Online learning

About

SOAS has launched a reimagined portfolio of online degrees for September 2026 entry, offering new ways to study with one of the world’s leading institutions for global, interdisciplinary education.

Designed for ambitious learners worldwide, these programmes combine SOAS’s distinctive academic expertise with flexible, high-quality online learning. Equal in quality to degrees taught on campus, our online qualifications are recognised globally and draw on more than 20 years of experience delivering specialist distance learning.

This academic strength is reflected in SOAS’s global standing, with five subjects ranked in the global top 40 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Development Studies (2nd), Politics (16th), Anthropology (19th), and History (36th) all feature prominently in our new online portfolio.

Our reimagined degrees offer:

  • Flexible, career-centred structures, designed to fit around your lives, with the opportunity to tailor your learning to your interests and aspirations.
  • A strong focus on practical research and applied learning, preparing you for the kind of work you will be doing in your careers.
  • Teaching and learning designed for online, combining live seminars, recorded content, and one-on-one time with leading academics.

Students applying for the January 2027 intake will also have the opportunity to apply for one of five £2,000 SOAS Online Scholarships.

SOAS Online | Global learning, flexible study

Our new online learning portfolio reflects SOAS’s distinctive mission and strengths. It is designed around unique graduate attributes that combine global perspectives, critical thinking and practical expertise.

— Professor Elisa Van Waeyenberge, Provost

Flexible learning, designed by you

5 subjects in global top 40

Development (2nd), Politics (16th), Anthropology (19th), History of Art (24th), History (36th) – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Your current and future career aspirations

Every module and assessment has been designed to enhance your career.

Unique graduate attributes

Connect your studies with your careers and showcase the skills you have gained.

Impactful assessments that add value

We don't use exams. Our assessment approach prioritises innovative methods to meet your needs.

Six-module structure

All modules comprise structured, live and directed individual learning-based using our new online platform.

Frontiers in Research module

Study alongside SOAS academics as you explore live research shaping global debates, policy and professional practice.

New portfolio: express your interest

Express your interest in our reimagined online portfolio, with programmes starting in January and September 2027.

Key dates

Our online learning programmes have two intakes per year. There are two to three sessions of study per year dependent on your programme and start date. 

You can find details of the university's closure dates on the Academic calendar webpage.

General key dates

Key datesSeptember 2026 intakeJanuary 2027 intake
Application deadline26 August 2026 1 December 2026
Enrolment period26 August 2026 to 18 September 202610 December 2026 to 9 January 2027
Start date21 September 202618 January 2027

Sessions for intakes from September 2026 onwards

CentreSession 1Session 2Session 3
Centre of Financial & Management Studies
Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CEDEP)
Centre for Development Studies 
Centre for Gender Studies
Centre for Global Media and Communications
Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)
21 September 202618 January 20271 June 2027

Sessions for students who started in June 2026 and before

Centre Session 1Session 2Session 3
Centre of Financial & Management Studies21 September 202618 January 202717 May 2027
Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CEDEP)
Centre for Development Studies 
Centre for Gender Studies
Centre for Global Media and Communications
Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)
21 September 202617 May 2027–

Key information: September 2026 entry

What our students say