African studies MA

The MA African Studies at SOAS provides an unrivalled programme of advanced modules on Africa - one of the world’s most fascinating and challenging regions.

The opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the continent is a particular advantage of the degree. Our former students have chosen to study Africa at this level for a wide range of reasons. For some a deep interest in the history and culture or political economy of a particular region is sufficient motivation, but for many students the programme has, in addition, been followed with the intention of furthering their career opportunities.

Some go on to work either in Africa or in fields related to Africa. The opportunity to combine study of particular African subjects with an African language is very useful, although some evidence of competence in learning a foreign language is usually required.\
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Why study MA African Studies at SOAS?

* SOAS is ranked 7th in the UK for African and Middle Eastern Studies (Complete University Guide 2026).

* SOAS is ranked 12th in the UK and top 70 in the world for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2026).

* We are ranked 2nd in the UK for 'graduate prospects' (Complete University Guide 2026).

* Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

* 4th for research environment – with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' – and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021.