Why study MA in Postcolonial Studies at SOAS?
The core course will introduce a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the literature, film and media of these areas. A range of literary, filmic and theoretical texts from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Near and Middle East will normally be included in the reading list. These will address representations of colonialism and decolonisation, neo-colonialism, nationalism in postcolonial societies and diasporic experiences, allowing us to explore the heterogeneous meanings, intersections and strategies of analysis that have emerged with reference to postcolonial studies.
Attention will be paid to colonial and postcolonial constructs such as the Oriental, the Global, the Cosmopolitan, the Third World and the multicultural. The core module of the MA programme introduces and analyses interdisciplinary theories and ideological practices around a set of historical and current issues from various regions of Asia and Africa. The range of minors offers students more opportunities to explore interdisciplinarity and regional specificities.
Teaching & Learning
One-year Masters programmes consist of 180 credits. 120 credits are taught in modules of 30 credits (taught over 20 weeks) or 15 credits (taught over 10 weeks); the dissertation makes up the remaining 60 units. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
- To develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the histories, politics and theoretical concepts deployed by the term Postcolonial, postcolonialism and postcoloniality.
- How to think critically about the contexts of exploration and colonialism in relation to postcolonial societies.
- Understanding different approaches to culture, nationalism, multiculturalism, migration, gender and race in the context of post-colonial societies.
Intellectual (thinking) skills
- Critically analyse a variety of theoretical material
- Demonstrate an ability to understand academic conventions and to write analytically and reflectively
- Construct and present arguments, both orally and in writing
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically about postcolonial issues in a number of disciplines
- Engender original approaches and strategies
Subject-based practical skills
- Write effectively and analytically
- Retrieve, sift and analyse information from a variety of sources.
- Present to audiences: listen, engage and interact.
- Practice research techniques in a variety of specialized research libraries and institutes
Transferrable skills
- Structure and communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
- Critically evaluate arguments
- Formally present their research findings to a public audience
- Integrate as team members in a group
- Utilise a variety of multi-media academic resources
- Work within a set deadline period
With a student population of around 4,000 from over 100 countries, our relatively small size ensures that we offer a friendly and welcoming environment while at the same time being able to take advantage of all University of London facilities.
- International class
- International faculty
- International study tours
- Issuance of foreign diploma and certifications
