Your studies
Types of Teaching and Learning
Study methods typically include the formal lecture, which sets out the main themes, issues, and critiques of the topic, normally supported with a reading list for other course material. This provides the framework for more detailed exploration and analysis which takes place in seminars and tutorials.
Seminars and tutorials offer the opportunity for groups of students and a teacher to discuss the issues and share ideas. These sessions may be delivered on campus, or using a hybrid format, with some lectures being recorded and online with other asynchronous activities.
Private study, either in the library or on your own, will play an important part in your learning experience at university. This may also be supported through online asynchronous activities. In this way, you will become familiar with the research and problem-solving skills which are essential in many careers.
Other forms of learning are likely to include essay and or report writing, presentations in seminars, computer-aided learning, and studying abroad (for most language students).
Timetabling
You can access your personal study timetable by visiting your Teaching timetable. This service is dynamic, so if the schedule or room of class changes, the latest information shall be shown on My Timetable.
Once you have logged in you can use the ‘Connect to calendar app’ option via the Main Menu (three horizontal lines in the top left corner), or the ‘Connect Calendar’ icon in the top right corner below ‘Log Out’ of the Desktop site, to export this information to your phone/tablet calendar app of choice.
If you encounter a problem or need assistance with your study timetable during your time here at SOAS, please contact the Student and Academic Support Officer for your academic Department.
Coursework Feedback
Students can expect feedback on coursework to be returned within three calendar weeks from the submission date. When staff are unable to meet this deadline due to unforeseen reasons such as staff illness, students will be notified of the revised deadline and the reason for the delay.
Three calendar weeks are defined as 21 days (including Saturdays and Sundays) from the date of submission. This does not include official School closure periods (see Key Dates). Modules on which 50 or more students are enrolled have a longer turnaround time of 4-weeks/28 days (including Saturdays and Sundays) from the date of submission. This period does not include official School closure periods (see Key Dates).
All students will receive individual feedback on coursework. Additional feedback (group feedback, verbal feedback, etc.) may also be provided, depending on programme, discipline, and level of study. Students have the opportunity of meeting with their module tutor to discuss their feedback on a one-to-one basis if they choose.
Opportunities for one-to-one feedback allow students to discuss their feedback with their tutor to clarify where they could have improved their work to achieve a higher mark. However, marks are a matter of academic judgment and are not open to challenge through the School’s Appeals Process.
Examinations Feedback
Students should note that the Data Protection Act does not provide a right of access to examination scripts, and it is not SOAS’ policy to release examination scripts to students. However, examiners’ comments (internal and external) are not governed by this exemption and students have the right to see these comments if they wish.
Once marks have been confirmed at the relevant School Exam Board, students can request informal feedback on their examination performance and such requests can be submitted through the appropriate Department Office. Students should allow at least 1-week after making their request as the script has to be identified as scripts do not contain student names.
Students may receive feedback on their scripts in a one-to-one session with the module tutor to go through the feedback on their examination scripts. Students are responsible for scheduling the meeting, taking into account the availability of the relevant member of staff (especially outside of term time). However, students will not be permitted to take the examination script away with them.
Students also have the right to apply to see the examiners’ comments on their examination papers by making a subject access request as outlined within the Student Data Protection Statement. However, students are advised to follow the procedure as outlined above for requesting informal feedback on their examination performance – to do so through the appropriate Department Office.
In addition to providing one-to-one feedback if requested, module tutors may also use other means of disseminating generic feedback on examination performance such as collective feedback sessions or reports on the examination available on the BLE. Visiting Examiners’ reports, another important source of feedback, are published on the BLE for students to access. These reports can be found in the section called ‘All Visiting Examiners Reports’.
Study Abroad
Depending on your degree, you may have the opportunity to study abroad for a summer, term, or year. These programmes provide students with an opportunity to develop language skills, whilst absorbing and further developing an understanding of a culture. For Undergraduate students, the Year Abroad programme is for a full academic year and takes place during a student’s third year of studies on a four-year degree.
Whereas the Summer Abroad programme takes place for 6-12 weeks in the summer of a student’s second year of studies on a three-year degree programme. For Master’s students, the intensive study abroad option takes place after their SOAS programme has finished.
To find out more about study abroad opportunities and requirements contact us at studyabroad@soas.ac.uk.
SOAS Language Centre
SOAS Language Centre offers lively, interactive, and collaborative non-degree language programmes and bespoke language training for diverse organisations in Asian, African and Middle Eastern languages.
There are over 20 languages to choose from. The classes run in the evening or Saturday, online or face-to-face. Our courses are offered to SOAS students and the general public. SOAS students and staff receive a 25% discount, and SOAS Alumni (UG/PG Degrees & Diplomas) receive a 10% discount. The University of London Staff and Students also receive a 10% discount.
To find out more, please visit the Language Centre or email: languages@soas.ac.uk.