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Postgraduate Study

The MPhil provides initial research training and aims to develop students' linguistic and methodological sophistication. Please note that the one-year MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Japanese Studies) is offered by thesis only and is not a taught course option. Please confirm with your prospective Supervisor that this option is the appropriate choice for you. This MPhil is only suitable for those with demonstrable experience and ability in independent academic research.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

  • acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or classical Japanese
  • acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or classical Japanese culture(s)
  • acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis
  • developed the ability to formulate original research questions and to produce a well-constructed argument to answer them in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources
  • developed independent library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree

Continuing

Applicants for the PhD should submit a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic via the Applicant Portal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Applicants will also be required to obtain a Pass in the MPhil by Research.


Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

  • Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

  • Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Apply Now

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
May. 14, 2026
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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