We’ve always been in awe of the universities in the UK mainly because of their academic prowess, diverse student population and of course, high-quality student accommodation located no more than 5-minutes away. All the writers at UniAcco have been hard at work writing complete university guides for universities in the UK. This time, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about SOAS University of London through our latest guide ‘SOAS University of London: A Complete Uni Guide.’
About SOAS University Of London
We start off with our SOAS University of London university guide by giving you a bird’s eye view of the SOAS University and its various functions. SOAS University of London (full name – School of Oriental and African Studies University of London) is a public research university located in London. Founded in 1916, SOAS University of London is renowned all over the world for its study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. This university is the perfect place for like-minded students who feel passionately about contemporary world issues. SOAS University can be divided into three faculties –
- Faculty of Languages and Cultures
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
Among these faculties, the SOAS School of Law is considered to be one of the best law schools in the UK.
Campus
The main campus of SOAS University of London is located in Bloomsbury, Central London, which is very close to Russell Square. Students who wish to travel to and fro the university can do so by using the nearest underground station, which is Russell Square.
The campus includes the Faber Building (23–24 Russell Square), Brunei Gallery, College Buildings (the Phillips Building and the Old Building), the northern Block of Senate House (since 2016) and 21–22 Russell Square. The state-of-the-art library was designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and is located in the Philips Building.
Students who wish to relax and unwind in-between classes can visit the Japanese-style roof garden on top of the Brunei Gallery. This is a place of quiet contemplation and meditation as well as a functional space complementary to the gallery.
SOAS University of London is looking to upgrade its infrastructure. There are plans to add two new buildings and substantial remodelling of existing spaces. Successful implementation of this plan would result in approximately 30% additional space, which is approximately 1,000 sq metres. The total cost of this project is pegged at around £73m.
Student Life
One of the main elements of our SOAS University of London university guide is highlighting the student life at SOAS.
As of 2019, there were a total of 5,200 students. As per the data from SOAS University of London, international students at the university come from over 140 countries, which makes SOAS University of London one of the most culturally diverse universities in the UK. SOAS University of London’s acceptance rate stands at 9%.
As mentioned earlier, SOAS is known for its acute political scene and radical socialist politics. This university was voted the most politically active university in the UK. Most recently, students engaged in a campaign for social change, women’s liberty and justice for cleaners. The famed SOAS Marxist Society holds frequent events and encourages its students to register to vote.
The university is centrally located which makes it easy for students to visit famous tourist attractions in London. SOAS University of London students are just a couple of minutes away from the British Library, British Museum, the University of London Union and the nightlife of the West End. Popular London universities like Birkbeck, the Institute of Education, London Business School, University College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are also located close by.
We wouldn’t say that SOAS is best known for its sports programmes as this university fields smaller sports teams in various local and national leagues. SOAS University of London competes in various inter-university fixtures in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competition. These sports include –
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Netball
- Rugby
- Tennis
SOAS University Of London Ranking
Since SOAS University of London is a specialist university with a niche area of specialisation, an exact ranking becomes very difficult. Nonetheless, popular university ranking websites, QS and Times Higher Education, have both managed to rank SOAS University of London nationally and internationally.
On the international scale, SOAS University of London ranking is 391st as the best university in the world by QS, whereas, this university is ranked between 401-500 by Times Higher Education (THE).
Coming to national rankings, SOAS University of London is ranked 48th by The Complete University Guide. The Guardian ranked SOAS University of London 77th respectively in their most recent rankings of 2022.
Find Top Student Housing Near London’s Best Universities!
SOAS University Of London Postgraduate Courses And Undergraduate Courses
MSc Accounting and Finance
| Duration | Exams Accepted | Tuition Fees Per Year |
| 1 Year | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65 | £23,800 |
MSc International Finance and Development
| Duration | Exams Accepted | Tuition Fees Per Year |
| 1 Year | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65 | £23,800 |
MSc Public Financial Management
| Duration | Exams Accepted | Tuition Fees Per Year |
| 1 Year | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65 | £23,800 |
MSc International Financial Management
| Duration | Exams Accepted | Tuition Fees Per Year |
| 1 Year | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65 | £23,800 |
SOAS University of London Business Management (BSc)
| Duration | Exams Accepted | Tuition Fees Per Year |
| 3 Years | IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 65 | £20,350 |
Student Accommodation Near SOAS University of London
One of the biggest dilemmas faced by students of SOAS University of London is deciding where to live. Since London is an expensive city, finding affordable housing can be difficult. But lucky for you, UniAcco has the best student accommodation near SOAS University of London at the best prices. Continue reading our SOAS University of London university guide to know more.
1. iQ City
Where?
11 Bastwick Street London EC1V 3AQ United Kingdom
About iQ City
iQ City is the perfect student accommodation for students enrolled in SOAS University of London because the property is located only 11 minutes from campus. Moreover, students have a wide range of room configurations at their disposal; They can choose from a dozen en-suite rooms and studio rooms. All the rooms iQ City come with a bed, a wardrobe, a study desk & chair and a WiFi connection. Students can enjoy a variety of communal amenities like social events, a garden, a communal area, a study area, 24/7 dedicated support, CCTV security and all-inclusive utility bills.
Price Range –
£325 – £535/week
2. iQ Shoreditch
Where?
iQ Shoreditch, 2 Silicon Way, London N1 6AT United Kingdom
About iQ Shoreditch
iQ Shoreditch is one of the best student accommodations if you love en-suite rooms. Students who don’t mind sharing living space often book their accommodation at iQ Shoreditch. At only £239/week, iQ Shoreditch is one of the most affordable student accommodation in Central London. There is a wide range of rooms that students can choose from. Irrespective of their room choice, students can expect a bed, a private bathroom, a private room, a wardrobe and a study desk & chair. The communal amenities of iQ Shoreditch include contents insurance, 24/7 dedicated support, CCTV security, a garden, social events, a communal area and a study.
Price Range –
£340 – £558/week
3. iQ Will Wyatt Court
Where?
168 Pitfield St, Hoxton, London N1 6JP, United Kingdom
About iQ Will Wyatt Court
iQ Will Wyatt Court is an excellent student accommodation near SOAS University of London. This property is located right in the heart of Zone 1 and offers quick links to various parts of London. iQ Will Wyatt Court should be your ideal accommodation option if you wish to live in an en-suite room at a really affordable price. All the rooms at iQ Will Wyatt Court come fully furnished with a bed, a wardrobe, a study desk & chair and a WiFi connection. The communal amenities include a garden, contents insurance, social events, a communal area, a study area, all-inclusive utility bills, 24/7 on-site staff and 24-hour CCTV security.
Price Range –
£260 – £333/week
Notable Alumni
We end our SOAS University of London: A complete uni guide by mentioning some famous personalities who have studied at SOAS University of London. SOAS University of London has an excellent alumni network that includes several government ministers, Supreme Court judges, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, heads of state, diplomats, central bankers and other distinguished personalities. Some of the SOAS University of London’s notable alumni are Zeinab Badawi (TV presenter), Inger Andersen (Executive Director of the UNEP), Mette-Marit (Crown Princess of Norway), Aung San Suu Kyi (1st State Counsellor of Myanmar), Paul Robeson (American singer) and David Lammy (UK politician).
We hope you enjoyed our ‘SOAS University of London: A Complete Uni Guide.’ Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and tell us which university guide we should pick up next!
FAQs
Q1. Is SOAS University of London good?
Ans: The SOAS University of London is a recognised university known for its knowledge of languages, cultures, and social sciences. It is considered one of the best universities in London to study.
Q2. What is SOAS famous for?
Ans: Offering distinctive and specialised academic programs, SOAS is famous for its concentration on the languages, cultures, and studies of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Q3. Is it hard to get into SOAS?
Ans: Due to its specialised programs and international renown, SOAS admission might be competitive, making it rather difficult to accept.
Q4. What does SOAS stand for?
Ans: The full form of SOAS is the School of Oriental and African Studies, a part of the University of London.
Q5. What is the world rank of SOAS?
Ans: In the QS World University Rankings 2024, SOAS is rated 511th and has received a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
