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Teaching
Students who take the Japanese Studies research pathway are expected to work closely with their Supervisor throughout the year on a thesis of no more than 25,000 words, which must be submitted by mid-August.
During the year, MPhil students attend various training opportunities the department offers in codicology, text reading, fieldwork and other skills, depending on their chosen research topic. They are also encouraged to attend fourth-year undergraduate lectures and Faculty seminars where relevant. They also participate in postgraduate work-in-progress seminars where they have an opportunity to present their own work to their peers for feedback in a supportive environment. In consultation with their Supervisor, students will also, where relevant, be encouraged to attend appropriate courses and seminars offered elsewhere in the university in subject areas related to students' research interests.
All prospective MPhil applicants are advised to read the staff profiles on our website to familiarise themselves with staff members' research and teaching interests. Applicants should contact potential supervisors well in advance of their application by email and discuss the proposed MPhil thesis topic both by email and either in person or online.
| One to one supervision | Ten hours per year. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | There is no taught element to this course and no exams other than the defence of the thesis, but students are required to audit (actively participate) in the Theories and Methodologies Seminar (JM1) for postgraduate students and attend public lectures. |
Feedback
Students will receive feedback on their work throughout the year from regular one-on-one supervisions with their Supervisor. Supervisors will produce feedback via online termly supervision reports.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Students will submit a thesis of not more than 25,000 words, including footnotes and appendices, but excluding the bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil theses must include a brief abstract at the start of the thesis of no more than 400 words.
Students must have an oral examination (viva), normally held in September.