Politics and International Relations (South Asia)

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as the supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you have non-traditional qualifications.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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

Study Tours

In 2025-26, Study Tours across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will offer opportunities for in-depth engagement and high-level networking in:

Central Asia (Almaty + Bishkek)

South Asia (New Delhi + Lahore)

Southeast Asia (Luang Prabang)

East Asia (Seoul)

Africa (Kigali)

the Middle East (Doha)

In 2025-26, the fee for each tour (events plus room and board) will be £1750 + airfare. Each tour will be subject to minimum/maximum participant numbers.

Recommended Study Tour: New Delhi / Lahore (pending availability)

Focusing on high-level “themed discussions” curated by leading scholars in South Asian Studies, the South Asia tour offers seven days in India (New Delhi) or seven days in Pakistan (Lahore) or four days in India + three days in Pakistan (for students with permission to enter both countries).

The tour in New Delhi with be led by Professor Pallavi Roy and Dr Avinash Paliwal. The first set of themed discussions will concentrate on politics, including key experts focused on Indian foreign and security policy, diplomacy, and legislative research. The second theme will turn to academia, with senior academics from two of the country’s premier universities: Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The third will focus on the media, including key members of India’s ‘old’ print/broadcast media as well as journalists with online news organisations. The final theme will link students to business, meeting entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in Gurgaon—a key rival to Bangalore’s tech hub.

The tour in Lahore will be led by Professor Matt Nelson. In Pakistan, the first theme will focus on military and civilian state officials, including a former National Security Advisor, a retired Chief of the Army Staff, the country’s first female Supreme Court Justice, and senior bureaucrats (e.g. a former Federal Secretary - Finance). The second theme will focus on politics, engaging senior leaders from every major political party. Third, participants will join academic leaders and students from at least three top universities. And, finally, participants will meet a range of high-level civil society activists, including some of the country’s leading journalists, women’s rights activists, climate entrepreneurs, and human rights campaigners, as well as the Rector of a leading Deobandi madrasa.

Mid-week, students based in Delhi will travel to Amritsar (Golden Temple, Partition Museum) and, in the evening, both Delhi and Lahore-based students will attend the India-Pakistan Border Ceremony at Wagah. Those with visas for both countries will complete the “second half” of the week on “the other side of the border”.

Information for international students

www.soas.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements

Fees and funding

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