A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in Japanese Studies. The programme is a good stepping stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification. As a Masters by Research student, you will be part of a wider masters community while specialising in what most interests you right from the beginning of the programme. This is how it is different to a taught Masters (MSc). First taught at Edinburgh in 1976, Japanese Studies has developed to encompass a thriving postgraduate research programme covering a wide spectrum of interests in history, politics, and the performing and literary arts. Research excellence In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research was submitted in the categories of: Modern Languages and Linguistics Politics and International Studies Sociology History Theology and Religious Studies The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - third in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research in Modern Languages and Linguistics alone, according to Times Higher Education's REF power ratings. Join our community and undertake a project comprising research assignments and a 15,000-word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor. We have particular strengths in: Japanese performing arts, both traditional and contemporary Japanese-Chinese relations media and politics the history of Japanese religion traditional and modern Japanese literature the Meiji period and empire studies Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects in Asian Studies Go beyond the books Beyond the Books is a podcast from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen. Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research. Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work