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Students
Tuition Fee
USD 26,450
Per year
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Anthropology | Sociology
Area of study
Social Sciences
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
USD 26,450
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2023-10-10-
2024-01-16-
2024-04-24-
About Program

Program Overview


The BA Social Anthropology degree explores what it is to be human in a complex and changing world.

You will study the great variety of beliefs and practices that exist around the world, from remote communities to global cities. You will learn theoretical frameworks and question your own assumptions, helping you to think creatively about how to address global problems.

Bridging the humanities and social sciences, anthropology offers a unique approach grounded in real-world research allowing for a greater understanding in cultural differences, political dynamics, social conflict, and human creativity.

Studying at SOAS is unique as it draws from the regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and societies. If you are passionate about understanding human society and behaviour, and want to learn to think critically about the world around you, then this Anthropology course is for you.

Why study Social Anthropology at SOAS?

  • We are ranked 5th in the UK and 12th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are ranked 4

    th

    in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table).
  • Draw on the exceptional regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and politics, many of whom have joined us with a practical working knowledge of their disciplines.
  • Join our thriving community of alumni and academics who have an impact on the world outside of academia.
  • Flexibly structure your programme using our optional modules and/or optional modules from other departments, including the opportunity to learn a regional language.
  • We are specialists in the delivery of languages - your command of a second language at SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities.
  • Program Outline

    Students take

    120 credits per year

    composed of compulsory and optional modules.

    All students are expected to complete all compulsory modules.

    Students are entitled to select

    up to 30 credits

    of Open Option modules per year.

    These modules can be in anthropology or based in other departments within the School, either in another subject or a language option.

    Important notice

    The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.


    Year 1

    Compulsory modules

    Students will take the following compulsory modules (90 credits in total):

    Module Credits

    101A Anthropology in and of the World: An Introduction (A)

    15

    101B Anthropology in and of the World: An Introduction (B)

    15

    102A SOAS Anthropology Now (A)

    15

    102B SOAS Anthropology Now (B)

    15

    201 World Social Theory: Imagining Society from 500BCE to 1900

    15

    202 Social Theory, Reform and Revolution in an Age of Extremes

    15

    Guided options term 1

    Students take the following guided option

    or

    a 15 credit module from the language open options.

    Module Credits

    150 Mind at University

    15

    Guided options term 2

    Students take one 15 credit module from the following guided options

    or

    a 15 credit module from the language open options list.

    Module Credits

    190 Year 1 Seminar: Explorations in Anthropology

    15

    Languages of the World

    15

    Decolonising Pop: K-Pop and Beyond

    15

    Year 2

    Credits must be taken in the following combination:

  • 45 credits from Year 2 compulsory modules

    and

  • 45 credits from Year 2 guided options

    and

  • Maximum of 30 credits from second year open options (language open options and non-language open optons)

  • Compulsory modules

    Students will take the following modules (45 credits in total):

    Module Credits

    211 Anthropology Through History

    15

    212 Theory in Anthropology

    15

    213 Ethnography in Practice

    15

    List A regional modules

    Students will take 15 credits from List A

    Note: the other regional module may be taken as a guided option under List B.

    Module Credits

    301 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (I)

    15

    302 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (II)

    15

    List B guided options

    Students will take a minimum of 30 credits from List B

    and

    a maximum of 30 credits from second year open options (language open options, and non-language open options).

    Module Credits

    251 Anthropology of Economic Life

    15

    301 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (I)

    15

    302 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (II)

    15

    351 Migration, Borders and Space: Decolonial Approaches

    15

    352 Anthropology of 'Race', Gender and Sexuality

    15

    Language, Society and Communication

    15

    Beyond Regions: Cultures in the Diaspora

    15

    Year 3

    Credits must be taken in the following combination:

  • 30 credits from Year 3 compulsory modules

    and

  • 60 credits from Year 3 guided options

    and

  • Maximum of 30 credits from Year 3 open options: language open options and non-language oipen options

  • Compulsory modules

    Students will take the following modules (30 credits in total):

    Module Credits

    401B Concepts in Anthropology (B)

    15

    401A Concepts in Anthropology (A)

    15

    Guided options

    Students will take between a minimum of 30 credits from List A and a minimum of 30 credits from List B.


    List A

  • Directed Readings in Anthropology can be taken in Term 1

    or

    Term 2 (

    not both

    )
  • If Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (I) or (II) is taken in Year 2 it

    cannot

    be taken again in Year 3
  • Module Credits

    301 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (I)

    15

    302 Regional Perspectives in Anthropology (II)

    15

    351 Migration, Borders and Space: Decolonial Approaches

    15

    353 Anthropology and Climate Change

    15

    451 Medical Anthropology: An Introduction

    15

    Issues in Gender and Development

    15

    498A/B Directed Readings in Anthropology (T1/T2)

    15

    List B

    Module Credits

    352 Anthropology of 'Race', Gender and Sexuality

    15

    453 Mind, Culture and Psychiatry

    15

    490 Special Topics in Contemporary Anthropology

    15

    499 Independent Study Project in Anthropology

    30

    Museums and Museology

    15

    The Music Business

    15

    And

    Maximum of 30 credits from Third year open options

    l

    anguage and non-language open options.


    The academic staff in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology are dynamic, experienced teachers who are widely recognised for their expertise and enjoy working directly with students. Renowned scholars from other institutions also come to share their knowledge. The SOAS Anthropology Department sponsors several lecture series that are open to students, including the weekly Departmental Research Seminar, the Food Studies Centre's Food Forum and the Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies’ Seminar Series.

    In addition to these formal settings for learning, our students also learn from one another. Hailing from around the globe, their diverse life experiences make our classes an exciting, rich environment for cultural and intellectual exchange. Students also benefit from campus-wide programmes, clubs, study groups, and performances.

    The modules are taught by lectures and group discussions. Students become active in class through their reading and essay-writing as well as their participation in discussion groups. Whatever the topic, modules draw particularly on ethnographic studies of China, Japan, South East Asia, South Asia, the Near and Middle East, West Africa and East Africa, as well as their diasporas.


    Independent Study Project (ISP)

    The ISP can be taken by final-year students only. This is an opportunity for students to conduct original anthropological research on their own initiative, to engage in in-depth analysis of particular subjects and to undertake ethnographic fieldwork and/or library-based research. It is supported by a bi-weekly seminar on anthropological research and writing and is assessed by a single 10,000-word dissertation (including notes but excluding bibliography).


    SOAS Library

    SOAS Library

    is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.


    Pre-entry reading

  • Eriksen, Thomas H. 2015 Small Places, Large Issues: An Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, Pluto Press.
  • Astuti, Rita, et al (eds.) 2007. Questions of Anthropology. Oxford: Berg.
  • Engelke, Matthew 2017. Think Like an Anthropologist. Pelican.
  • Abu-Lughod, Lila. 2015. Do Muslim Women Need Saving? Harvard University Press.
  • Fassin, Didier. 2013. Enforcing Order: An Ethnography of Urban Policing. Polity Press.
  • Kate Fox 2014. Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour. Stodder & Houghton.
  • Macclancy, J. 2002. Exotic No More: Anthropology on the Front Lines. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Das, V. 2006. Life and Words. Violence and the Descent into the Ordinary. University of California Press.

  • Students from SOAS’ Department of Anthropology and Sociology develop an in-depth understanding of the world. Employers value our graduates’ cultural awareness and global perspective, as well as their skills in analysis, data interpretation and problem-solving.

    Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Allen & Overy
  • BBC
  • British Council
  • Deloitte
  • Hackney Migrant Centre
  • IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)
  • IOM- UN Migration
  • Media 52
  • New York Times
  • Social Mobility Foundation
  • The Week
  • UNICEF
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • World Bank Group
  • Find out about our

    Careers Service

    SHOW MORE
    About University

    School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS)


    Overview:

    SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, is a public research university in London, specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is renowned for its diverse academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to global understanding.


    Services Offered:


    Student Life and Campus Experience:


    Key Reasons to Study There:

      Global Focus:

      SOAS offers a unique opportunity to study the cultures, languages, and societies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

      World-Class Faculty:

      The university boasts a distinguished faculty of experts in their respective fields, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.

      Diverse Student Body:

      SOAS attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.

      Research Opportunities:

      SOAS is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

    Academic Programs:

    SOAS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

      Arts:

      History of Art & Archaeology, Music, Media & Communication

      Languages, Cultures, and Linguistics:

      African Languages, Cultures, and Literatures, China & Inner Asia, Japan & Korea, Near & Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Translation Studies

      Social Sciences:

      Anthropology & Sociology, Development Studies, Economics, Finance & Management, Gender Studies, Law, Politics & International Studies, Religions & Philosophies

    Other:

    SOAS is a member of the University of London and is located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and global citizenship, and its research and teaching contribute to a better understanding of the world.

    Total programs
    191
    Admission Requirements

    A Levels

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Austria

    : Reifeprufungszeugnis / Maturazeugnis: four subjects at 1, 2, 2, 2

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Belgium

    : Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs: 75% (7.5/10, 15/20) overall

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Belgium

    Bulgaria:

    Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie: 5.3 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exams

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

    Canada:

    High School Diploma

    :

    80% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).

    British Columbia: AABBB in Grade 12 courses.

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Canada

    China:

    Senior Secondary Graduation Certificate + Gaokao

    :

    78% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from China

    Croatia:

    Matura Certificate

    :

    4.5 overall with 5 in 1 Higher level subject

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Cyprus:

    Apolytirion with 2 A-Levels

    :

    Apolytirion 18/20 + A-level grades BB

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Czech Republic:

    Matura Certificate

    :

    1, 2, 2, 2

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Denmark:

    Studentereksamen; Hojere Forberedelseseksamen; Hojere Handelseksamen; Hojere Teknisk Eksamen

    :

    7 plus 10, 7, 7 in three Level A subjects

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Denmark

    Estonia:

    Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus

    :

    4.0 with 85%, 80%, and 80% in 3 state exams

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Finland:

    Ylioppilastukint / Studentexamen

    :

    four subjects at 6, 5, 5, 5

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    France:

    French Baccalaureat or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB)

    :

    13/20

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from France

    Germany:

    Abitur

    :

    1.8

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Germany

    Greece:

    Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio with Pan Hellenic exams

    :

    18/20

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Greece

    Hong Kong:

    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

    :

    544 in two electives and one core (all other subjects grade 3)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

    Hungary:

    Matura (Erettségi)

    :

    4.5 overall

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Iceland:

    Stúdentspróf

    :

    7.5

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    India:

    Standard XII

    :

    75% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 80% (all other state boards)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from India

    Ireland:

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    :

    H1, H2, H2, H3, H3

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Israel:

    Bagrut

    :

    Overall grade of 7, 80% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Israel

    Italy:

    Diploma Consequito con L’Esame di Stato

    :

    80% overall

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Italy

    Latvia:

    Certificate of General Secondary Education

    :

    88% in four State subject exams

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Lithuania:

    Brandos Atestatas

    :

    8.5/10 and 90%, 85%, 85% in three State Exam

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Lithuania

    Malta:

    Advanced Matriculation Certificate

    :

    AB (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Netherlands:

    Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs

    :

    7.5 overall with 8, 8, 7, 7 in four subjects

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Norway:

    Vitnemål vidergaende opplaering

    :

    4.3 overall

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Norway

    Poland:

    New Polish Matura

    :

    75% in three Advanced Level subjects

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Poland

    Portugal:

    Diploma de Ensino Secundario

    :

    overall 17.5/20

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Romania:

    Diploma de Bacalaureat

    :

    8.5 overall

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Romania

    Singapore:

    Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnic)

    :

    GPA 3.3

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Singapore

    Slovakia:

    Maturitná skúška / Maturita / Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške

    :

    four subjects at 1, 2, 2, 2

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    South Africa:

    National Senior Certificate

    :

    77666

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from South Africa

    Spain:

    Curso de Orientación Universitaria / Título de Bachillerato

    :

    7.5

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Spain

    Sweden:

    Slutbetyg / Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan

    :

    A in 1200 credits and no grades below D / 18 / mainly B overall (MVG/VG)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Sweden

    Switzerland:

    Federal Maturity Certificate

    :

    4.5

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Switzerland

    Tanzania:

    Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education

    :

    ACSE with BBB in 3 principle subjects

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Tanzania

    Trinidad and Tobago:

    CAPE

    :

    Six CAPE units with grade 2 (+two double-unit courses)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Turkey:

    Lise Diplomasi

    :

    78-83% (depending on high school)

    A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from Turkey

    USA:

    High School Diploma plus ACT, SAT, or AP exams:

  • High School Diploma GPA 3.0

    plus

    SAT 1280

    or

    ACT 27

    and

    2 AP's at 4,4

    or

  • High School Diploma GPA of 3.2

    plus

    2 AP's at 4,4

    or

  • High School Diploma GPA 3.4

    plus

    SAT 1300

    or

    ACT 29

    or

  • 2-year Associate degree GPA 3.1

  • A Level equivalent

    : ABB

    Contextualised offer

    : BBB

    Information for prospective students from the USA

    See

    undergraduate entry requirements

    and

    English language requirements

    for international and alternative entry requirements.

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