Founded in 1994, the School of Advanced Study at the University of London is the only institution in the UK that is nationally funded to promote and facilitate research in the humanities. It performs a vital role as a driving force for knowledge sharing across the humanities in the UK and beyond, and receives special funding for this purpose from Research England (formerly the Higher Education Funding Council for England, HEFCE).

The School's mission is to maintain and develop the resources of its eight member institutes, many of which have long and distinguished histories, for the benefit of national and international research communities. The School achieves its mission by:

  • Providing a research base for an international community of scholars
  • Inspiring, developing, and supporting innovative research initiatives and networks
  • Enhancing the dissemination of the research of others, and related activities, beyond what they or their institutions could achieve alone
  • Providing specialist research training at master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels - locally, nationally, and internationally
  • Adding value to the work of researchers in the humanities and social sciences throughout the UK

The School's research support and promotion activities fall into seven broad categories:

Underpinning the School's national role is the research and scholarship generated by its academic staff. Undertaking challenging research that extends the boundaries of knowledge across disciplines and in collaboration with researchers from around the world is critical to the School's function as an innovative space for advanced study and its commitment to the highest standards of scholarship.

Six of the institutes offer a range of taught master's programmes and doctoral supervision in their areas of expertise.

The School's location within the University of London precinct in Bloomsbury, central London, allows easy access to the rich cultural amenities of London. The institutes benefit from the participation of visiting researchers and guest speakers working in government, diplomacy, business and development, the cultural and heritage industries, and other universities from around the world.

The School is committed to delivering excellence in the quality of both its research and teaching at all levels and maintaining its high standards. Read our access and participation statement [Word].