Overview

Research topics such as the study of a language (from a descriptive, comparative, philological or textual point of view), or of literature (whether author-based, thematic or comparative), or of any of the performing arts, which falls within our own core expertise, are supervised entirely in the African Languages, Cultures and Literatures Department. However, there is great potential for extending the range of topics by means of joint supervision with colleagues from other departments and centres.

Why study African Languages and Cultures at SOAS?

SOAS ranks 1st in London in the Complete University Guide 2021 for Middle Eastern and African Studies, and 6th in UK

we are specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia

gain in-depth understanding of one these key world regions, grounded in the study of one or more languages of the region with this African Languages and Cultures programme offered at SOAS University of London .

access SOAS’s comprehensive cross-regional expertise and gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of these regions in an increasingly globalised world.

Get more details

Visit programme website

Programme Structure

Recent research theses:

Lizzy Attree, ‘The Literary Response to HIV and AIDS in South Africa and Zimbabwe, 1990-2005’

Mark Brogden, 'The Culture of Exploration: British Expeditions to Northern Nigeria 1822–1827'

Zoë Norridge, ‘Perceptions of Pain: Narratives of Hurt and Healing in Contemporary African Literature’

Betty Sibongile Dlamini, 'Women and Theatre for Development in Swaziland'

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

70

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Language Studies African studies

Explore more key information

Visit programme website

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

70

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The university normally requires a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases the university 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. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Visit programme website

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23390 GBP / year

≈ 23390 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4860 GBP / year

≈ 4860 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Visit programme website

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for African Languages and Cultures.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Why study African Languages and Cultures at SOAS?

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners