School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics & African Languages, Cultures and Literatures Section

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

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Course code
Y4S2
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. 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

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The MA African Studies at SOAS provides an unrivalled programme of advanced modules on Africa - one of the world’s most fascinating and challenging regions.

The opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the continent is a particular advantage of the degree. Our former students have chosen to study Africa at this level for a wide range of reasons. For some a deep interest in the history and culture or political economy of a particular region is sufficient motivation, but for many students the programme has, in addition, been followed with the intention of furthering their career opportunities.

Some go on to work either in Africa or in fields related to Africa. The opportunity to combine study of particular African subjects with an African language is very useful, although some evidence of competence in learning a foreign language is usually required.

Why study MA African Studies at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies.
  • SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • SOAS is ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for African and Middle Eastern Studies in the Complete University Guide 2023. 
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. 
  • 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021.
  • SOAS is a specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia.
  • Access comprehensive cross-regional expertise and gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of these regions in an increasingly globalised world.
  • You will be eligible to apply for internships, available to students starting 2023/24.

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Students take 180 credits in total:

  • 60 credit dissertation
  • 120 credits of taught modules

All students take the compulsory modules listed below ('Approaches to African Studies'  and 'Remapping Area Studies') and select 120 credits from lists A, list B and list C.

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

Compulsory

Guided options List A

15-60 credits from List A

Guided options List B

15-60 credits from List B

Guided options List C

Up to 60 credits from List C. Students are strongly encourage to select a language module as part of the programme.

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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.

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.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

  • Students will acquire knowledge and critical awareness of current issues and/or insights into Africa from the perspective of at least two social sciences and/or humanities disciplines.
  • The student will have the opportunity of gaining knowledge or further knowledge of an African language.
  • The student will gain specialized and in - depth knowledge in one particular area of the study of Africa and from disciplinary perspective

Intellectual (thinking) skills

  • Students will develop a critical and analytical approach to issues relating to Africa in the disciplinary areas chosen.
  • Students will develop skills of synthesizing materials from a variety of sources and presenting these in writing and orally in an academic context.
  • Students will have the opportunity of researching topics which have been little commented on in the secondary literature and thus develop research skills by working on primary sources.

Subject-based practical skills

  • Students will gain specific knowledge of aspects of African life, which will prepare them for working in Africa.
  • The specialist knowledge developed in the individual courses will allow students to add an academically grounded perspective to their particular subsequent work context.
  • If a student takes an African language they will have a strong practical skill, which will help them in any context where the language is used and which will also be of benefit if they need to learn another language in the future.

Transferable skills

  • Through managing their studies students will develop the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility.
  • In researching and writing coursework and the dissertation students will develop research and writing skills.
  • Students will develop the skills of independent learning required for continuing onto a research degree or for professional development.

Learning resources

  • Useful resources from the African Languages, Cultures and Literatures section
  • 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.

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

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A postgraduate degree in African studies from SOAS provides you with competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature, history, cinema, politics, economics or law.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

  • BBC News
  • British Embassy
  • Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa
  • Goal Nigeria
  • Government of Canada
  • Hogan Lovells International LLP
  • International Institute for Environment and Development
  • Kenyan Government
  • Mercy Corps
  • Migrant Resource Centre
  • Mo Ibrahim Foundation
  • The London MENA Film Festival
  • The University of Tokyo
  • The World Bank
  • Think Africa Press
  • U.S. Embassy
  • United Nations
  • University of Namibia
  • World Vision UK
  • Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

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