University of Edinburgh
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Japanese Studies PhD in History, Politics, Literature and East Asian Studies University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Political Science
Funding
No guaranteed funding is provided. Students generally combine loans, savings, family support, employment, employer sponsorship, and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. Scholarship schemes are available through the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the wider University, but teaching or tutoring positions cannot be guaranteed. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month).
Deadline
Oct 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
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About this position
Japanese PhD at the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh invites applications for a postgraduate research PhD in Japanese Studies, offered full-time over three years or part-time over six years. The programme is based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures in Edinburgh, Scotland, and supports original research in Japanese and East Asian studies.
Research interests include Japanese history, politics and international relations, Japanese-Chinese relations, traditional and contemporary performing arts, media and politics, the history of Japanese religion, traditional and modern Japanese literature, the Meiji period and empire studies. Interdisciplinary projects may connect Japanese Studies with comparative literature, film studies or translation studies.
Students conduct an original research project under the guidance of at least two supervisors and produce a thesis of approximately 80,000 words. The programme provides research-methods training, access to seminars and workshops, and extensive East Asian collections, including Japanese-language books, journals, audiovisual resources and digital materials.
Applicants normally require a UK 2:1 honours degree and a master's degree, or equivalent qualifications, in a related subject. Application materials include a 500-word personal statement, research proposal, approximately 3,000 words of written work, academic certificates and transcripts, translations where necessary, two references and evidence of English-language proficiency. The application fee is waived: there is no fee to apply.
Available start dates include 6 January 2027, with a deadline of 30 October 2026, and 13 September 2027, with a deadline of 30 June 2027. A further start date of 12 January 2028 has a 31 October 2027 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, particularly when seeking funding or requiring a visa. Funding is not guaranteed, although university and school scholarship opportunities may be available.
Funding details
No guaranteed funding is provided. Students generally combine loans, savings, family support, employment, employer sponsorship, and scholarships to cover tuition and living costs. Scholarship schemes are available through the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and the wider University, but teaching or tutoring positions cannot be guaranteed. Estimated living costs in Edinburgh for 2026–2027 are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month).
What's required
Applicants normally need a UK 2:1 honours degree and a master's degree, or international equivalents, in a related subject; equivalent qualifications or experience may also be considered. Applicants must submit an online application with a 500-word personal statement, detailed research proposal, approximately 3,000 words of written work, degree certificates and academic transcripts, certified translations where required, and two references. English proficiency must be demonstrated through an accepted test or an eligible degree taught and assessed in English. Accepted scores include IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component; TOEFL iBT requirements vary by test date; C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 185 with 176 in each component; Oxford ELLT 8 with 7 in each component; or Oxford Test of English Advanced 155 with 145 in each component.
How to apply
Review Japanese and Asian Studies staff profiles and research interests, prepare a personal statement and research proposal, gather the required supporting documents and references, then apply online for the selected PhD duration, study mode and start date. Contact the Departmental Postgraduate Research Director, Natascha Gentz, for advice on supervisory fit if needed.
ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.