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Full time | SOAS, University of London | 1 year | SEP-25

Study mode

Full time

Duration

1 year

Start date

SEP-25

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Japanese Language

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

The MA Japanese Studies at SOAS is the most comprehensive available anywhere in Europe.

You are able to choose modules that cover Japan’s history from the pre-modern era to the present, and ranging over the social and political sciences as well as humanities. Students who take this programme come from many countries and have a wide variety of academic backgrounds.

Some have already studied, or lived, in Japan and wish to broaden their knowledge or understanding. Others wish to focus their previous training on the region, while still others will come from Japan or other East Asian countries wishing to study Japan from the perspective of a different culture and academic tradition. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement of the programme. Language modules, however, are popular options.

SOAS has its own Japan Research Centre and shares the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture with the University of East Anglia. Students are welcome to attend the regular seminars held by the centres, where international speakers present their research engaging with diverse aspects of the study in Japan.

Why study Japanese at SOAS

  • SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are home to the largest concentration of Japan specialists outside of Japan.
  • You will not only learn the essential language skills but also an in-depth understanding of the region’s culture covering subjects from literature, history, cinema, and politics.
  • Your command of a language will set you apart from graduates of other universities.

This programme can be offered as part of a dual masters degree with Sophia University.

Through the dual masters, students can spend the first year studying at Sophia on the Graduate Programme in Global Studies and second year at SOAS studying MA Japanese Studies or vice versa and gain a masters from each institution. For more information on the dual masters, please see the SOAS-Sophia partnership on the Global Partnerships website.

Graduates from the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures develop competencies in intercultural awareness, analysis and communication. Demand for specialists with advanced proficiency in the languages of China, Japan and Korea has significantly increased in recent years, and graduates with these skills are highly sought after by employers.

Modules

The module will be team taught by DEALC staff specialising in Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies and Korean Studies. It aims to sharpen student awareness of both the interconnectedness and the specific regional cultural variations within the East Asian sphere. The course will be team taught, but the course convenor will attend every week in order to maintain intellectual integrity and student focus.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£12,220

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£25,320

Entry requirements

Applicants with bachelor’s degree equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10 from a good university will be considered for entry.

University information

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Postgraduate courses are taught by respected academics engaged in ground-breaking fieldwork and research. The work of researchers at SOAS influences both government policy and the lives of individuals...more