MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Korean Studies)

The MPhil programme in Korean Studies is a specially designed one-year graduate seminar and research course with substantial taught elements for students who want to deepen their undergraduate education and/or prepare for a PhD in Korean Studies. It aims to support research into early modern and modern Korean history, intellectual history, history of knowledge, cultural history, South and North Korean politics, and international relations in East Asia.

All students in the year group attend one of two mandatory classes on theory: the Theories and Methodologies in the Japanese Studies Seminar (JM1); or the Asia in Theory seminar (EA1). In either class they meet regularly with a variety of the Faculty's instructors and are introduced to various disciplinary approaches in Korean and East Asian studies. In addition, they are guided through the various steps of academic research, writing, presentation and career development. Students then choose one class from a core of two classes (KM1 or EAS2). Finally, for their third paper they are free to choose from a variety of options so that each student receives a tailor-made education. Approximately half of the time is allocated to individual research and the writing of a dissertation under the guidance of leading scholars.

The aim is to equip students to carry out independent academic work, including training, where appropriate, in how to use Korean-language sources for research purposes, which lies at the heart of the programme. Our guiding principle is to ensure that each student receives the best possible education, providing a coherent course but with the flexibility to cater for individual needs.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK 2.1 Honours Degree. They need High 2.1 or a first at BA level from a UK university or equivalent. Good working knowledge (oral and written) of Japanese will be expected. Candidates should have either a BA in Japanese studies or Japanese language ability of at least level N2 or equivalent.