School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) SOP Question...

[tortallknight]

Hello!  Just wondering, does anyone know much about SOAS taught anthro Masters?  I`m about to apply for the Anthro MA of Travel, Tourism, and Pilgrimage.  For the SOP I was wondering...do I say who I`d like to work with?  It seems that there`s one professor in charge of the specific program....but I`m not sure who else is involved.  Do I just not mention a POI?   Also, is it appropriate to email a POI in this instance?  Is it welcomed?

 

Thanks!  I really have no clue what I`m doing... 

[iphi]

Great school! I don't think you need to specify an advisor. It's not a research degree, is it? It's a taught MA?

[tortallknight]

Hello!  Thanks, yeah it's a taught MA.  I wasn't sure how that worked vs. the US, especially for the SOP.  I really want to get in...but even if I do I'm not so sure about the money part D:

[elisewin]

Hi there! I finished my MA in Japanese Studies last year at SOAS.

When I applied, I didn't contact anyone, and got an answer really quickly (4 weeks, I believe it was). But it can be a good idea to try and contact the people you're interested in, who's gonna be the supervisor of your MA Dissertation, etc., just to see how they reply to you, if they do. I don't think it'll affect your chances of getting accepted, but it would help you get a better sense of the programme and the school.

[tortallknight]

Hi there!  Thanks so much!  I did go ahead an e-mail the person in charge of the unit I'm interested in, haven't heard a reply back, but knowing you got in still without e-mailing makes me feel a bit relieved!  How was your time at SOAS?  Since I'm overseas I won't be able to visit.  I'd love to hear more about it from you.  Thanks and good luck to you as well!

[elisewin]

SOAS is an interesting school. Very small, full of passionate people. I had an amazing supervisor so every class I took in my major (art) was excellent, and he has been incredibly helpful and nice to me.

BUT. SOAS administration is not the best. The buildings are not the best. The library, although amazing in content, is not the best when it comes to study space. I also was a little bit disappointed by certain professor, but I guess that can happen anywhere. I'd say that even though the campus and the administration are not very good, if you get to work with nice professors, it can be a wonderful experience, very individualized (or at least that's how it was for me).

I hope it doesn't sound too bad for you! It certainly is a very special place. Very different. Do you have any specific questions?

[tortallknight]

Thank you so much for your insight!  I just was accepted!  I'm really excited, but now I'm just worried about funding...  As an international student there isn't that much available!  Do you have any insights about where to live?  Thanks again I really appreciate it!

[elisewin]

I lived in Paul Robeson House as a graduate student. It is the student resident hall for grad students at SOAS. It's right next to the Vernon Square campus, and 20 min walk from the main campus at Russell Square. Except for the occasional noise (I was next to the common room) and some problems with the water and showers, it was fine. But if you want more advice about housing in London, maybe just send me a private message with your budget and maybe I can give you some advice? I don't know if you're familiar with London at all!