About School of Oriental and African Studies

The School of Oriental and African Studies, commonly known a SOAS follows its motto of “Knowledge is power'. It is situated in the heart of London, in Bloomsbury. SOAS was founded in 1916 under the name of School of Oriental Studies which was formally inaugurated by King George V in February 1917. Later in 1938, “Africa' was added to its name. It is also a constituent college of University of London.   

SOAS is currently comprised of two campuses; Russell Square and Vernon Square, which are located 20 minute walk away from each other. It's famous for courses specializing in Economics, Languages, Humanities, Politics and Law concerning the Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries. SOAS offers more than 300 Bachelors degrees and more than 70 taught Master's degrees, PhDs and Master of Philosophy. SOAS was ranked as the top 5th University in UK by the Guardian Poll in 2006 and the 44th by the Times Higher Education World Rankings.

SOAS provides multitude of facilities like its own halls for its students' accommodation and other facilities for an active student life. However, the most priority is given to the first year students and most second year students move out. SOAS students can also use facilities of the University of London intercollegiate halls.

SOAS Students' Union currently has been highly active on protesting for ending of wars and reducing the carbon footprint. This Union is deemed to be radically left-winged. Among other facilities and usual SU fun activities, it also has its own open air radio station.        

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