Key Information
- Duration: Full-time 36 months; Part-time 72 months (6 years part-time)
- Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2027; Apply before Jun 2027
Overview
The South Asian Studies programme from SOAS University of London welcomes applications for the degrees of PhD on any topic related to the research interests and disciplines of the Department’s research-active staff. Prospective candidates should consult the details of the various staff members’ research areas and adapt their proposal accordingly. These presently include, but are not limited to:
- Indian film and screen studies
- diaspora studies
- postcolonial literature
- literary studies associated with Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and Sanskrit
- classical Hinduism
- feminism
- translation
Career opportunities
Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving. Visit the programme website for more information
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Africa Matters
- Amnesty International
- Arab British Chamber of Commerce
- BBC World Service
- British High Commission
Programme Structure
Under the regulations of SOAS, University of London, all doctoral researchers register initially for an MPhil: they may transfer to PhD after completing one year, if they wish and subject to approval by the School, which requires evidence that the candidate’s work is achieving the standard required.
The minimum duration for full-time doctoral researchers is two years for the MPhil and three years for the PhD. Part-time researchers normally take twice as long to complete their studies. When their research is completed, candidates submit a thesis to the examiners, and then attend a viva voce examination.
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 100 (or new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score: 5)
PTE Academic: 70
IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
International: 44,552 AUD / year (≈ 23,390 GBP / year)
Domestic: 9,628 AUD / year (≈ 5,055 GBP / year)
Living costs
London, United Kingdom: 2,166-4,109 AUD / month