SOAS University of London (reviews)

Studying International Relations at SOAS University of London has been an exhilarating intellectual journey that surpassed all my expectations. The program seamlessly blends academic rigor with a global perspective, offering a unique and enriching experience. The diverse and passionate faculty members bring a wealth of real-world expertise, making each lecture a captivating exploration of international affairs.

What sets SOAS apart is its vibrant and inclusive community. Engaging in discussions with fellow students from around the world, each bringing their unique cultural insights, has been a highlight. The university’s commitment to fostering a global mindset is evident in every aspect of campus life, creating an environment where curiosity thrives.

The library resources and research facilities at SOAS are exceptional, providing invaluable support for delving into complex global issues. The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning allows for a holistic understanding of international relations, making the coursework not only academically stimulating but also practically relevant.

Moreover, the location of SOAS in the heart of London adds an unparalleled dimension to the educational experience. Being in a city that serves as a hub for international diplomacy and multiculturalism provides numerous opportunities for networking, internships, and exposure to real-world applications of international relations theories.

In conclusion, my time at SOAS has been transformative, equipping me with a profound understanding of global dynamics and preparing me to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. If you’re seeking an intellectually stimulating and culturally diverse environment to study International Relations, SOAS University of London is undoubtedly an exceptional choice.

SOAS distinguishes itself as an institution that values diversity and creates an engaging multicultural atmosphere. The campus is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and viewpoints, allowing students to participate in stimulating debates with peers from all over the world.
SOAS’s dedication to social justice and global participation is one of its most notable aspects. The institution regularly conducts events, seminars, and workshops that address major global issues, encouraging students to become engaged global citizens and advocates for change.

However, it is important to emphasise that the intellectual rigour at SOAS necessitates devotion and hard work. The workload might be demanding at times, but the payoff is undeniably worthwhile. The institution encourages students to stretch themselves and flourish in their chosen disciplines. Similarly, while the campus facilities and infrastructure may not be on par with those of larger colleges, the dynamic environment and feeling of community more than make up for any shortfalls.

To summarise, my experience studying Anthropology at SOAS has been nothing short of remarkable. I heartily suggest SOAS for an intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching academic career. The institution provides a unique platform for students to explore and understand the world through a variety of lenses, creating a transformative journey for all its students.

SOAS provides an incredible course in International Relations and Global Development. The combined degree allows an interdisciplinary study between the Politics and International Relations department and the Development studies department, which is ranked highly globally. The workload between the two subjects is well balanced and allows a wholistic study of both.

The modules are well planned out, informative, and build on knowledge from the previous weeks. There are two aspects to every module – the lecture and the seminar. The lectures, conducted in large groups, convey the topic and information for the week. The assigned readings are also presented, which are supposed to be completed prior to the seminar. The seminars are smaller group set ups, with more individualised attention from a tutor. This is where students are able to ask any questions or express any concerns they may have. This set up works extremely well, as information is conveyed in a clear, concise way and there are multiple opportunities to ask questions and clear doubts. Both the lecturers and the tutors are well qualified and responsive, encouraging students to ask for help and offering ample conference time in office hours.

As an institution, the university focuses on a de-colonised, non-Western centric education which displaces the West and its practices as the main object of analysis. Teachers provide a view that criticises and deeply analyses the actions of the West and the impacts it has on the rest of the world in terms of their power, developments, and inter-country relations.

In conclusion, the university is an extremely international and diverse institution boasting an environment that is incredible inclusive. Clubs across campus, and the material of study encourages students to create an environment that is accepting of people from all walks of life.

In my opinion, SOAS’ international reputation is well merited . It is renowned for its outstanding research as well as its exceptional teaching. Students can choose from a wide variety of degrees and research programmes in a number of disciplines, including anthropology, history, politics, economics, languages, and many more.

Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies at SOAS. One of the largest benefits of attending was the inclusive and diverse student body. The university welcomed students from all around the globe, creating a vibrant environment. Being on campus gave the impression of being a member of a vibrant and active community of international students. When it came to defending a culture of change, the student body felt unified.

SOAS’s commitment to political awareness and critical thinking is reflected in its academic programs and extracurricular activities. The accessibility of non-Western perspective-focused modules seem uncommon at other universities. This special quality allowed me to become more globally aware, which improved my cultural awareness and sensitivity.

The academic programmes and extracurricular activities at SOAS were a reflection of its dedication to political awareness and critical thinking. The university’s curriculum was created to push us to think outside of our familiar Western paradigms and to have a better understanding of the various civilisations throughout the world. Modules which covered African and Asian studies, development studies, international relations, and politics, reflected this strategy. In addition, the university supported our activism and efforts for social justice. At SOAS, there were numerous organisations run by students that addressed themes including anti-racism, environmental sustainability, and human rights. These organisations gave us a platform from which to engage in meaningful activism.

The university’s facilities also allowed for a comfortable learning experience, including one of the top libraries in the world with an incredible assortment of books and electronic resources. The language centre also provided classes in over 40 languages that I could take with my additional credits, making it the perfect location for language enthusiasts.

However, there are certain drawbacks to attending SOAS for college. Students may endure stress as a result of the disorganised enrolment procedure, administrative procedures, and grading.
In conclusion, SOAS is a top university that offers students interested in studying Asia, Africa, and the Middle East a great educational opportunity. It is the perfect setting for students who want to widen their views and develop a global perspective thanks to its diverse student body, knowledgeable instructors, and distinctive module offers.