A PhD in Korean Studies is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in the two Koreas in a community that really values research, and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in this area. Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of experienced and well-published supervisors. Our programme is based in an Asian Studies department with a unique combination of disciplinary expertise in Korean Studies, Japanese, Chinese, and East Asian Relations. Reflecting the Korean peninsula's place at the centre of landmark geopolitical developments in the early 21st century, we have particular strengths in: modern Korean history Korean society and culture political economy urban studies security public policy political science international relations Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects in Asian Studies Working with colleagues elsewhere in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, and across the wider University, we are able to support PhD theses crossing boundaries between languages and/or disciplines, including: comparative literature film studies translation studies Be inspired by the range of PhD research in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures Over the course of your PhD, you will be expected to complete an original body of work under the expert guidance of your supervisors leading to a dissertation of usually between 80,000 and 100,000 words. You will be awarded your doctorate if your thesis is judged to be of an appropriate standard, and your research makes a definite contribution to knowledge. 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. 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. Guests include Dr Youngmi Kim (Series 2 - Episode 3), Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies and Director of the Centre for Korean Studies. Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work