Oriental Studies

The Master of Philosophy in Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth, rigorous program designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Asian civilizations, languages, cultures, and histories. This prestigious degree provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines within Oriental Studies, including but not limited to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, South Asian, and Middle Eastern studies. The program emphasizes both linguistic proficiency and critical analytical skills, equipping students to engage actively with primary sources, scholarly debates, and contemporary issues related to the Asian region.

Students enrolled in the MPhil in Oriental Studies benefit from Oxford's renowned academic community, accessing expert faculty who are leading researchers in their respective fields. The program combines taught modules, which cover foundational and advanced topics in Asian languages and cultures, with a substantial research component. This research element culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation that allows students to pursue their individual academic interests under close supervision.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, catering to diverse interests within Oriental Studies while maintaining high academic standards. Language study is a core component, with classes tailored to various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, ensuring students develop strong language skills essential for original research. Additionally, the program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating history, art, literature, and political science to provide a holistic understanding of Asian societies.

Throughout their studies, students gain valuable skills in research methodologies, critical analysis, and academic writing. The program prepares graduates for further academic pursuits, such as doctoral research, as well as careers in international relations, cultural heritage management, translation, media, and policy-making related to Asian countries.

In addition to core coursework and research, students have access to Oxford’s extensive resources, including special collections, archives, and libraries with unique holdings relevant to Asian studies. The vibrant academic community and numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops facilitate intellectual exchange and professional development.

Graduates of the Master of Philosophy in Oriental Studies at Oxford emerge with a nuanced understanding of Asian regions, enhanced linguistic competencies, and a strong foundation for careers both within and outside academia. The program’s comprehensive approach, distinguished faculty, and world-class resources make it an ideal choice for students dedicated to advancing their knowledge and expertise in Asian cultures, languages, and history.

The DPhil in Oriental Studies is the faculty’s main research degree. Supervision can be offered in the full-range of areas in which the faculty has expertise, namely Chinese studies, Egyptology and the ancient Near East, Eastern Christianity, Hebrew and Jewish studies, the Islamic world, Japanese studies, Korean studies and South and Inner Asia. All topics fall under the general degree title of DPhil in Oriental Studies.

You will be assigned a supervisor(s) who has overall responsibility for the direction of your work on behalf of the faculty. Typically, you should expect to have meetings with your supervisor at least twice a term during the period of you study, often more frequently during the earlier stages of the research programme. Through independent research, and with the guidance of your supervisor, you will be required to complete a thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words. 

The DPhil normally takes between three and four years to complete. You will begin your programme as a Probationary Research Student (PRS), applying to transfer to full DPhil status by the start of your second year. A further assessment, to confirm status, will take place during the third year. The transfer of status and confirmation of status assessments are processes handled by academics other than the supervisor, and are an opportunity to receive substantive feedback on your work by experts other than your supervisor(s).

You will have the opportunity to attend faculty seminars, lectures and colloquia, as well as a variety of skills training sessions offered by the faculty, as appropriate to different stages of the graduate career. All research students are offered an opportunity to attend the tutorial teaching day at the faculty in Hilary term. Those completing the training are then placed on the Graduate Teaching Register and are able to provide teaching for undergraduates if the opportunity arises.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications) as a minimum in any subject, though ideally relevant to the topic of their research.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

Applicants for the DPhil are also normally expected to have a good master's degree in a subject closely related to the topic of their research.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to 2,500 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The undergraduate program in Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive exploration of the languages, cultures, histories, and civilizations of Asia, with particular focus on East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. Students have the opportunity to study a range of languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, among others, depending on their specific area of interest. The program is designed to develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, enabling graduates to engage deeply with primary texts, historical contexts, and contemporary issues across Asian societies.

The course structure typically includes language instruction, which may involve intensive coursework in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as literature, history, politics, and society modules relevant to the chosen area of study. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, participate in seminars and workshops, and gain practical experience through internships or fieldwork where available. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret diverse sources, fostering a nuanced understanding of complex cultural phenomena.

At Oxford, Oriental Studies students benefit from access to world-class resources, including specialized libraries, archives, and digital collections that support in-depth research. The program is supervised by leading scholars in the field, offering personalized academic guidance and opportunities for collaboration. Many programs include options for study abroad or year-long placements in relevant countries, providing students with immersive cultural and language experiences that enhance their academic and professional development.

Graduates of the program often pursue careers in academia, international relations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, media, publishing, cultural preservation, and business sectors that require expertise in Asian languages and cultures. The program's rigorous curriculum, combined with the university’s vibrant academic community, equips students with versatile skills and a global perspective. Entry requirements typically include proficiency in relevant languages or a demonstrated commitment to Asian studies, and applicants are expected to show academic excellence and a strong motivation to engage with the diverse traditions of Asian societies.

Overall, the Bachelor’s in Oriental Studies from Oxford offers a unique blend of linguistic mastery and cultural insight, preparing students for meaningful engagement with one of the world’s most dynamic and historically rich regions. The program fosters intellectual curiosity and cross-cultural understanding, empowering graduates to contribute thoughtfully to global discourse on Asian issues.