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.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London
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 |
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 |
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.
All Anthropology courses of SOAS, University of London
Current jobs
Job in line with future plans
Utilise skills from studies
Work is meaningful
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 |
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
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
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.
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.
Rankings of SOAS, University of London in related subject specific rankings.
Social Studies & Humanities
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-
- #5
- #5
-
- Anthropology
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 13 June, 2022]
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-
- #5
- #10
-
- Anthropology
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 20 April, 2022]
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-
- #11
- #14
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- Anthropology
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The Guardian UK University League Tables by Subject
[Published ]
-
-
- #12
- #15
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- 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?
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



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Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 13 June, 2022
The Times and The Sunday Times
- Published:
- 16 September, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 20 April, 2022
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 24 September, 2022
Urap
- Published:
- 06 June, 2020