Race and Empire MA

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements and English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Race and empire are central to a range of social, political and planetary crises today.

This unique interdisciplinary programme gives students the opportunity to study global contestations around race and imperialism, interrogating ideologies of difference that emerged from the colonial crucible of encounters in Britain/Europe, in Asia, Africa and and Middle East, and on Indigenous lands transformed by racial capitalism.

Approaching race and empire as central to the making of modern institutions, this programme is for anyone seeking to do anti-racist and/or decolonising work in sectors such as education, media, health, arts and heritage, charities, legal, community and social care, government and politics.

Why study MA Race and Empire at SOAS?

SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for Asian Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

SOAS is ranked 7th in the UK for African and Middle Eastern Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

SOAS is ranked 13th in the UK for History (QS World University Rankings 2025)

This is the only programme in the UK that brings together the in-depth regional expertise that SOAS is known for with cutting-edge interdisciplinary training on race, multiculturalism and empire.

We are specialists in the delivery of languages; your command of a language at SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities.

The MA Race and Empire is enriched by vibrant the public seminar series run by the Walter Rodney Collective for Historical Research, offering students networking opportunities to meet people working in/with international humanitarian organisations, NGOs and activist collectives in Britain and the US, as well as from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

You will also be eligible to apply for internships.

Information for international students

www.soas.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

www.soas.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding