Program Overview

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MSc Politics and International Relations (Central Asia)

Key Information

Duration

1 year

Start of Programme

September 2025

Attendance Mode

Full-time or part-time

Location

Campus

Fees

• Home: £12,220
• International: £25,320

Course Code

PGTF0273

Entry Requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

Course Overview

The MSc Politics and International Relations (Central Asia) pathway enables students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of domestic and international politics in a region standing at the crossroads of both Asia and the Middle East.

Why Study MSc Politics and International Relations (Central Asia) at SOAS?

• We’re ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We’re ranked 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We're ranked 7th in the UK for African and Middle Eastern Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.

Study Tours

In 2025, Study Tours across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will offer opportunities for in-depth engagement and high-level networking in:

• Central Asia (Almaty + Bishkek)
• South Asia (New Delhi + Lahore)
• Southeast Asia (Luang Prabang)
• East Asia (Seoul)
• Africa (Kigali)
• the Middle East (Doha)

In 2025, the fee for each tour (events plus room and board) will be £1750 + airfare. Each tour will be subject to minimum/maximum participant numbers.

Recommended Study Tour: Almaty / Bishkek (pending availability)

Led by Dr Bhavna Dave, a leader in the field of Central Asian Studies, students will spend the first 4 days in Almaty and the remaining 3 days in Bishkek.

Structure

Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.

Core Modules

• Dissertation in Politics and International Studies - 60 credits
• Methodology in the Social Sciences - 15 credits
• Frameworks of Political Analysis - 15 credits
• Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
• Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits

Guided Options

Students select up to 45 credits of guided options.

• Democracy and Authoritarianism in Asia - 15 credits
• International Politics of Human Rights - 15 credits
• International Migration and Diaspora Politics - 15 credits
• Political Violence - 15 credits
• The Politics of Global Security - 15 credits

Politics Options

Students select 15-60 credits depending on your choices from the Guided Options list.

• Approaches to Comparative Political Thought - 15 credits
• Artificial Intelligence and Human Security - 15 credits
• Foreign Policy Analysis - 15 credits
• International Political Economy - 15 credits
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Social Research - 15 credits
• Political Concepts and Global Crises - 15 credits
• Political Theory, Race and Empire - 15 credits
• Political Thought on the Just Rebellion - 15 credits
• State Violence: Theories of the Leviathan and Beyond - 15 credits
• Conflict, Rights and Justice - 15 credits
• Violence, Justice and the Politics of Memory - 15 credits
• China and International Politics I - 15 credits
• China and International Politics II - 15 credits
• Globalising China - 15 credits
• International Politics of the Middle East - 15 credits
• South Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
• South Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
• Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
• Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits

Open Options

Students can take a maximum of 30 credits from the School-wide open options list, including languages.

Teaching and Learning

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Dissertation
• Learning Resources

Employment

SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• BBC World Service
• Bloomberg
• British Red Cross
• British Council
• Center for International Peace Operations
• Channel 4
• Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
• Eversheds LLP
• Financial Times
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Global Policy Institute
• Go East Consulting
• Grassroot Diplomat
• Palestine Red Crescent Association
• Save the Children
• UNICEF Ethiopia
• United Nations

Key Staff

• Dr Bhavna Dave, Senior Lecturer in Politics of Central Asia

Related Content

• SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art
• Department of Politics and International Studies
• MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability

Research

• PACT project
• Intergenerational Justice in Eastern Africa
• Reframing Justice after Atrocity
• Civic Infrastructures of Torture
• Migration Governance and Diplomacy
• Pan-African Frontiers and Identities
• African State Architecture
• Strategic Concept for Removal of Arms and Proliferation (SCRAP)
• ACE: Innovative approaches to anti-corruption
• Recognising the women who shaped the UN Charter

Events

• World order: Rethinking the past and reimagining the future
• Towards a democratic and just energy transition: A new wave of environmental activism in Taiwan
• The role of trade unions in just transition: A case study on the development of electric motorbikes in Taiwan

Blogs

• Supporting the fight against climate change: My SOAS Summer Internship
• Britain has neglected Africa and the Commonwealth for over a decade: 4 ways it can reset relations
• Meet Iqra Hasan: SOAS alum making history as India's youngest female Muslim MP
• The Indian election: Is it still the world's largest democracy?
• The year of the big vote: Do we have the world leaders we need?
• How studying Middle East Politics helped my career as a BBC journalist