Online learning
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About
About
SOAS is launching a reimagined portfolio of online degrees for September 2026 entry, offering new ways to study with one of the world’s leading institutions for global, interdisciplinary education.
Designed for ambitious learners worldwide, these programmes combine SOAS’s distinctive academic expertise with flexible, high-quality online learning. Equal in quality to degrees taught on campus, our online qualifications are recognised globally and draw on more than 20 years of experience delivering specialist distance learning.
Our reimagined degrees offer:
- Flexible, career-centred structures, designed to fit around your lives, with the opportunity to tailor your learning to your interests and aspirations.
- A strong focus on practical research and applied learning, preparing you for the kind of work you will be doing in your careers.
- Teaching and learning designed for online, combining live seminars, recorded content, and one-on-one time with leading academics.
You can study our online degrees to the level of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters.
New portfolio: express your interest
Express your interest in our reimagined online portfolio, starting in September 2026. Fill out the form and we'll let you know when applications are live.
Our new online learning portfolio reflects SOAS’s distinctive mission and strengths. It is designed around unique graduate attributes that combine global perspectives, critical thinking and practical expertise.
Flexible learning, designed by you
Your current and future career aspirations
Every module and assessment has been designed to enhance your career.
Unique graduate attributes
Connect your studies with your careers and showcase the skills you have gained.
Impactful assessments that add value
We don't use exams. Our assessment approach prioritises innovative methods to meet your needs.
Six-module structure
All modules comprise structured, live and directed individual learning-based using our new online platform.
Frontiers in Research module
Study alongside SOAS academics as you explore live research shaping global debates, policy and professional practice.
Recognising the trust you place in us
Your trust in us shapes everything we do to deliver an outstanding educational experience.
Discounts
Key dates
Our online learning programmes have two sessions of study per year, with the exception of the Centre for Financial and Management Studies which has four sessions per year.
The first table shows key dates for the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CEDEP), Centre for Development Studies, Centre for Gender Studies, Centre for Global Media and Communications, and Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD).
Details of the university's closure dates can be found on the Academic calendar webpage.
General
| Key dates | September 2026 intake | January 2027 intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | 17 August | 1 December 2026 |
| Enrolment period | 26 August to 18 September 2026 | 10 December 2026 to 15 January 2027 |
| Start date | 21 September 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
Centre for Financial and Management Studies
| Key dates | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | 1 September 2025 | 17 November 2025 | 23 February 2026 | 11 May 2026 |
| Enrolment period | 24 September to 8 October 2025 | 9 to 19 December 2025 | 18 March to 8 April 2026 | 3 to 15 June 2026 |
| Start dates | 13 October 2025 | 5 January 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
