Traditional East Asia

The MPhil examines the Sinitic tradition and its adaptations in Korea and Japan. It will appeal to students wishing to develop an intimate knowledge of the region for academic purposes or as preparation for careers in museology, libraries, journalism, diplomacy, international banking, business, law, government service, secondary education or non-governmental organisations.

Graduate destinations

Oriental studies graduates have found employment in many and diverse fields including museology, libraries, journalism, diplomacy, but also international banking, business, law, government service, secondary education and non-governmental organisations.

First year

In the first year, you will prepare a 2,000-word essay every two weeks.

You should have some proficiency in an East Asian language (Chinese, Korean or Japanese). A three-hour qualifying examination in a modern language is held at the end of the third term. If your proficiency in your main language is not up to academic standards you will prepare for the examination in that language. If on arrival your proficiency is up to academic standards you will choose a different modern East Asian language for research purposes and prepare for the examination in the selected language.

You will be required to follow a general course in Classical Chinese, Classical Japanese or Middle Korean for another three-hour qualifying examination at the end of the third term. Instruction may take the form of lectures and/or text classes. You will prepare and present English translations in text classes. Depending on the your ability you may be permitted to follow more than one classical language, but must choose only one for your qualifying examination.

You will attend general overview graduate seminars, for which you receive a reading list and write four 2,000-word essays per term. Students meet together every two weeks in a 90-minute seminar to present the gist of their essays. The qualifying examination for the general overview consists of an assessment of your three best essays from the twelve prepared over the year.

Second year

In the second year, you will spend a good portion of your time researching and writing your dissertations.

There are no modern language requirements in the second year, but you may opt to monitor or audit any of the first year classes in a modern language that you were unable to study.

The classical language requirement consists of reading prescribed texts in Classical Chinese or Classical Japanese or Middle Korean. Texts are chosen in consultation with one of the Course Coordinators and drawn from canonical literature in the areas of history, literature, and philosophy. The final examination is a three-hour written examination at the end of the second year. You have eight one-hour classes spread over three terms.

For the Bibliography and Methodology requirement, you will choose a country specialisation (China, Japan or Korea) and prepare answers to a series of exercises requiring you to find specific and general information in the classical bibliography of one of the three countries. You have eight one-hour classes spread over three terms.

You will also prepare a thesis of up between 20,000 and 30,000 words, using information gathered through at least one East Asian language. You will present your interim research results at one public colloquium held at the end of the fifth term. The dissertation is due during the sixth term.

At the end of the sixth term, you will sit examinations in classical language and in bibliography and methodology.

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.

Entrants are required to have a reading ability in at least one modern language (Chinese, Korean, or Japanese). If you are not a native speaker in one of these languages, your level of proficiency must supported by one of the standardised proficiency tests accepted by the department.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to three pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• Certificate of proficiency in an East Asian language
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

Traditional East Asia at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the history, languages, cultures, and societies of East Asian countries, with a particular focus on China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This interdisciplinary program combines historical analysis, linguistic studies, and cultural understanding to provide students with a comprehensive view of the region's development from ancient times to the modern era. The program typically involves a combination of taught courses, seminars, and independent research, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. Students may have opportunities to engage with primary sources, participate in language acquisition, and undertake regional fieldwork or visits, depending on the specific track or specialization they choose. The curriculum is designed to develop proficiency in one or more East Asian languages, alongside rigorous academic understanding of regional history, philosophy, politics, and literature. Degrees offered include BA, MSt, and DPhil, often requiring the completion of a dissertation or thesis that contributes original research to the field. Collaboration with specialists and access to extensive library resources enrich the learning environment. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, government, diplomacy, international business, or cultural organizations, providing them with the intercultural competencies and regional expertise essential for such fields. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage with contemporary issues facing East Asian countries, such as economic development, social change, political reform, and cultural preservation. The program's structure emphasizes both language mastery and contextual understanding, offering a balanced approach to the academic study of Traditional East Asia. Graduates from this program often go on to further research, policy analysis, or roles that require deep regional knowledge and linguistic skills. The University of Oxford’s global reputation for excellence in Asian Studies, combined with its rich academic resources, makes it an ideal environment for studying this fascinating and complex region.