Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Japanese Studies) (MPhil)

Students spend one year on a graduate course in Japanese studies that combines seminar discussion, independent research and a considerable amount of teaching. People enrol either to build on what they learned as undergraduates or to get ready for doctoral work. An opening seminar surveys the main disciplinary approaches, and advice is given on research, writing, presenting and planning a career. Beyond this, each student picks two further courses from a list, so no two programmes need look the same. Nearly half of the year is set aside for individual investigation and a dissertation, guided by leading specialists. The central skill being taught is working with source material written in Japanese, and the course tries to hold a coherent structure while still leaving room for personal needs.