History

Programme aims

• An advanced understanding of the study of history and its various methodologies and approaches in general, and specialist knowledge of the history of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in particular
• Practical research and writing skills, developed through the study of primary and secondary sources related to history of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
• The critical, conceptual, and analytical skills required for historical research as well as for positions of responsibility in all other professions
• In the MA History and Intensive Language course, near proficient ability in a language

Why Study MA History at SOAS

• We are ranked 12th in the UK for History (QS World University Rankings 2022)
• This is one of the few Master-level programmes in History focusing on the study of Asia, the Middle East and Africa in the UK. With its high concentration of expertise of these regions, SOAS can offer an unrivalled breadth of courses on their histories. Apart from the possibility of acquiring regional expertise, the programme also provides a sound training in the historical sciences more generally
• A broad range of courses is available in every single year (see 'Structure' tab for more details), though you may want to contact the programme convenor to ask about the availability of particular courses in a particular year. Those who wish to further develop their linguistic skills may choose from a range of African and Asian language courses
• In addition to their studies on the MA programme, students at SOAS have the opportunity to participate in the Regional History Seminars, as well as in a wide range of research seminars, lectures and conferences, which regularly take place in different departments and centres across the School and at other colleges of the University of London.If you wish to continue your studies on the research level you may want to consider the MA in Historical Research Methods. To help with funding, there is a limited number of relevant scholarship opportunities available (see under 'How To Apply').The on-line module sign-up system guides students through the available modules. Please note that not all optional modules are available every year