SOAS University of London

Facts and figures

8th

rank in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2021 for South Asian Studies 

Alumni and student stories

• "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.

• "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!

• "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.

• "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

• "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.

• "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.

• "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.

• "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.

• "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.

Read more alumni and student stories

Our publications

• After Timur Left: Culture and Circulation in Fifteenth-Century North India

• Bollywood’s India: Hindi cinema as a guide to contemporary India

  Dwyer, Rachel (2014)

  London/Chicago: Reaktion Books.

• Eloquent Hills: Essays on Nepali Literature

  Hutt, Michael (2012)

  Kathmandu: Martin Chautari.

• Picture abhi baaki hai: Bollywood as a guide to modern India

  Dwyer, Rachel (2014)

  New Delhi: Hachette.

• Tellings and Texts: Music, Literature and Performance in North India

  Orsini, Francesca and Butler Schofield, Katherine, eds. (2015)

  Cambridge, UK: Open Books.