MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
SOAS University of London is globally recognized for its specialization in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, offering a distinctive academic environment that integrates critical global perspectives. The MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language is a unique interdisciplinary program that combines the study of food systems through an anthropological lens with intensive training in a chosen language. This program is designed for students who seek to explore the cultural, political, and social dimensions of food, while also gaining language proficiency that enhances their regional expertise and opens doors to international research and career opportunities. By merging food studies with language acquisition, the program equips graduates with both analytical and communicative skills necessary for careers in academia, international development, policy, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language is both comprehensive and flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to match their academic and professional goals. The core modules focus on anthropological theories of food, including topics such as food and identity, sustainability, globalization, and food politics. These modules explore how food practices shape and reflect broader societal dynamics. Alongside the core anthropology courses, students undertake intensive language training in one of SOAS’s wide range of languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Swahili, or Persian. The language component is designed to be immersive and rigorous, providing the proficiency needed for fieldwork, research, or employment in specific linguistic and cultural contexts. Students are also required to complete a dissertation, allowing them to conduct independent research on a food-related topic that integrates both their anthropological knowledge and language skills.
Research Focus: SOAS is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in anthropology, area studies, and linguistics. The MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language places a strong emphasis on original research, encouraging students to investigate complex global food issues through fieldwork, qualitative analysis, and cross-cultural perspectives. Research themes often include food sovereignty, the globalization of cuisine, environmental impacts of food production, and the sociopolitical aspects of food distribution. The program’s integration of language training enhances research capabilities, enabling students to access primary sources, conduct interviews, and engage with communities in their native languages. Faculty members are active researchers with extensive field experience, providing mentorship and opportunities for students to collaborate on cutting-edge projects.
Industry Engagement: The program benefits from SOAS’s extensive connections with NGOs, cultural institutions, policy think tanks, and international organizations. These partnerships enable students to participate in internships, collaborative research projects, and guest lectures that connect theoretical learning with real-world practice. Graduates from this program are highly sought after for roles in food policy, cultural heritage, sustainable development, and humanitarian sectors. By combining anthropological insight with practical language skills, students are uniquely positioned to contribute to multilingual and multicultural environments. Industry engagement is further supported through workshops, career events, and fieldwork opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and practice.
Global Perspective: SOAS University of London is celebrated for its global outlook and its commitment to decolonizing education by amplifying voices from the Global South. The MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language reflects this ethos by examining food systems and practices across diverse cultures and geographies. The program's global perspective is enhanced by the multicultural student body and faculty, fostering an environment of cross-cultural learning and critical debate. Through language learning, students gain not only linguistic proficiency but also deeper cultural understanding, which enriches their anthropological analysis. This global focus prepares graduates for careers that require both cultural sensitivity and analytical depth, making them valuable assets in international contexts.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduating with an MA in Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language from SOAS University of London opens a dynamic range of global career opportunities. This unique interdisciplinary program is designed to merge anthropological expertise in food systems with intensive language proficiency in a chosen regional language. This combination equips students with highly sought-after analytical, research, and communication skills. Employers in the fields of international development, food security, cultural research, and global policy highly value the critical insight and multilingual capabilities SOAS graduates bring to the table.
International Development and Humanitarian Work: Graduates from this program are well-prepared for careers in international development organizations, particularly in areas focused on food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. The program's emphasis on cross-cultural understanding and intensive language training enables graduates to work effectively in diverse regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Career roles may include development project officer, food security analyst, nutrition advisor, or field coordinator in NGOs, UN agencies (such as the World Food Programme or FAO), and international humanitarian organizations.
Food Policy and Advocacy: With in-depth knowledge of global food systems and the socio-political issues surrounding food production and distribution, graduates are well-suited for roles in food policy and advocacy. They may work with governments, think tanks, research institutes, or NGOs to influence policies that promote food justice, equitable access to resources, and sustainable food systems. Roles such as policy advisor, food policy researcher, and public affairs consultant are common career paths, particularly for those seeking to shape policy at the national or international level.
Academic and Research Careers: The MA Anthropology of Food and Intensive Language also provides a strong foundation for academic careers and doctoral research. Many graduates pursue PhD programs in anthropology, food studies, development studies, or cultural studies. Their intensive training in research methods, combined with regional language proficiency, makes them ideal candidates for academic research or teaching positions. Potential roles include university lecturer, research fellow, or postdoctoral scholar focusing on the cultural, economic, or political dimensions of food systems.
Cultural and Linguistic Consultancy: Language proficiency combined with anthropological insight creates opportunities for work as a cultural or linguistic consultant. These professionals assist governmental bodies, private companies, or media organizations in developing culturally sensitive and effective communication strategies. This role is especially critical in development work, cross-border negotiations, or ethnographic content creation, where deep cultural understanding is essential.
Non-Profit and Community-Based Organizations: Graduates often find meaningful careers within grassroots organizations that focus on food justice, community-supported agriculture (CSA), indigenous food knowledge, and cultural food preservation. Their training helps them engage with local communities respectfully and effectively, often in roles such as program manager, community development officer, or food sovereignty coordinator. Language skills enhance their ability to build trust and communicate directly with stakeholders in native or regional dialects.
Museums, Cultural Institutions, and Heritage Projects: The anthropology of food also intersects with cultural heritage, making graduates suitable for roles in museums, cultural centers, or food heritage preservation programs. These roles may involve curating exhibitions, conducting field research, or contributing to cultural documentation projects. Roles such as cultural heritage officer, ethnographer, or food culture specialist are common, especially in institutions that value global cultural diversity.
Journalism and Food Media: Graduates with a flair for writing or broadcasting can explore careers in food journalism, documentary production, or multimedia storytelling. With their academic background in food anthropology and region-specific language skills, they can produce content that goes beyond food trends to explore deeper socio-cultural narratives. They may work as food journalists, documentary researchers, editorial writers, or content creators for platforms that cover issues like global food security, cultural gastronomy, or indigenous culinary practices.
Translation and Localization in the Food Sector: Language skills gained through the program open doors to roles in translation, interpretation, and localization, especially for businesses or organizations operating in global food markets. Graduates may work with food companies, certification bodies, or government agencies to translate critical documents or ensure compliance with regional food regulations and cultural expectations.
Government and Policy Institutions: Those interested in governance and policy-making may find roles in governmental agencies, foreign services, or international diplomatic missions. Their anthropological and linguistic expertise can support research, negotiation, and policy development, especially in areas related to food trade, agricultural development, or cultural diplomacy.
Sustainable Business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The growing demand for ethical and sustainable practices in the food industry creates opportunities for graduates to work in CSR roles within multinational companies. They can contribute to projects that address environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. Roles include sustainability officer, ethical trade advisor, and impact assessment specialist.
