Why study at SOAS?

SOAS University of London – The World’s University – is a leading institution for global, interdisciplinary education, specialising in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

At SOAS, you engage directly with the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and social inequality to global development and cultural exchange. Our teaching combines academic rigour with decolonial, critical perspectives, grounded in real-world contexts.

SOAS is ranked 2nd in the UK for International Faculty (QS 2025) and is home to one of the most international student communities in the UK. You will learn from academics with deep regional expertise and lived experience, and study alongside peers from across the globe. Our undergraduate Study Abroad opportunities further expand your international learning experience.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026, SOAS is globally recognised for subject excellence, with 13 subjects in the top 100 and five in the top 40, reflecting strength in globally focused, interdisciplinary fields:

• Development Studies: 2nd worldwide
• Politics: 16th worldwide
• Anthropology: 19th worldwide
• History of Art: 24th worldwide
• History: 36th worldwide

SOAS graduates develop the knowledge, skills, and global perspective to succeed in international careers across policy, research, development, and beyond.

Study with purpose. Build global expertise. Make an impact.

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At SOAS we aim to tackle the world's biggest challenges through academic collaboration and cooperation. In our latest series, we bring together academics and analysts from different disciplines to discuss topics from climate change to human rights. 

The world is facing urgent economic and social challenges. At SOAS, we tackle these issues with a global South perspective, using context-specific and multidisciplinary approaches. Our research moves beyond Eurocentric models to reshape economic thinking for a more just and sustainable future.