School of East Asian Studies
MA in Japanese Language and Society
About the course
This is an ideal programme for anyone who has an intermediate level of Japanese (around Level 3 of the Japan Foundation Proficiency Test). Through formal study you can consolidate and develop your knowledge of the Japanese language while, at the same time, deepening your understanding of Japanese society. The programme comprises Diploma and MA stages. The Diploma stage involves taught modules in Japanese written and spoken language as well as contemporary Japanese society or modern history. On successful completion of this stage, you may decide either not to go any further and take receipt of the Diploma award, or to go on to undertake individual research and produce a dissertation to gain an MA. If you leave Japan (or the Asia Pacific region) before the end of the course, you may continue your studies wherever you are, provided you have access to the Internet.
Start dates
April 1 and October 1 each year
When to apply
Apply early to ensure a place on the course! You will not have to commit yourself until later, when you are asked to register.
Normal Application deadline: 12 December to start in the following April 12 May to start in October.
Late Applications: If you cannot apply until later, your application will be considered up to: 1 April for the April start and 1 October for the October start.
It is certainly worth applying up until these dates, and we will do everything possible to process your application, but please understand that the later you apply the less likely it is that your application will be successful, particularly as it may take too long to get references and process your application through the University systems. Also, if you are accepted on to the course late, registration and access to online services will be delayed. How long will the application process take? Apply as soon as you can so we can start processing your application, but please be aware that you may not be notified of the decision until after the application deadline if certain course details are not finalised until then.
How to apply
Application forms can be downloaded by clicking on the red menu bar at the top of this page. They are also available from David English House by email attachment or in hard copy format and include guidelines for filling them out. Please allow time to collect together additional documentation as the following should be sent to DEH with your completed graduate student application form:
a) Two references: Normally including at least one academic reference from your place of higher education. If you have been out of education for a long time a reference from a Japanese Teacher or employer will do, but if you do not have a good first degrees (see b) then at least one academic reference is normally essential. References should be recent. Please contact referees yourself in advance and request references to include in your application. You should receive reference forms from DEH.
b) Evidence of first degree or equivalent:
Degree certificate or official academic statement from the institution (plus a transcript for non-British degrees).
- Degree lower than 2:1 (GPA 3.5). You will be asked to make a case for being allowed on the programme, as Faculty permission will be required. However, in most instances this is a formality.
- If you do not have a degree - relevant other higher education certificate (normally for a minimum of 2 years full time beyond age 18), details of school qualifications at age 16 and 18 plus any sup porting documentation giving institutions, length of programme, full-time or part-time, curriculum content, etc, as you will need to make a case for Faculty approval. Please be aware that this will take extra time.
c) Evidence of Japanese language skills: Certificate for Japan Foundation Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 3 (or above) Or Current enrolment on/Successful completion of our Japanese Language Course Or Successful completion of our Diagnostic Test (available from DEH)
d) Non-native speakers of English only: Evidence of English Language qualifications (see under Entry Requirements) The University requires original certificates for qualifications or properly certified copies. Please mail these to DEH as soon as possible in a hard-backed envelope and let us know if you need them to be returned.
Fees
(fee band for students based in Japan and Asia-Pacific region/Australasia)
Diploma stage: 975,000 yen payable in six instalments.
MA stage: Plus a further 315,000 yen payable in two instalments, ie MA total fees: 1,280,000 yen.
In addition to the course fees, students will need to budget for the following:
* Purchase of approximately five core texts, plus books for essays and dissertation, plus good dic tionaries (see booklist) and Sakade, Florence M "A guide to reading and writing Japanese", Charles E. Tuttle, Tokyo and Rutland, Vermont, 1961 (reprinted many times). ISBN 0804802262).
* Residentials: Tuition is included within the fees, but travel, accommodation and meals are not included.
* Library service: small charge per document requested.
* Cost of telephone calls to telephone interview tutors
* Postage costs to DEH.
* Internet connection/email There will be extra administrative and tutoring costs for those students needing to take extra time and a postage and administration charge for students resident outside Japan.
Programme structure
Course duration (can be extended)
Diploma:18 months
MA: plus 8 months
The duration of the MA programme is 18 months of taught modules (Diploma stage) and 8 months for the dissertation (MA stage). The minimum length of time required to complete the MA programme is 24 months. In certain circumstances students may also request a Leave of Absence normally of up to 2 years and/or a University final extension normally of up to a year.