MA Japanese Studies

Overview

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.

Employment

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.

We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.