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| Application Deadline: | June 30 | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 5,641 - ≈ € 15,788 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | London / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Education Variants: |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of School of Oriental and African Studies
The MA in African Studies provides an unrivalled programme of advanced courses 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. Students can choose from a range of about 30 courses in fourteen disciplines. 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.
Contents
Students take three taught courses, one of which is considered a major, and complete a 10,000-word dissertation related to the major.
As the emphasis in the Regional Studies programmes is on interdisciplinary study, students are required to select their three courses from more than one discipline.
The two minor courses can be taken from the same discipline (but different to that of the major), or two different ones.
Candidates who wish to take a language at other than introductory level will be assessed at the start of term to determine which is the most appropriate level of study.
Course Options
Anthropology
- Culture and Society of West Africa
- Culture and Society of East Africa
- African and Asian Diasporas in the Modern World (half-unit term 1)
- African and Asian Cultures in Britain (half-unit term 2)
Art
- Art and Society in Africa
- Painting and Architecture in Christian North Eastern Africa 2nd to 18th Centuries
Economics
Economic Development in Africa - Please check with the convenor of the course whether you are qualified enough to take the course as a as a major or minor
History
- Colonial Conquest and Social Change in Southern Africa (half-unit term 1)
- Social and Cultural Transformations in Southern Africa since 1945 (half-unit term 2)
- History and Politics of Portuguese-speaking Africa*(taught in the Portuguese Department, Kings College London)
- Congo Wars: A Century of Violence in Central Africa (half-unit term 1)
- Colonial and Contemporary North Africa (not available 2010-11)
- Culture and Practice of Warfare in Pre-colonial Sub-Saharan Africa (half-unit term 2) (not available 2010-11)
- History of Heath and Healing in Africa (half-unit term 1) (15PHIH020)
Language (minor only)
- Amharic I
- Amharic II
- The Structure of Bantu Languages (not available 2010-11)
- Hausa I
- Hausa 2
- Hausa IIA (Intermediate)
- Hausa IIB Survey of Hausa Literature
- Somali I
- Somali II
- Swahili I
- Intermediate Swahili 2A
- Swahili IIB Introduction to Swahili Literature
- Swahili III
- Swahili IV
- Practical Translation from and into Swahili
- Yoruba I
- Yoruba II
- Zulu 1
- Zulu 2
- Zulu 3
NB. Higher level language courses may also be available for appropriately qualified students
Law
Islamic Law
Literature
- Literatures in African Languages
- Travelling Africa: Writing the Cape to Cairo
Media
- Aspects of African Film and Video 1 (half-unit term 1) (not running 2010-11)
- Aspects of African Film and Video 2 (half-unit term 2) (not running 2010-11)
- Cinemas of the African Diaspora (half-unit) (not available 2009-10)
Politics
- Government and Politics in Africa
- History and Politics of Portuguese-speaking Africa*
Religious Studies
Preaching, Prayer and Politics: Independent Christians in Southern Africa (half-unit)
*Minor courses only
All courses are subject to availability
When applying, applicants are asked to specify their preferred major and minor subjects, and asked to give alternative choices as practical considerations such as timetabling and availability of courses may limit freedom of choice.
Once enrolled, students have two weeks to finalise their choice of subjects and have the opportunity of sampling a variety of subjects through attending lectures etc.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Applicants should have a first or good second class honours bachelors degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in a subject appropriate to that of the programme to be followed. As an approximate comparison, an equivalent BA from a US university would have a Grade Point Average of either 3.3 or 3.5 depending on the awarding university. If an applicant does not have a bachelors degree in an appropriate field s/he may be required to complete a qualifying year or a one year diploma before entering the masters programme. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration. Individual courses may have specific entry requirements, so you are advised to consult the postgraduate prospectus for further information.
English language requirements
In order to ensure that SOAS students have a sufficient standard of English to study effectively, we require overseas students to submit evidence, during the application process, of their current level of proficiency.
Score for Unconditional Entry
- IELTS: Overall 7+ with at least 7 in all sub scores
- TOEFL: iBT105+ with at least 25 in all sub scores
- Pearson Test of English - Academic: Score of 75 or above with at least 70 in all sub scores
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 7.0 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 105 |
Funding details
Scholarships and BursariesThere are some scholarships and bursaries available for postgraduate students. These are very competitive and early application is advised.
Loans
Another way to fund your studies is through educational loans. Some high street banks offer loans for education. The other option is a career development loan. Before taking out a loan ensure that you understand what the repayments will be and that you will be able to afford them.
Professional and Career Development LoansA Professional and Career Development Loan is a bank loan for UK students designed to help you pay for your course. Repayments start one month after you complete your course. You can borrow between £300 and £8,000. The bank will approve your loan according to your credit rating.
US Federal LoansEligible US students can apply for Stafford Federal Loans, Federal Plus and private loans to cover their tuition and maintenance costs.
The Registry Fees and Scholarship section can also certify student registration for other loans, such as Canadian educational loans.
Please contact:
- Registry Fees Section if you have any queries on educational loans or fees for degree courses.
- Noel Connaughton for fees information for occasional courses, certificates and diplomas.
- CEFIMS for fees information for distance learning courses.
Other Sources of Funding
Useful funding information can also be found at:
- Hotcourses Scholarship Search
- HERO funding information for research students
Interested? Request information!
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