African Studies - MA

The MA in African Studies provides an unrivalled programme of advanced modules on Africa; one of the world’s most fascinating and challenging regions. The opportunity for interdisciplinary study of the continent is a particular advantage of the degree. Our former students have chosen to study Africa at this level for a wide range of reasons. For some a deep interest in the history and culture or political economy of a particular region is sufficient motivation, but for many students the programme has, in addition, been followed with the intention of furthering their career opportunities. Some go on to work either in Africa or in fields related to Africa. The opportunity to combine study of particular African subjects with an African language is very useful, although some evidence of competence in learning a foreign language is usually required.

Employment

A postgraduate degree in African studies from SOAS provides students with competency in language skills and intercultural awareness and understanding. Familiarity with the region will have been developed through a combination of the study of language, literature, history, cinema, politics, economics or law. 

Postgraduate students gain linguistic and cultural expertise enabling them to continue in the field of research or to seek professional and management careers in the business, public and charity sectors. They leave SOAS with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek, including written and oral communication skills; attention to detail; analytical and problem solving skills; and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources. 

Some MA African Studies graduates leave SOAS to pursue careers directly related to their study area, while others have made use of the intellectual training for involvement in analysing and solving many of the problems that contemporary societies now face. Among a variety of professions, career paths may include: Academia; Charity; Community; Government; NGOs; Media; Publishing and UN Agencies. 

Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

• BBC News
• British Embassy
• Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa
• Goal Nigeria
• Government of Canada
• Hogan Lovells International LLP
• International Institute for Environment and Development
• Kenyan Government
• Mercy Corps
• Migrant Resource Centre
• Mo Ibrahim Foundation
• The London MENA Film Festival
• The University of Tokyo
• The World Bank
• Think Africa Press
• U.S. Embassy
• United Nations
• University of Namibia
• World Vision UK
• Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

Types of roles that graduates have gone on to do include: 

• Development Producer
• Africa Editor
• Copywriter
• Director of Trade and Investment
• Projects and Fundraising Manager
• Head of Desk, Africa
• Senior Investment Manager
• Sports Writer
• Knowledge Management Projects Coordinator
• Project Director
• Presidential Advisor
• Commodity Manager
• Publisher
• Tutor
• Creative Consultant
• Lecturer in African Arts and Cultures
• East Africa Analyst
• Youth Volunteer Advisor
• Southern Region Educational Manager
• Head Specialists Giving + Insights

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

Visit the African Studies - MA page on the SOAS University of London website for more details!