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, JM1), 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:
1: Three papers (50 per cent of the grade)
Students are required to take three papers (a paper is an exam for which teaching is provided). One of these papers, JM1, is compulsory. Other papers can be chosen to create a tailor-made education. These papers are taught by leading scholars in the field and are designed as interactive classes, normally seminars. Lectures might be provided for certain topics to give solid foundations in lesser-known topics and to present materials that have yet to be translated or discussed in English-language scholarship.
Each of the three papers is assessed either by a research essay of maximum 5,000 words or an alternative exercise agreed by the Degree Committee. For further information please refer to our Faculty website .
2: Dissertation (50 per cent of the grade)
In their dissertation, students will be required to demonstrate research competence using Japanese-language sources, and to conduct research that addresses contemporary and/or historical issues of relevance to Japan. Prospective students are asked to contact potential supervisors before applying to Cambridge to ensure that an appropriate supervisor is available.
One-on-one supervisions will be held by the main supervisors and will take place typically at the beginning of the academic year and in the Easter term. In addition, the Researcher Development Seminar (JM1) will help to guide students through the research process.
Applicants for this course should have achieved a High II.i Honours Degree .
If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.
High II.i or a first at BA level from a UK university or equivalent. Good working knowledge (oral and written) of Japanese will be expected. Candidates should have either a BA in Japanese studies or Japanese language ability of at least level N2 or equivalent.
University Minimum Academic Requirements