SOAS - In Depth

Founded: 1916.

Structural features: Part of London University.

Site: Main site, Russell Square Campus (in London University area of Bloomsbury); Vernon Square Campus (at King's Cross, 20 minutes' walk).

How to get there: Main site close to Russell Square underground station, easy walking distance from several others; Vernon Square close to King's Cross, St Pancras and Angel underground stations; many buses to both sites.

Academic features: Unique range of African, Asian and Middle Eastern languages from Amharic to Vietnamese (all of which can be studied from scratch) and full range of social science and humanities courses. Degree courses either single subject or two-subject.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc. LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years for some languages.

Library & information services: 1.2 million volumes in 4000+ languages (4000 items of music, poetry and plays; 50,000 photographs and slides), 4500 periodicals, 7000 electronic journals, 650 study places; reserve and short loan collections. (Library is national library of the study of Asia and Africa.) Annual expenditure on information provision, £148 per (FTE) student. 200+ computers for student use, most with access to internet, some with non-Roman print facilities; student residences online. IT helpdesk in working hours; new students offered training in standard applications.

Specialist collections: regional libraries on Africa, Far East, South and South-East Asia, Near and Middle East; subject collections on law, geography, social sciences. Percival David Foundation of Chinese art (1700 pieces of Chinese ceramics).

Other learning facilities: 5 language labs; many language tapes made in School's own recording studio; direct lines to BBC overseas services; satellite TV offering 30 channels. Close to Senate House Library, LSE library and British Library.

Study abroad: Many language courses involve a period abroad. Extensive links with universities across Africa and Asia, some links in Europe and USA.

Careers: Information and advice service; access to London Careers service.

Student advice & services: Welfare office; disability office; chaplains; access to doctors, dentists, FPA, psychiatrist, counsellor, optician, behavioural psychologist.

Amenities: Refectory, snack bar and bar; also all facilities of ULU.

Sporting facilities: All ULU facilities (including swimming pool).

Accommodation: Most first years in SOAS or university accommodation. Approx 760 en-suite self-catering rooms in school residence (with telephone and internet cabling): rent £98 per week, contracts 38-51 weeks/year. Also number of places in intercollegiate halls: £100-£117 pw (£67-£94 for shared room), including breakfast and evening meal and all weekend meals, 30 week leases. University Accommodation Office helps with university and privately owned accommodation.