QMUL or SOAS

Hellooo, I am in deep conflict. I'm not sure whether I should firm QM or SOAS for international relations. I know soas is better for IR but I also know that QM is better in terms of reputation. I'm more interested in the modules for soas but I'm not so sure whether I'll be good at those modules. Both courses are offering the same grades, should I put QM as my firm and SOAS as my insurance? Pleaseeee help meeee thanks!!

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

im in the same situation too, with soas, qmul and royal holloway for p+ir

Reply 2

cksiu

Universities Forum Helper

It depends on what you want. SOAS, Queen Mary and Royal Holloway have similar fundamental modules but have different specialisations. SOAS is renowned for teaching from non-European, or third-world/developing countries' viewpoint, which is unique among UK unis.

Reply 3

SoasRepMK

Official Rep

Original post by JYP_224

Hey!

I certainly understand the dilemma, both are solid choices, but it really comes down to what you value more in your university experience.

SOAS is truly unique when it comes to International Relations. It’s one of the most international universities in the UK, and the IR course here stands out because of its global and decolonial perspective, with niche modules focused on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East that you probably won’t find elsewhere. As an Arabic and Economics student I was personally blown away by the module selections especially as someone interested in foreign perspectives.

Since you mentioned you're more interested in the SOAS modules, that’s already a really strong sign! Don’t worry too much about whether you’ll be "good" at them, uni is the place to explore and grow, and if you’re passionate about the content, you’ll probably thrive.

In terms of reputation, Queen Mary may have more name recognition in a general sense, but SOAS is extremely well regarded specifically for IR, especially if you’re thinking of working internationally, in NGOs, diplomacy, or postgraduate study, with many of my friends now working in those sectors

I’d definitely recommend speaking to current SOAS students on UniBuddy to hear their honest opinions: 👉 https://www.soas.ac.uk/chat-students-and-staff

And if you haven’t already, come to our Applicant Day to get a proper feel for the vibe here: 📅 https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/undergraduate-applicant-day-0

Hope that helps — feel free to ask if you’ve got any more questions!

Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep

Reply 4

JYP_224

Original post by SoasRepMK

Hey!
I certainly understand the dilemma, both are solid choices, but it really comes down to what you value more in your university experience.
SOAS is truly unique when it comes to International Relations. It’s one of the most international universities in the UK, and the IR course here stands out because of its global and decolonial perspective, with niche modules focused on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East that you probably won’t find elsewhere. As an Arabic and Economics student I was personally blown away by the module selections especially as someone interested in foreign perspectives.
Since you mentioned you're more interested in the SOAS modules, that’s already a really strong sign! Don’t worry too much about whether you’ll be "good" at them, uni is the place to explore and grow, and if you’re passionate about the content, you’ll probably thrive.
In terms of reputation, Queen Mary may have more name recognition in a general sense, but SOAS is extremely well regarded specifically for IR, especially if you’re thinking of working internationally, in NGOs, diplomacy, or postgraduate study, with many of my friends now working in those sectors
I’d definitely recommend speaking to current SOAS students on UniBuddy to hear their honest opinions: 👉 https://www.soas.ac.uk/chat-students-and-staff
And if you haven’t already, come to our Applicant Day to get a proper feel for the vibe here: 📅 https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/undergraduate-applicant-day-0
Hope that helps — feel free to ask if you’ve got any more questions!
Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep

Thank you so much!!

Reply 5

Lukeus

Original post by Anonymous

im in the same situation too, with soas, qmul and royal holloway for p+ir

oh wow those are my top three also but for history(qmul and rhul) and east asian studies and history(soas)

Reply 6

JYP_224

Original post by Lukeus

oh wow those are my top three also but for history(qmul and rhul) and east asian studies and history(soas)

I heard that a lot of businesses are likely to choose soas over qm because soas is more diverse than qm. These days a lot of businesses are trying to be more inclusive so soas is a targeted uni. This is just an example but Clifford chance is part of the magic circle for law and someone ik got picked because they went to soas, so I think in the long run soas is probably better.

Reply 7

Anonymous #2

In the same position except I have unconditional offers form both so wherever I pick I’ll be going there for certain🥴🥴not much longer left for me to decide. Have you made a decision yet?

Reply 8

JYP_224

Original post by Anonymous

In the same position except I have unconditional offers form both so wherever I pick I’ll be going there for certain🥴🥴not much longer left for me to decide. Have you made a decision yet?