How to apply (PG)

Application deadline

The admissions cycle begins on 1 November each year. The deadline to apply for a taught masters programme is 31 July 2023.

We aim to assess a complete application and provide a decision within a 4 week time frame. Applicants who require a student visa and wish to join SOAS should bear in mind visa applications can take several weeks, so you should apply as soon as possible.

Please only submit one application per academic cycle. If you need to make changes to your application once it has been submitted, or wish to be considered for a second choice, you will need to contact the masters admissions team.

If you are considering applying for a scholarship or sponsorship to fund your studies, it is advised that you submit your masters application as early as possible to allow for processing time.

Taught Masters application

You can apply for Taught Masters programmes, Diplomas and Certificate programmes through our online postgraduate application system. 

Candidates who are interested in applying for a research degree should read our guidance: research degree how to apply.

You must supply:

• Supporting statement 
  Your statement should be around 1000 words in length, covering your skills and experiences relevant to your chosen programme of study and your ambitions, motivations and interest in the programme you are applying for.
   
• CV or resume
   
• Supporting documentation including transcript and degree certificate 
  If your supporting documentation (transcript, certificate and other documents) are not in English, you must provide certified English translations in addition to the documents in their original language.
  
  All international qualifications and institutions will be cross checked on the UK ENIC (formally NARIC) database (National Recognition Information Centre). If your institution or qualification is not listed, we may not be able to consider your application and offer you a place. Admissions will get in touch with you if further clarification is required.
   
• English Language proficiency  
  We do not need to have evidence of your level of English language at the time of applying, but it will help us with the processing of your application if you can provide this with your application. Please refer to the webpage for our English entry requirements and acceptable English language tests.
  
  Please note that we do not require any references in order for you to submit your application; however, we reserve the right to request a reference after making an initial assessment if we feel it would help your application or if the admissions tutor has asked to see one.

Entry requirements for taught Masters

Applicants should have a minimum good second class honours bachelors degree from a UK university, or international equivalent, in a subject appropriate to that of the programme to be followed. If an applicant does not have a bachelors degree in an appropriate field they may be required to complete a qualifying year or a one year diploma before entering the masters programme.

Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration. Individual courses may have specific entry requirements, so you are advised to consult the postgraduate prospectus for further information.

International students who are unable to meet the Academic or English requirements for post graduate studies at SOAS, should consider our specifically designed programmes at IFCELS which could help you achieve your goals.

English language requirements

In order to ensure that SOAS students have a sufficient standard of English to study effectively, we require international students to submit evidence, during the application process, of their current level of proficiency.
For full details, see our English language requirements.

The whole application is considered before a decision is reached. An incomplete application can add considerable delays to the decision-making process. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement of their application submission.

Each application is carefully considered and we will respond as quickly as possible. You can only submit one application in an academic cycle. You will have the option of selecting a first and second choice of taught masters programme. You will initially be considered for your first choice. Your second choice will only be considered if you are not successful for your first choice of programme or if you request us to do so. In certain cases, the admissions tutor may offer you a place on a programme other than the one you have selected because they feel that the course will be better suited to your academic background and interests.

If you require a student visa to study in the UK, SOAS can only sponsor you for Full Time studies.

SOAS has a number of Global Partnerships with institutions across the world that students from our partners are eligible to apply for. Find out more about our full range of Global Partnerships.

If you are coming to SOAS to study a Masters through one of our Global Partnerships, as well as completing all the steps in the ‘How to Apply’ section above, you will also need to:

• Indicate the partner institution you are applying through in the relevant section of the application form.
• Make reference to the Global Partnership programme you are applying for in your personal statement and show your interest in studying through the partnership route.
• Upload a nomination letter OR an equivalent official document from your institution confirming your current student status and programme of study in the relevant section of the application form.

Please see our nomination template letter (MS Word) for an example of what is required.

For any queries on our Global Partnerships or how to apply, please contact the Global Partnerships team globalpartnerships@soas.ac.uk