I originally applied for Japanese, which I got rejected from at least in part because of my lack of A Level language.

I'm currently doing the first year of BA History at another university and I am considering applying to either first year entry or second year entry (probably first year though considering how different the modules are).

In regards to language A Level or equivalent, is this an expectation for BA History at SOAS?

SOAS's website says nothing about it on the BA History page, so I'm assuming that for single honours History proof of language ability isn't a requirement, but in practice is it preferred as it is for their language degrees?

And not because you're a GCHQ/MI6 protege, eh? :p

If you don't mind me asking, are you applying on the basis of your OU results or on your previous A Level results?

I ask because my A Level results were too low to directly satisfy the course requirements, so I applied hoping they would take the results from my CertHE into account, which is worth 120 points.

As I applied during the course, I obviously didn't have my results at the time of application, so they would have been making a conditional offer.

Once I have my results from the CertHE, is there a chance I would get a better response applying for 2014 entry with a CertHE that has already been completed?

They will certainly take the CertHE into account if its in a relevant area. I wanna do Japanese and i am doing an OU degree in English Language right now. They told me thats fine but i emailed and called around a little to ask what they want from that. They said 120 credits same as you mentioned. My A levels are all over the place and OU is degree level so pretty much only using my OU credits as theyr more than typical students have anyway as its way above A level. Interestingly i still got denied on the basis that although i passed, they werent amazing results. so 2014 and actually putting in some effort is my plan. applied for a job today to pass the time and not be poor in the meantime.

Here is my experience of SOAS so far. It hasn't been easy but it has been rewarding. I worked hard - much more than a lot of people who inevitably had to drop out because they complained that the workload was too high. All the people who complained they didn't want to do the classical Japanese bit - all you had to do was join a double degree and perhaps even learn an extra language while you are there - I opted to do Korean. That way you could choose not to study those and pick whatever you wanted.

And the people who said they could barely pass the N2 exam after 4 years are not exactly exemplar students in my opinion. They predict us to be at a minimum of an N3 level by 2nd year and as a second year, I am already preparing (and have passed mocks for N2) with minimal effort (an hour extra every 3 days since the start of the year).

I have seen my fourth year seniors - the best students are fluent. It really is up to you how you use your four years at SOAS - if you take the challenge, I don't see why you wouldn't be fluent at the end of the degree.

Also, sure money pays bills but I'd rather be happier doing a smaller job than do something I find boring. That is the reason I chose to do Japanese and Korean and is probably the reason I like studying here.

2 months ago I received a conditional offer from the SOAS. Until yesterday I've been waiting for another feedbacks but as it looks like right now SOAS would be my CHOICE.
Is there anyone who is currently studying this course? I am a student from the Czech republic and I am willing to listen anyone's opinion in terms of professors, campus, atmosphere etc.

Also the name of my course is precisely Law and Persian. I was wondering whether is there any possibility to change the language. Because the general subject is obviously Law ... Persian was my personal choice.

Thanks.