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The MPhil programme in Japanese Studies at Cambridge (AMES) offers nothing short of excellence.
Faculty Members live and breathe their area of expertise — I count myself lucky to have experienced some of the most passionate and involving teaching within the subject. Cohorts are small, close-knit, and the amount of time that is dedicated to every student and their research via one-on-one supervisions is absolutely stunning.
Leon Wiggenhauser (May 2, 2025)
Yet, opportunities for personal and academic growth are presented far beyond the classroom. The Faculty’s East Asia Seminar Series invites world-class researchers and lets one dive into new subjects on a weekly basis; alumni events provide entry into a high-profile international network; and ties to Japan are kept strong, presenting a wealth of prospects even after the MPhil.
All the above is then combined with the remarkable academic environment that the University of Cambridge offers. Especially the College system at its heart is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and through plenty of extracurricular activities extends one’s horizon beyond one’s own academic field.
For me, being able to study at Cambridge was an extremely valuable opportunity that I — and the lifelong friends that I’ve found along the way — will look back to fondly for a long time to come.
My time as an MPhil student of Japanese Studies is one I will treasure forever. The Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is comprised of leaders in the field who not only challenged and inspired me with consistent and constructive supervision, but supported me throughout my Cambridge journey. The Faculty also cultivated a positive and contagious sense of curiosity and ambition in our cohort, whilst guiding a pursuit of academic excellence. The seminars were structured to encourage collaboration and taught us to approach topic discussions with critical and innovative thinking. I will always be thankful for the chance I had to learn from such a talented student cohort and the kindness and encouragement the Faculty showed me during this exciting and rewarding year.
Rachel Williams (Sept. 29, 2022)
Undertaking the MPhil program in Japanese Studies at FAMES, Cambridge was the best decision of my life. The program was highly rigorous and intellectually stimulating, offering a wide range of classes that catered to students with diverse research interests. This allowed me to customise my program to my specific needs and goals, broadening my knowledge and expanding my horizons. Additionally, I had the privilege of being immersed in the fun of Japanese comedy with a Rakugo master from Japan, invited by the department.
The best part of my experience at Cambridge, however, was the people. Throughout the entire program, I felt incredibly supported by everyone in the department, from the faculty members to my peers. The faculty members were always available to offer guidance and mentorship, while my senpai’s constructive feedback on my dissertation helped me improve and refine my work. My fellow students were always there for me when I needed them. The unwavering support that I received from everyone helped me thrive in the MPhil program and made my year at Cambridge a life-changing experience that I will always cherish.
Mariah Zhong (Sept. 27, 2022)