Programme Description for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Japanese Studies at the University of Cambridge:

The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Japanese Studies programme at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth, research-focused opportunity for scholars to explore the rich cultural, historical, political, and linguistic dimensions of Japan. This programme is designed for candidates who possess a strong academic background in Japanese studies or related disciplines and who are interested in pursuing advanced research that contributes to the understanding of Japan's society, language, literature, history, or politics within a broader Asian and Middle Eastern context.

Throughout the course of the programme, students are provided with access to world-renowned resources, libraries, and expert faculty members specialized in Japanese studies. The programme encourages the development of rigorous research skills, enabling students to conduct independent, original inquiries into their chosen topics. Students are expected to work closely with their academic supervisors to refine their research proposals, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks, ensuring their work makes a valuable contribution to existing scholarship.

The structure of the research programme allows for a high degree of academic flexibility, tailored to the individual research interests of each participant. Students engage in comprehensive literature reviews, fieldwork, archival research, and analysis, culminating in the submission of a substantial thesis that demonstrates both originality and scholarly excellence. Throughout their studies, candidates benefit from the vibrant academic community at the University of Cambridge, participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that foster intellectual exchange and collaboration.

This programme not only aims to deepen understanding of Japan itself but also seeks to promote comparative analyses with other Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, encouraging a broader perspective on regional issues and developments. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, cultural institutions, government, or further research, contributing to global understanding and cooperation.

Overall, the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Japanese Studies at Cambridge offers an intellectually stimulating environment with the resources and mentorship necessary for aspiring researchers to produce significant contributions to Japanese and Asian regional studies. It is ideal for those committed to pursuing academic excellence and dedicated to expanding knowledge about Japan within the context of regional dynamics and global processes.

Students who take the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Japanese Studies) are expected to work closely with their supervisor throughout the year on a 25,000 word dissertation which is submitted by mid-August.

During the year, MPhil students attend various training opportunities offered by the Department in codicology, text reading, fieldwork and other skills. They are also encouraged to attend fourth year undergraduate lectures and Faculty seminars, where relevant. They also attend graduate work-in-progress seminars where they have an opportunity to present their own work to their peers for feedback in a supportive environment. In consultation with their supervisor, students will also, where relevant, be encouraged to attend appropriate courses and seminars offered elsewhere in the university in subject areas related to students' research interests.

All prospective MPhil applicants are advised to peruse the staff profiles on our website to familiarise themselves with the research and teaching interests of staff members. Applicants should contact potential supervisors well in advance of their application by email, and discuss the proposed MPhil dissertation topic both by email and either in person or by Skype.

Feedback

Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Research Studies), working on a 25,000 word dissertation to be submitted in mid-August, will receive feedback on their work throughout the year from regular one-on-one supervisions with their supervisor. Supervisors will produce feedback via termly CGSRS reports on CamSIS. Students will receive feedback on their MPhil dissertation results and overall Degree results after the final Degree Committee meeting in September.

Assessment

Thesis

For the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Japanese Studies), students will submit a thesis of not more than 25,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief Abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words.

Those students who take the MPhil by research will be required to take a viva examination, which is normally held in September.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal 
• Attainments in languages. Good reading knowledge of Classical Arabic will be expected.Applicants are required to list the languages they know and their level of competence.
• Sample of Work
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applicants who wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge (USA) and Gates Cambridge (International) must include a personal reference with their GRADSAF and other supporting documentation.

Funding for the PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Japanese Studies at the University of Cambridge is primarily available through a range of scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities offered by the university, external organizations, and research councils. The University of Cambridge provides several scholarship options for doctoral students, including the Cambridge Trusts, which offer funding for international and domestic students pursuing research degrees. These trusts support students based on merit and financial need, covering tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, the Gates Cambridge Trust offers competitive scholarships to outstanding students worldwide, including those applying for research programmes in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Students are encouraged to apply for funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), particularly through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), which provides grants for research projects aligned with its thematic priorities. The AHRC funds doctoral training partnerships and provides grants towards tuition fees, stipends, and research support. Applicants may also seek support from external funding bodies related to Japanese studies or broader Asian studies, such as Japan Foundation or regional cultural and academic organizations that promote academic exchange and research.

The university also offers various departmental scholarships tailored for students in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, which can cover tuition fees or contribute to living costs. Some students engage in teaching or research assistantships, which provide stipends and waive some fees in exchange for teaching responsibilities or research contributions. These appointments are highly competitive and typically require students to dedicate part of their time to departmental activities.

Research students are also encouraged to apply for travel grants and conference funding, which assist in presenting research findings and fostering academic collaboration overseas. These funds are often disbursed through university grants or specific research funding bodies aimed at promoting international scholarly exchange.

In conclusion, financing for a PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies — Japanese Studies at the University of Cambridge involves a combination of university-funded scholarships, external research grants, departmental awards, and assistantship opportunities. Prospective students are advised to prepare competitive applications for multiple funding sources to support their research and living expenses throughout their doctoral studies.

The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research — Japanese Studies program at the University of Cambridge is a specialized postgraduate research degree designed for students with a strong academic background in Japanese language, culture, history, or politics. The program allows students to undertake independent research under the supervision of leading academics in the field, contributing original insights to the discipline. The focus of the program is to enable students to develop a deep and critical understanding of Japan’s society, traditions, modern developments, and its role within the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Applicants are expected to have a relevant master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in Japanese studies, Asian studies, or a related discipline. The program encourages candidates to propose a detailed research topic aligned with the expertise available within the university. Throughout the course of their research, students are provided with access to extensive academic resources, specialized libraries, and archives. The university offers a vibrant academic community with seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on Asian and Middle Eastern studies, providing students invaluable opportunities for scholarly exchange and collaboration.

The research period typically spans several years, with students submitting a substantial thesis at the end of their studies. This thesis is evaluated by a team of experts, and successful candidates are awarded the Ph.D. degree. The program emphasizes original research, academic rigor, and interdisciplinary approaches, often integrating historical, linguistic, cultural, and political analyses to address complex questions relating to Japan and its regional context.

Graduates of the program go on to careers in academia, government, cultural institutions, and international organizations, contributing to scholarship, policy-making, and cultural exchange efforts related to Japan and the broader Asian region. Cambridge’s strong links with Japan and extensive network of academic contacts ensure that students can benefit from research collaborations and professional development opportunities during and after their studies.

The university also offers various funding options, including scholarships and grants, to support research students financially. Applicants are encouraged to consult the specific program guidelines, reach out to potential supervisors, and prepare a comprehensive research proposal as part of their application process. Overall, the program provides an excellent platform for sustained scholarly engagement with Japanese studies, rooted in Cambridge’s rich academic environment and its tradition of fostering innovative research.