Course modalities offered

SOAS, University of London
East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology BA (Hons)
SOAS, University of London

Key Course Facts

Course Description

The BA East Asian Studies combined degree programme blends the study of both East Asian languages and East Asia-related subjects in various disciplines. Compared to the existing single-subject BA East Asian Studies degree, there is less emphasis on language learning. There is no year abroad included.

Through the course of the three years, students take modules in modern East Asian languages at the appropriate level. They can start as complete beginners, or they can start from higher levels. Progression through a total of four levels is offered, whereas for those who exceed the highest level, language-based courses in literature and film, as well as a language-based dissertation, are available. The programme also offers courses in regional languages.

Our BA Social Anthropology degree explores what it is to be human in a complex and changing world. You will study the great variety of beliefs and practices that exist around the world, from remote communities to global cities. You will learn theoretical frameworks and question your own assumptions, helping you to think creatively about how to address global problems.

Bridging the humanities and social sciences, anthropology offers a unique approach grounded in real-world research allowing for a greater understanding in cultural differences, political dynamics, social conflict, and human creativity.

Studying at SOAS is unique as it draws from the regional expertise of our academics in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern languages and societies. If you are passionate about understanding human society and behaviour, and want to learn to think critically about the world around you, then Anthropology at SOAS is for you.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 18 graduates of East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology BA (Hons) at SOAS, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Anthropology.

Overall student satisfaction
65 /100
18 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

chart data
Source: National Student Survey NSS 2021
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates of East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology BA (Hons) at SOAS, University of London

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology BA (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23000 £23500 £28000
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £25000 £19000 - £29500 £22000 - £33000
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London


Salary of all UK Graduates of Anthropology

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23000 £22297 £26718
25-75 percentile range £18850 - £26799 £15989 - £28970 £19124 - £34598
Source: Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) by UK Department for Education Aug 2, 2021
All Anthropology courses of UK

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

chart data
Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans

Utilise skills from studies

Work is meaningful

Source: HESA - Graduate Outcomes Survey Sep 29, 2021

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% Skilled jobs

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology BA (Hons) at SOAS, University of London

25% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Elementary occupations
5% Sales occupations
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Teaching Professionals
0% Managers, directors and senior officials
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Sep 29, 2021

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

chart data
Source: Unistats by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Sep 29, 2021
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London

Qualification requirements

A level General Studies is not accepted for entry to this programme Contextual offer: BBB

60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.

to include 555 at Higher Level

Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join East Asian Studies and Social Anthropology, BA (Hons).

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of SOAS, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

chart data

Rankings of SOAS, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #5 
    • #5 
    Anthropology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]
    • #5 
    • #10 
    Anthropology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 20 April, 2022]
    • #11 
    • #14 
    Anthropology
    The Guardian UK University League Tables by Subject
    [Published ]
    • #12 
    • #15 
    Anthropology
    Good University Guide by Subject - The Times
    [Published ]
    • #16 
    • #195 
    Anthropology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]

See all university rankings of SOAS, University of London

What students say about studying Anthropology in the UK?

  • WHY I MAJORED IN ANTHROPOLOGY | UCLA Anthropology Student Explains | Top Anthropology School
  • A view from an Anthropology undergraduate student
  • SOME COLLEGE DAYS IN MY LIFE as an Anthropology major at UC Berkeley | Homework, thrift haul + more
  • Day in My Life as a Forensic Anthropology Student | Labs, Library & Dissertation Vlog

About SOAS, University of London

SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University of London is a research university dedicated to liberal arts subjects, with a particular focus on the continent of Africa, and the nations of Japan, Korea, and China. Their modern campus is located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Applicants can expect to find programmes and courses that take regions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and combine them with a particular area of academic interest. These might include, History, Economics, Politics, as well as Music and History of Art. This university offers a high degree of specialisation, ensuring that the teaching staff are able to deliver perspectives based on true expertise in their fields.

Where is this programme taught

Bloomsbury Campus (main)
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Main Site - Thornhaugh Street
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