Politics and International Relations ((South Asia)

MSc Politics and International Relations (South Asia) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the South Asia pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway's required combination of modules.

SOAS has the largest network of South Asian Studies scholars in the UK and Europe: it is a global leader in the field. Together with the SOAS South Asia Institute, the South Asia pathway provides an in-depth exploration of a pivotal world region from four interdisciplinary perspectives: political economy, political sociology, political thought, and international relations.

How have nationalist ideas, patterns of rural and urban development, debates about religion, caste, and gender, and the dynamics of nuclear rivalry and security shaped and reshaped South Asia? How might an understanding of politics within South Asia inform an understanding of politics around the world? The South Asia pathway leverages in-depth expertise on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives to unpack key issues in the study of politics across South Asia.

Highlighting an enduring demand for professionals with deep regional knowledge and expertise, the pathway is designed for students seeking careers in government, the NGO sector, international organisations, global business, media, think tanks, and the academy.

The MSc Politics and International Studies is designed to train students in research skills to the level prescribed by the ESRC's research training guidelines. As a result, students are eligible for ESRC funding if they plan to study for our MSc degree followed by a PhD in our department.

Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (South Asia) at SOAS?

• We’re ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We’re ranked 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We're ranked 6th in the UK for Asian Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’
• Eligibility for ESRC funding for students who want to follow their MSc degree with a PhD