Korean Studies

The MSc in Korean Studies at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of Korea’s rich history, culture, society, and contemporary developments. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Korea’s unique position within East Asia and the wider world. Through a combination of taught modules, research projects, and seminars, students engage with a wide range of topics including Korean history, politics, economics, language, arts, and cultural practices. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, and cultural sectors. Students have the opportunity to learn Korean language at various levels, gaining essential skills for research and professional engagement. The course also emphasizes contemporary issues facing Korea today, such as its economic development, technological innovation, and regional security concerns. The programme fosters a vibrant academic community, inviting students to participate in seminars, conferences, and collaborative projects with experts from Korea and around the world. With access to extensive library resources and archival materials, students can undertake independent research to support their academic and professional goals. The MSc in Korean Studies is suitable for students with backgrounds in Asian studies, history, politics, or related fields, and aims to cultivate experts capable of contributing to intercultural understanding and international relations. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped with the knowledge, language skills, and research expertise necessary to succeed in diverse careers or further academic pursuits related to Korea. The programme reflects Oxford’s commitment to fostering global leaders and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue through rigorous academic training and engagement with Korea’s dynamic societal landscape.

You should expect to attend up to ten hours per week of tutorials and should expect to spend an additional thirty to forty hours a week, perhaps more, during each full term for preparation. In addition, you should expect to be set a considerable amount of work during the vacations.

Language instruction, the reading of prescribed texts, and bibliographic or methodological exercises are usually conducted in tutorials for which you are expected to prepare thoroughly in advance. Lectures are provided for instruction on general themes of Korean and East Asian history and critical issues in contemporary and classical Korean linguistics. You are advised to take advantage of public lectures offered on China and Japan, since they also supply historical context, comparative linguistic information, regional background, and comparative perspectives for work in tutorials.

Teaching takes place in tutorials. You are required to prepare thoroughly for whatever is required: language exercises, prescribed readings, essays, bibliographic or methodological exercises, and you should be able to present your preparation in finished form. Depending on the task, the finished form may be written language exercises, essays on linguistics, historical, literary, or cultural topics, or translation from Korean (or Chinese or Japanese) into English.

Outstanding students typically view themselves as ‘researchers in training’ and consciously set about building their competence in the body of secondary reference materials available (in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese) as an additional aspect of tutorial preparation.

All preparation is for a set of final examinations in the following three areas:

• Prescribed texts
• Either Modern Korean unprepared translation or Classical Chinese or Modern
  Japanese*
• Methodologies for Classical Koreanology or Korean Linguistics

* Candidates who already possess a sufficient knowledge of Modern Korean will be required to choose Classical Chinese or Modern Japanese.

Candidates are also required to submit a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic approved by the Board of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Aside from the dissertation, the course is examined by two, three-hour examinations to be sat at the end (eighth week) of the third term (Trinity) in June, and one examination to be completed in the Bodleian Library over the course of three and one-half days, also during eighth week at the end of the third term. The dissertation deadline is the end of the sixth week of the third term.

All examination papers and the dissertation will be reviewed by examiners, one of whom is from outside the University. The external examiner shall have the final decision as to whether to award the degree. You will be examined viva voce unless you have been individually excused by the examiners.

The examiners ordinarily award a pass/fail mark but may award a distinction grade for excellence in the whole examination. A distinction grade should be viewed as a strong recommendation to continue research at the DPhil level.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

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

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.

Applicants must be able to read modern Korean. Applicants must submit scores from the Standard Test of Proficiency in Korean (S-TOPIK) with a target level of 4.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to three pages
• 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 University of Oxford offers programs related to Korean Studies primarily through the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, which encompasses various regional studies including East Asian Studies. The course content typically covers the language, history, culture, politics, and modern societal developments of Korea, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Korean Peninsula and its regional context. The program aims to develop expertise in Korean language proficiency, critical analysis of historical and contemporary issues, and engagement with primary sources and scholarly debates. Students have opportunities to participate in language training, fieldwork, and research projects, often collaborating with scholars specializing in East Asian affairs. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating political science, history, sociology, and cultural studies to give students a well-rounded perspective. The faculty involved includes renowned experts in Korean history, politics, and culture, ensuring a high level of academic support and mentorship. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, international organizations, diplomacy, journalism, or further research. The program often involves close engagement with Korean communities and resources, including access to advanced language labs and libraries. Language learning is tailored to various proficiency levels and includes immersive methods. Overall, Oxford's Korean Studies program prepares students to understand and analyze the complex issues facing Korea today, from regional security to cultural preservation, fostering a deep appreciation of Korea's role in global affairs.