Senior Lecturer in the History of Modern South Asia
Department of History
& School of History, Religions and Philosophies
MA History
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Key information
Key information
- Start date
- Duration
- 1 year
- Attendance mode
- Full-time or part-time
- Location
- On Campus
- Fees
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Home: £12,220
International: £25,320 - Course code
- V1S6
- Entry requirements
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Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0
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Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno
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Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%
-
Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)
-
Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5
-
Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67
-
Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR 4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0
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Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor: 60% or 12/20
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Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year
Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%
-
Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana
Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2
-
Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%
-
Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0
-
Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0
-
Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0
-
Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
-
Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+
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Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%
-
Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7
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China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)
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Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
-
Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0
-
Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
-
Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0
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Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0
Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic
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Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13
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Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 6.5/10
-
Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7
-
Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
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Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C
-
Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0
-
Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0
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France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
-
Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%
-
Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good
-
Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0
-
Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
-
Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)
-
Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours
-
Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10
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India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0
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Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
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Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good
-
Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II
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Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%
-
Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110
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Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% / Good/ B or 2.7/ 4.0
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Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%
-
Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0
-
Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0
-
Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0
-
Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0
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Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10
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Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20
-
Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0
-
Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0
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Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
-
Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
-
Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2
-
Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0
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Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or B (Class 2 Division 2)
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Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%
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Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB
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Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10
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Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
-
Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0
-
Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0
-
Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0
-
New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
-
Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C
-
Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
-
Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%
-
Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0
-
Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B
-
Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude
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Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0
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Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
-
Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0
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Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
-
Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20
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Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%
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Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good
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Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0
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Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0
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Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C
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Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10
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Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry
Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A
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South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%
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South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5
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Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0
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Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0
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St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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St Vincent and the Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B
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Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)
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Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5
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Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university
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Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0
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Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0
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Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0
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Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI
Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons
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Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20
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Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0. All others: 2.8/4.0
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Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B
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Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5
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United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+
Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates
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United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0
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Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0
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Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0
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Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0
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Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)
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We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
See international entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course overview
SOAS’s MA History programme is one of the very few Master-level programmes in History in the UK, which focuses study of the discipline through Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With its high concentration of expertise of these regions, the programme offers an unrivalled breadth of courses on these regions’ respective as well as interconnected histories. In addition to offering regional and global/transnational expertise, the program also provides a sound training in the theory and methodology in history writing and historical research.?
SOAS’s MA History programme is one of the very few Master-level programmes in History in the UK, which focuses study of the discipline through Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
With its high concentration of expertise of these regions, the programme offers an unrivalled breadth of courses on these regions’ respective as well as interconnected histories. In addition to offering regional and global/transnational expertise, the program also provides a sound training in the theory and methodology in history writing and historical research.
The MA History programme at SOAS is unique among postgraduate programmes in the UK and Europe in its exclusive focus on the histories of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Academic staff are specialists in the histories, cultures and societies of these regions, with their teaching reflecting the most recent research in their fields. The programme offers a wide range of modules from early history to the twentieth century, as well as on the interconnected histories of these regions.
In addition, the MA History programme provides rigorous training in the theory and methodology of history. Through an engagement with key debates and the acquisition of advanced research skills students develop a nuanced approach to the ways in which African, Asian, and Middle Eastern histories have been written and how historiographical shifts in the post-War and postcolonial period have shaped these narratives.
A formal training in the discipline goes together with an emphasis on 'de-centring' Europe from the story of humanity. Students are introduced to the social, cultural, political and intellectual pasts of people from regions whose contribution to world history is often marginalised. The modules offered seek, as far as possible, to teach the histories of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia from the perspective of people from those societies.
Why study MA History at SOAS?
- Our department is ranked 12th in the UK for History (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- Our History research environment is entirely world-leading/internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- 83.3% of our History impact case studies were world-leading/internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- 71.2% of our History research outputs were world-leading/internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- In the 2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, History scored above sector in the following categories: research culture, community, research skills, and professional development
Structure
Students take 180 credits which are distributed as follows:
Core and compulsory: 90 credits + guided and open options – 90 credits
Core: 60 credits – 10,000 word dissertation (year-long)
Compulsory: 30 credits – Debating Pasts (15 credits) and Crafting Histories (15 credits)
Guided options list A: 60-90 credits (take between four and six 15 credit modules)
Guided options list B: 0-30 credits (take up to two 15 credit modules)
Open options including a language: 0-30 credits (take up to two 15 credit modules)
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.
Core
dissertation worth 60 credits
Compulsory
two 15-credit modules
Guided options List B
Students choose a maximum of 30 credits from the Guided Options List B
Guided options List A
students choose a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 90 credits from the Guided Options List A
Teaching and learning
Teaching and contact hours
Teaching is usually through a combination of lectures and seminars. Each module meets for two hours per week and students will normally be assigned work to complete before each session. This could include reading academic articles, a short writing assignment or group work.
Learn a language as part of this programme
Students are entitled to learn one of forty Asian and African languages as part of their degree. These include Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Indonesian, Japanese, Persian, Sanskrit, Swahili, Urdu, Vietnamese and Zulu. Facility in a language gives one a unique insight into the culture and mores of peoples. The access to these languages is something that sets SOAS apart from other institutions.
Opportunities for research
MA History students have outstanding research opportunities: the university is home to a national research library with over 1.3 million volumes, periodicals and audio-visual materials in 400 languages, three kilometres of archival material and 60,000 rare books, all with a focus on Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In addition, some of the world’s leading libraries - the British Library, the National Archives, the British Museum and the British Film Institute - are within easy reach.
Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge
- Factual knowledge about the histories of Asian and African societies, the ways they interacted with each other and other world regions of the world, and the major historical forces that shaped our contemporary world.
- Familiarity with a variety of different approaches to historical research and current scholarly debates, and, on that basis, the ability to formulate a valuable research question.
- How to locate materials and use research resources (particularly research library catalogues, archival hand lists, and digital resources), assess data and evidence critically from manuscripts, printed, and digital sources, and solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations.
- Language skills appropriate to chosen region and field of study (recommended).
Intellectual (thinking) skills
- Students will be able to synthesize different kinds of information, become precise and cautious in their assessment of evidence and understand what the different types of historical sources can and cannot tell us.
- Students will be able to question interpretations, however authoritative, maintain an open- minded attitude to interpretations that challenge older interpretations, and analyse and reassess evidence and research questions for themselves.
- Students will be able to think critically about the nature of the historical discipline, its methodology, historiography, and openness for interdisciplinary approaches.
- Students will be able to reflect about the potential of historical research on non- Western societies and civilizations for the advancement of the historical discipline and human civilization in general.
Subject-based practical skills
- Effective writing and referencing skills, attention to detail and accuracy in presentation.
- Effective oral presentation of seminar papers, articulation of ideas, and constructive participation in seminar discussions.
- Ability to retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources, including relevant professional databases, effective note-taking, record keeping and planning of projects.
- Ability to formulate research questions and design an independent research project, including the use of primary sources.
- In the MA History and Intensive Language program, to acquire/develop skills in a language to Effective Operational Proficiency level, i.e., being able to communicate in written and spoken medium in a contemporary language
Transferable skills
- Critical thinking.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
- Information gathering skills from conventional and electronic sources.Effective time-management, writing to word limits, and meeting deadlines.
Scholarships
Employment
A postgraduate degree from the History department at SOAS provides its students with an understanding of the world, giving them specialised historical knowledge and understanding of cultural sensibilities of a region. Postgraduate students are equipped with the expertise to continue in research as well as the skills needed to enable them to find professional careers in the private and public sectors.
Postgraduate students leave SOAS with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek, including familiarity with methods of research; the competence to manage large quantities of information; the ability to select and organise information and analytical skills.
Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:
- Afghan Aid
- Amnesty International
- Church of England
- Dar Al Hekma College
- Department For Transport
- Högskolan Dalarna
- Home Office - UKBA
- Hongik University, South Korea
- MoD
- Dutch National Council for Culture
- Savannah Publications
- The Jewish Chronicle
- The Royal Institute of International Affairs
- World Youth Service Society Japan
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