MA Japanese Studies
SOAS University of London
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3 options available
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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

SOAS, University of London

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

SOAS, University of London

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Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Asian Studies
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Course info

The MA Japanese Studies at SOAS is the most comprehensive available anywhere in Europe.You are able to choose modules that cover Japan’s history from the pre-modern era to the present, and ranging over the social and political sciences as well as humanities. Students who take this programme come from many countries and have a wide variety of academic backgrounds.Some have already studied, or lived, in Japan and wish to broaden their knowledge or understanding. Others wish to focus their ...Read more

The MA Japanese Studies at SOAS is the most comprehensive available anywhere in Europe.

You are able to choose modules that cover Japan’s history from the pre-modern era to the present, and ranging over the social and political sciences as well as humanities. Students who take this programme come from many countries and have a wide variety of academic backgrounds.

Some have already studied, or lived, in Japan and wish to broaden their knowledge or understanding. Others wish to focus their previous training on the region, while still others will come from Japan or other East Asian countries wishing to study Japan from the perspective of a different culture and academic tradition. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement of the programme. Language modules, however, are popular options.

SOAS has its own Japan Research Centre and shares the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Culture with the University of East Anglia. Students are welcome to attend the regular seminars held by the centres, where international speakers present their research engaging with diverse aspects of the study in Japan.

Why study Japanese at SOAS

  • SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are ranked 12th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We are home to the largest concentration of Japan specialists outside of Japan.
  • You will not only learn the essential language skills but also an in-depth understanding of the region’s culture covering subjects from literature, history, cinema, and politics.
  • Your command of a language will set you apart from graduates of other universities.

This programme can be offered as part of a dual masters degree with Sophia University.

Through the dual masters, students can spend the first year studying at Sophia on the Graduate Programme in Global Studies and second year at SOAS studying MA Japanese Studies or vice versa and gain a masters from each institution. For more information on the dual masters, please see the SOAS-Sophia partnership on the Global Partnerships website.

Graduates from the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures develop competencies in intercultural awareness, analysis and communication. Demand for specialists with advanced proficiency in the languages of China, Japan and Korea has significantly increased in recent years, and graduates with these skills are highly sought after by employers.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
6th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
M
Mia
02 Oct 24

Nice buildings and great..Read more

M
Mika
02 Oct 24

it's really run down and the community feels really disconnected...Read more

Modules

Module Options
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Entry requirements

Applicants with bachelor’s degree equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10 from a good university will be considered for entry.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£12,220 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Japanese Language reviews

Japanese Language
Japanese Language
M
Mia
02 Oct 24
Japanese BA (Hons)
Nice buildings and great...
Read more
M
Mika
02 Oct 24
Japanese BA (Hons)
it's really run down and the community feels really disconnected....
Read more
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How Japanese Language students rated:

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( 3.7) 18 reviews
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4 stars
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Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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