MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Japanese Studies)

University of Cambridge

The Japanese Studies pathway is a specially designed one-year graduate seminar and research course with substantial taught elements for students who want to deepen their undergraduate education and/or prepare for a PhD in Japanese studies. All students in the year group attend the Theories and Methodologies in Japanese Studies Seminar (Research Development Seminar), at which they are introduced to various disciplinary approaches in Japanese Studies. In addition, they are guided through the various steps of academic research, writing, presentation and career development. They are free to choose two additional courses from a variety of options so that each student receives a tailor-made education. Approximately half of the time is allocated to individual research and the writing of a dissertation under the guidance of leading scholars. The aim is to equip students to carry out independent academic work, including training in how to use Japanese-language sources for research purposes, which lies at the heart of the programme. Our guiding principle is to ensure that each student receives the best possible education, providing a coherent course but with the flexibility to cater for individual needs. The Educational Aims of the course are: To give students with a relevant undergraduate degree and sufficient subject-language ability training in research skills and methodologies in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies To develop students’ expertise in relevant aspects of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies To give students the opportunity to carry out focused research under close supervision.

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies