SOAS is the only University in the UK where you can study South Asian languages (Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Sanskrit, Urdu) as part of your BA degree, and combine in-depth language learning with a broad range of modules related to the area. In all these languages (pathway languages) we offer language modules at beginner, intermediate and advanced level. We also offer modules that use the language skills you acquire to gain access to the present and past culture of South Asia through written and audio-visual texts. We occasionally offer Punjabi, subject to a minimum number of students. We also offer exciting modules on the culture and society of South Asia, including unique modules in cinema, literature, art, music, religion, history, politics, law, economics and anthropology. We offer the widest range of culture modules on South Asia, both at introductory and specialist levels.

Our BA South Asian Studies transforms your interest in South Asia into a serious degree, combining extensive knowledge in the area, solid linguistic skills, and a host of much-valued transferable skills. The career paths of our graduates include international development and aid agencies, print journalism and media, local, national and international government agencies, overseas companies, teaching, law, librarianship, arts administration.

As the economies of South Asia continue to expand, a knowledge of language and culture will be more and more of an asset in the world of commerce and international trade. Many of our graduates choose to pursue Masters’ programmes that either focus on particular aspects of South Asia, or are linked to professional qualifications in law, development, media, etc.

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.

Programme Code: T304

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September

Mode of Attendance: Full-time

Students must take 120 credits per year, 90 of which must be from the approved syllabus for their programme of study. Students can choose non-language modules from a range of approved South-Asia related modules from subject areas which include anthropology, art and archaeology, economics, film, geography, history, law, literature, music, politics and religion.

NB: not all modules are available every year - please check to see which modules are on offer.

Core modules must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

Year 1

Core Language Module (Year 1)

Choose module(s) to the value of 30 credits from list A at an appropriate level (Hindi/Sanskrit/Urdu language)

Core Module

Compulsory Module (Year 1)

Plus

Compulsory Module (Year 1)

Choose modules to the value of 15 credits from 'List B'

Guided Option/Open option (Year 1)

Guided Options are modules that may be preferable for the learning outcomes of this degree programme. Choose modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List B' as a guided option OR choose an open option module to the value of 30 credits

Year 2

Core Module (Year 2)

Choose a continuation of the South Asian language pathway chosen in Year 1 to the value of 30 credits.

Compulsory Module (Year 2)

Plus

Choose one of the following 15 credit compulsory modules

OR

Choose an intermediate Sanskrit module to the value of '30 credits'

Guided Option (Year 2)

Guided Options are modules that may be preferable for the learning outcomes of this degree programme. Choose modules to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' OR List C.

Guided Option/Open option (Year 2)

Choose a guided option module to the value of 30 credits from 'List C' OR choose an open option module to the value of 30 credits

Year 3

Students spend their 3rd Year abroad. See the Teaching & Learning tab for more details.

Year 4

Compulsory Language Module (Year 4)

Choose an 'advanced level' module from 'List A' of the South Asian language pathway chosen in Year 1 to the value of '30 credits'.

Compulsory Module

Guided Option (Year 4)

Choose a further intermediate or advanced level language module to the value of 30 credits from 'List A' OR choose a module to the value of 30 credits from 'List C' (choice may be restricted depending on the chosen language pathway).

Guided Option/Open option (Year 4)

Choose a guided option module to the value of 30 credits from 'List C' OR choose an open option to the value of 30 credits

List A South Asian Language Modules

The list below indicates the pathway along which students can progress as they do their South Asian language modules. Students may not take more than one language module at elementary level in any given year. Passing of the intermediate level module (or its equivalent) in Bengali OR Hindi OR Nepali OR Sanskrit OR Urdu is a pre¬requisite for admission to the Year Abroad.

Elementary level

Intermediate level

Advanced level

List B Introductory modules on aspects of South Asian history and culture

List C Non-language-based South Asian and South Asian-related modules

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 module tutor before selecting units.

Department of the Languages and Cultures of South Asia

Final year only:

School of Law

Department of Politics and International Studies

Department of English

Department of History

Department of History of Art and Archaeology

Department of Music

Department of Religions and Philosophies

Department of Anthropology and Sociology

Department of Economics

Programme Specification

• BA South Asian Studies (4 Yr) Programme Specification 2018/19 (pdf; 328kb)

Important notice

Year abroad

Year 3 is spent attending an intensive language module abroad, and gives you the unique opportunity of experiencing life and study in South Asia in what is a unique experience.  Please see the relevant language webpages for more information. 

There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer for local NGOs (valuable work experience) and plan and collect material for the Independent Study Project in year 4.

Teaching & Learning

Contact Hours

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.

As a student specialising in South Asia, you will gain competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature and culture (which can include literature, film, music, art and religion) of various parts of South Asia.

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 in both business and 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.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.