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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
This MA by Research in Japanese Studies at Oxford Brookes University provides an excellent opportunity for you to obtain a Master’s qualification focused on a research project of particular interest to you.
You will be supported by an experienced and dedicated team with extensive research expertise, and will benefit from our facilities, training, research seminars.
The Japanese Studies Department offers research expertise in a wide range of subjects related to Japan. The main research areas relevant to this degree are:
 Japanese Linguistics
 Japanese Literature
 Japanese Cinema
 Manga and Anime
 Modern Japanese History
 Japanese Religion
 The Anthropology of Japan
 Multimodality.
Research expertise
Our school comprises two centres and several clusters which support the work of researchers and doctoral students. We encourage wide participation through partnerships and our busy programme of conferences, public events and lectures.
We strongly recommend that prior to submitting a full application you identify and make contact directly with a potential Director of Studies. Please look at our research group pages and individual staff profiles to help you identify the appropriate member of staff and to find out whether your proposed research focus is one that we can supervise.
Additional details
The MA by Research in Japanese Studies builds on the School’s expertise to support a unique and clearly focused programme of study. You will have the opportunity to develop a high level of subject knowledge, together with the ability to develop and undertake independent research in your own particular area of interest.
The programme will be attractive to applicants seeking to pursue intellectual interests and develop skills beyond first degree level for further personal or professional reasons. The MA by Research route is also designed to prepare you to undertake further research at MPhil or PhD level.
Supported by a comprehensive programme of research training, you will embark on a substantial piece of independent research guided by your supervisors during regular supervisory meetings. Having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic, a thesis of up to 30,000 words will be presented for examination and this will include an oral examination where you will defend your thesis to the satisfaction of the examiners.
Modules
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
A first-class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification.
If you choose to study full-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 35 hours per week over a 44-week year to your research. You should not undertake more than 20 hours per week paid employment or other commitments (including a maximum of six hours per week teaching, demonstrating, or other paid work directly related to your research training).
If you choose to study part-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week over a 44-week year to the programme of research.
English language requirements
Applicants whose main language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English language requirements. The minimum IELTS score required for entry to the research degree programme is 6.5–7 overall.
In addition, we require a minimum of 6.5 in each component of the test. We do not accept IELTS certificates that are over two years old.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Career Opportunities
We are passionate about fostering the careers of our researchers and ensure that they gain research skills training, leadership experience and teaching practice as part of the doctoral programmes we offer.
Bespoke careers advice is also embedded into our programme as we think this is a key element of your personal and professional development during your time with us.
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