Admissions
CISD accept applications until the end of August for September admission. In exceptional circumstances we will consider complete applications in September.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must normally possess a British first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent. An equivalent bachelors degree from a good US university would have a GPA of 3.3 or above.
The programmes run by CISD are interdisciplinary in nature and it is not always necessary to have a degree in a discipline directly related to the programme.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in the light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a practical comitment to Candidates whose first language is not English must have acquired a level of written and spoken English satisfactory to the School.
How to apply
Applications can be made through the SOAS online application system or you can download an application form from the postgraduate admissions web-page or at the bottom of this page.
The whole application, including transcript and academic references, is considered before a decision is reached. You are therefore advised to submit a complete application including references and transcript (where required). Incomplete applications will be accepted but can cause considerable delays to the decision-making process.
Students will receive an acknowledgement of their application. Each application is carefully considered and although we try and respond as quickly as possible, students should be aware that at busy times of the year applications may take up to five weeks to process. Candidates who are available in the United Kingdom may be called for an interview.
Applications are processed throughout the year and we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Tuition Fee
Please refer to the fees section of the SOAS Website for the latest information about full and part-time fees.
Funding your degree
All prospective students are required to state how they indend to fund their studies at the time that they apply.
Applications for funding (including applications for SOAS funds) is a separate process from application for a place on a programme of study at the School. To see some of the options available to students studying at CISD please see the Scholarships and Bursaries page of the SOAS website. If you intend to apply for external funding you are advised to submit your application for your degree programme as early as possible.
Applicants should note that no student will be permitted to enrol, attend classes or receive supervision until the tuition fees for the whole academic year have been paid in full or there is a guarantee of payment from a sponsoring agency found acceptable to the School.
Students from overseas are advised to make arrangements for the transfer of money to this country well before they leave home, otherwise they may find themselves with insufficient money for support or to pay fees on arrival.
Language Requirement
If English is not your mother tongue, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language ability before you can register for your course. You should submit an IELTS or TOEFL score taken within the previous twelve months. This can be submitted with your application or subsequently.
Your offer of a place on a postgraduate programme may be made conditional on your taking preparatory English classes at SOAS for four or eight weeks prior to enrolment.
Further details about English language requirements are available on request from the International Foundation Courses and English Language Studies (IFCELS) department, in addition to details of preparatory English courses:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7898 4800
Fax: +44 (0)20 7898 4809
Email: ifcels@soas.ac.uk