Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Japanese and Korean Studies

Program Overview

This research degree program in Japanese and Korean Studies offers MPhil and PhD degrees, allowing students to delve into various aspects of these cultures and societies. With expert faculty guidance, students develop research, critical thinking, and project management skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, cultural institutions, and other fields related to Japanese and Korean studies.

Program Outline

This program allows students to pursue research degrees (MPhil or PhD) in a variety of subjects related to Japanese and Korean societies and cultures. While the program is ideal for students with a background in Japanese and Korean Studies, it is open to those with relevant work experience as well.

Program Objectives The goals of the program are to help students develop:

• Deep understanding of Japanese and Korean Studies through research
• Research skills including data analysis, writing, and presentation
• Critical thinking skills
• Time management and project management skills

Outline

Program Structure

Students in this program can earn a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. The program structure is as follows:

• Year 1: All students begin as MPhil students.
• End of year 1: MPhil students seeking to continue as PhD students submit a proposal and core chapter as part of an upgrade portfolio.
• Year 2: Students approved to continue to PhD status conduct research.
• Year 3: Students write their thesis.

Program Content

Students in this program may choose from a broad range of topics for their research, which may include areas of:

• Contemporary Japanese culture
• Modern Japanese literature and film
• Meiji historical texts
• Korean linguistics and literature
• Korean colonial history
• 18th century Korean history
• And more

Course Schedule

The program begins in September. Students take research training and other courses during the first year, followed by dedicated research periods.

Modules

Some of the specific modules available within this program include:

• Japanese Cinema
• Kabuki Texts
• Literature and Cultural Studies
• Dissertation Research

Assessment Assessment methods may vary depending on the specific research topic and focus, but the main elements of assessment include:

• Research training seminars
• Upgrade portfolio, including thesis proposal and core chapter
• PhD thesis, with oral defense

Teaching Students in this program are taught by experts in Japanese and Korean Studies, including:

• Dr Anders Karlsson, specializing in Korean language, literature, and history.
• Dr Griseldis Kirsch, specializing in contemporary Japanese culture, popular culture, and visual media.
• Dr Grace Koh, specializing in Korean and East Asian literary traditions, critical theory, and comparative literature.
• Dr Owen Miller, specializing in late 19th and early 20th century Korean social and economic history, urban history, and nationalist and Marxist historiographies.
• Dr Barbara Pizziconi, specializing in Japanese applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and linguistic politeness.
• Dr Filippo Cervelli, specializing in modern and contemporary Japanese literature and popular culture.
The program also provides dedicated research and academic support through a Research Tutor and supervisory committee.

Careers Students with a research degree in Japanese and Korean studies may pursue careers in various areas, such as:

• Academic research and teaching
• Government and policy roles
• Cultural institutions
• Media and communications
• Business and translation
The program's career services will assist students with career development by offering workshops, one-on-one consultations, and networking opportunities.

Other This program has a strong reputation, being ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages and 10th in the UK for East Asian Studies. Additionally, students have access to the extensive resources of the SOAS Library, one of the largest libraries for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Have a strong interest in Japanese and Korean cultures and societies.
• Have excellent research and analytical skills.
• Are motivated and independent learners.
• Seek a career in research, academia, or related fields.

Home student fees (full-time): £4,860 per year Home student fees (part-time): £2,430 per year Overseas student fees (full-time): £22,490 per year Overseas student fees (part-time): £11,245 per year Please note that fees go up each year.