School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics & South Asia Section

MA South Asian Area Studies

Key information

Start date
Duration
1 year
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Course code
Y4S7
Entry requirements

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0

Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

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

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

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 

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%

Information for prospective students from Australia

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

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

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

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

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 

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year

Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%

Information for prospective students from Belgium

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%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

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

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

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+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%

Information for prospective students from Canada

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

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)

Information for prospective students from China

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

Information for prospective students from Colombia

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

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

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13 

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

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

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

Information for prospective students from Egypt

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

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

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

Information for prospective students from France

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

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)

Information for prospective students from Greece

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

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10

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

Information for prospective students from India

Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

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

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

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

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

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

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

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

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 

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

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

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

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 

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

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 

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

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

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or B (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

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

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

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%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

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

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

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Poland

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

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

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

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%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good 

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

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C

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

Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry

Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A 

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

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

Information for prospective students from South Korea

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

Information for prospective students from Spain

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

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

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

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

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)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

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 

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

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

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

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

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

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

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

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

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

Information for prospective students from Turkey

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

Information for prospective students from Uganda

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

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

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the USA

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

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0

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

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

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

The MA South Asian Area Studies programme provides exceptional opportunities for advanced study of one of the world’s most diverse and important regions.

Students can choose to concentrate on pre-modern or modern South Asia and can acquire a basic knowledge of one of the area’s languages, or build upon pre-existing knowledge.

This degree provides a wide-ranging interdisciplinary analysis of the South Asian countries – India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, with more limited coverage of Bangladesh and Bhutan. Disciplines available include Politics, Economics, Anthropology, Law, Literature, Cinema, Culture, Religion and History.

The South Asian Area Studies MA programme attracts students from a variety of backgrounds. While some wish to broaden their previous studies or experience of South Asia, others approach the programme without having a South Asian element to their first degree, but with a desire to focus their previous training on the region.

Why study South Asia at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Asian Studies.
  • We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are ranked top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies.
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. 

Structure

Learn a language as part of this programme

Degree programmes at SOAS - including this one - can include language courses in more than forty African and Asian languages. It is SOAS students’ command of an African or Asian language which sets SOAS apart from other universities.

Students take 180 credits : 60 credits from a dissertation and 120 credits from taught modules. All students take both 15-credit compulsory modules 'Politics of Culture in Contemporary South Asia' and 'Remapping Area Studies', and up to 15 credits may be taken from the list of postgraduate open options. The remaining credits should be chosen from the list below: a maximum of 60 taught credits can be taken from one discipline and a minimum of three disciplines must be covered. For students opting to take two languages, only 30 credits can be at an introductory level.

Some disciplines, such as Politics, Economics or Anthropology, require an appropriate qualification (such as part of a first degree) if any of their modules are to be taken as the major subject.

One module – whether 15 or 30 credits – must be designated as a 'major'; this will designate the discipline and subject in which the dissertation will be written. The remaining taught component credit-bearing modules are designated as 'minors'. All should be chosen from the list below. Modules listed as 'minor only' may not be taken as a major.

All modules are subject to availability.

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.

Compulsory

Guided options - Major

Selection of 15 or 30 credits from Major module options

Guided options - Minor

Selection of 30 or 45 credits from Minor module options

Teaching and learning

One-year Masters programmes consist of 180 credits. 120 credits are taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks); the dissertation makes up the remaining 60 units. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

Contact hours

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework and revising for examinations. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes.

Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • How to assess data and evidence critically from printed and digital sources, solve problems of conflicting sources and interpretations, locate materials, use research sources (particularly research library catalogues) and other relevant traditional sources.
  • Subject specific skills, for instance familiarity with a South Asian language and the ability to read texts in that language, or advanced study of a South Asian literature in its original language.
  • Aspects of South Asian history, economics, political, management and legal systems, art and archaeology, literature, visual and popular culture, anthropology and music.

Intellectual (thinking) skills

  • Students should become precise and cautious in their assessment of evidence.
  • Students should question interpretations, however authoritative, and reassess evidence for themselves.
  • Apply language learning skills to new linguistic challenges, or to new oral or written texts.

Subject-based practical skills

  • Communicate effectively in writing.
  • Retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources.
  • Present seminar papers.
  • Participate constructively in the discussion of ideas introduced during seminars.
  • Work to strict deadlines.
  • Use and apply foreign language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Transferrable skills

The programme will encourage students to:

  • Write good essays and dissertations.
  • Structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Understand unconventional ideas.
  • Study a variety of written and digital materials, in libraries and research institutes of a kind they will not have used as undergraduates.
  • Present (non–assessed) material orally.
  • Communicate in a foreign language.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Scholarships

Title Deadline date
Tibawi Trust Award
Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarships
Felix Non-Indian Scholarship
Felix Scholarships

Employment

Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Africa Matters
  • Amnesty International
  • Arab British Chamber of Commerce
  • BBC World Service
  • British High Commission
  • Council for British Research in the Levant
  • Department for International Development
  • Edelman
  • Embassy of Jordan
  • Ernst & Young
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • Google
  • Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
  • Middle East Eye
  • Saïd Foundation
  • TalkAbout Speech Therapy
  • The Black Curriculum
  • The Telegraph
  • United Nations Development Programme
  • UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
  • Wall Street Journal

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