SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London, originally known as the School of Oriental and African Studies, is a distinguished institution located in the heart of London, United Kingdom. Founded in 1916, SOAS has established itself as a global academic heavyweight, particularly renowned for its focus on the languages, cultures, and societies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This unique focus distinguishes SOAS from other higher education institutions in the UK and worldwide, offering a breadth of study that encompasses both traditional disciplines and more specialized areas of research and learning. The university is structured into three main faculties: Arts and Humanities, Languages and Cultures, and Law and Social Studies, each housing a variety of departments that reflect the institution's comprehensive approach to education and research. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at SOAS is a vibrant community where students and scholars engage with a wide range of subjects including Anthropology, Archaeology, Dance, Film, Fine Arts, Food Science, Gender Studies, History, Media Studies, Music, Oriental Studies, Religious Studies, and Sociology. This faculty is particularly noted for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore the intersections between different fields of study to gain a more holistic understanding of the subjects they are passionate about. In the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, SOAS showcases its unparalleled expertise in the languages, literatures, and cultures of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Departments within this faculty offer courses in African Languages, Arabic, Asian Studies, Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Hebrew, Islamic Studies, Japanese, Jewish Studies, Korean, Middle Eastern Studies, Persian, Translation and Interpretation, and Turkish. This faculty not only provides language instruction at various levels of proficiency but also immerses students in the cultural contexts of the languages they study, preparing graduates for careers that require deep cultural as well as linguistic knowledge. The Faculty of Law and Social Studies encompasses departments that focus on Development Studies, Economics, Finance, International Law, International Studies, Law, Management, and Political Sciences. This faculty addresses some of the most pressing global issues, including development, international relations, and economic policies, through both theoretical and applied lenses. It attracts students and scholars who are keen to understand and solve complex global challenges, offering them the tools and knowledge necessary to make impactful contributions to society. Throughout its history, SOAS University of London has been at the forefront of promoting understanding and cooperation across cultural divides. Its comprehensive libraries and research centers, dedicated to the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, are among the world's best, providing invaluable resources for students, academics, and researchers. The university's commitment to fostering a deep understanding of the languages, cultures, and societies it focuses on is reflected in its diverse student body and faculty, which includes individuals from all corners of the globe. As it moves forward, SOAS continues to build on its legacy as a leading center for the study of the non-Western world, contributing significantly to the global academic community and beyond.

School of Oriental and African Studies

— Peter Smith