Japanese MPhil/PhD

Program Overview

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The MPhil/PhD in Japanese at Birkbeck University equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct original research in Japanese studies. The program offers a wide range of courses and research opportunities, and students are supervised by experienced scholars in the field. Graduates are well-qualified for careers in academia, government, the media, and the cultural sector.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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MPhil/PhD in Japanese

This program is designed for students who want to pursue original research in the field of Japanese studies. The program is offered on a full-time (4 years) or part-time (7 years) basis and can be started in October or January.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent research in Japanese studies.
• To enable students to make original contributions to the field of knowledge.
• To develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.

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Description:

The program is structured around a combination of coursework, research seminars, and individual supervision. Students will be required to take a number of courses in their first year, including research methods and key areas of Japanese studies. They will then begin their research project, which will culminate in the writing of a thesis of 60,000-100,000 words. Throughout the program, students will receive regular feedback and guidance from their supervisors. They will also have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and workshops.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics in Japanese studies, including:

• Literature: Modern and contemporary Japanese literature, comparative literature, adaptations, remakes, transmediality, and media mix in Japanese popular culture.
• Cinema: Japanese cinema.
• Culture: Popular culture in Japan and East Asia, Japanese creative industries, gender and sexuality studies, modern Japanese cultural history, national, transnational, racial/ethnic, or cultural identities in Japan and East Asia.

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Structure:

The program is divided into four stages:

• Stage 1: Taught courses (Year 1)
• Stage 2: Research preparation (Year 2)
• Stage 3: Thesis writing (Years 3-4 for full-time, Years 3-7 for part-time)

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Individual Modules:

• Research Methods in Japanese Studies: This module introduces students to the key research methods used in Japanese studies.
• Japanese Literature: This module explores the history and development of Japanese literature from the earliest times to the present day.
• Japanese Cinema: This module examines the history and development of Japanese cinema, focusing on key directors, genres, and movements.
• Japanese Popular Culture: This module explores the diverse and dynamic world of Japanese popular culture, including manga, anime, music, and video games.
• Gender and Sexuality in Japan: This module examines the representation of gender and sexuality in Japanese society and culture.
• Modern Japanese Cultural History: This module examines the key historical events and developments that have shaped modern Japanese culture.
• National Identity in Japan: This module explores the complex and evolving concept of national identity in Japan.
• Japanese Creative Industries: This module examines the economic and cultural significance of the Japanese creative industries.
• Translation and Interpreting: This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in translation and interpreting between English and Japanese.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework: Essays, presentations, and exams.
• Research Proposal: A 2,000-word research proposal submitted in the first year.
• Thesis: A 60,000-100,000-word thesis submitted at the end of the program.
• Oral Examination: An oral examination on the thesis.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally renowned scholars in the field of Japanese studies. The teaching methods used include lectures, seminars, and individual supervision. The program also offers a number of unique features, such as:

• Research opportunities in Japan: Students have the opportunity to conduct research in Japan with the support of the program.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: The program encourages students to collaborate with academics from other disciplines at Birkbeck.
• Academic conferences and workshops: Students have the opportunity to present their research at academic conferences and workshops.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-qualified for a variety of careers in academia, government, the media, and the cultural sector. Some potential career paths include:

• Academic researcher
• University lecturer
• Government policy analyst
• Journalist
• Cultural commentator
• Translator
• Interpreter

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Other:

• The program is open to students with a good honours degree in a Japan-related subject.
• Students are required to submit a research proposal prior to interview.
• The program is highly competitive and places are limited.

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Academic year 2024–25, starting October 2024, January 2025 Part-time home students: £2,539 per year Full-time home students: £4,786 per year Part-time international students: £7,525 per year Full-time international students: £14,885 per year Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. Fees and finance PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs. We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.