MPhil in Traditional East Asia

About the course

The MPhil in Traditional East Asia examines the Sinitic tradition and its development and adaptations in China, 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.

Assessment

In the first year, you will take two, three-hour written examinations at the end of the third term (Trinity term). One will be in a modern language. The second will be in a classical language.

You will also be assessed on the three submitted essays from the first, second, and third terms.

In the second year, you will prepare a thesis of 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 thesis is due during the sixth term. The last time you are able to consult your supervisor for the thesis is one month before the due date.

At the end of the sixth term, you will sit one, three-hour examination on the Prescribed Texts you have prepared in your chosen classical language, and you will be given a take-home examination to be completed in the library to assess your knowledge of classical Bibliography and Methodology in your chosen field (Korea, Japan, or China).

Further information on the course and examinations can be found in the Course Handbook, which can be accessed via the faculty's course webpage.

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.

As a minimum, applicants should normally hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.