able to go to the region. For the first time I was able to study Asia from an Asian perspective through Asian literature.
Farida Begum, Barnard College Study Abroad Programme

"The people are nice, the academics are inspiring, and the city is marvellous! Why would anyone not want to come?!"

I liked how small my classes were, so that I was actually able to discuss things in small settings. I was humbled by how willing the professors were to talk to me about ideas and how eager they were to help in any way possible. The dedication they have to their students is inspiring.
Franziska Korn, Freie Universitaet Berlin Study Abroad Programme

"I will remember great and long-lasting discussions, helpful and open-minded people and teachers who have time for their students."

I will remember great and long-lasting discussions, helpful and open-minded people and teachers who have time for their students.
Hannah Brower, Smith College Study Abroad Programme

"If you think you might pass it up because it might not be an adventure- think twice. I know I had my heart set on something exotic like India, but London has been more than I could have wanted."

I most enjoyed the diverse course offering and the passion my classmates had for their course. You can find someone interested in just about everything here- and people doing something about it. There is always an academic talk, conference, or exhibition going on, and lecturers are keen to talk about and teach what they know best.