Masters by Research programmes

Choose from a range of Masters by Research programmes in Asian Studies and related disciplines. Find out more about our supervisors and their specialisms.

A Masters by Research (MScR) programme is ideal if you would like to complete a short piece of independent research in Asian Studies. It is a good stepping stone to a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification.

We currently offer the following Masters by Research (MScR) programmes in Asian Studies: 

  • MScR in Chinese
  • MScR in Japanese
  • MScR in Korean Studies

On each programme:

  • you will take courses in research skills and methods
  • you will complete two research assignments, each of 6,000 words
  • you will write a 15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of an experienced and well-published supervisor

Each programme is available to study:

  • full-time over one year (all students) 
  • part-time over two years (eligibility criteria apply)

Find a supervisor

You will write your Masters by Research (MScR) dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor.

You do not need to approach a potential supervisor before you apply. However, it is essential when you are thinking about your application to look at the interests and expertise of our research community to ensure that your project is something we can effectively supervise.

Please note that the staff listed here are eligible to supervise masters research but may not currently be taking on new students. To check availability, or seek further advice on the best supervisory fit for your dissertation, please contact our Departmental Postgraduate Research Director.

The following members of Asian Studies staff supervise MSc by Research and PhD students. Links will take you to staff profiles where you can further explore the specialisms summarised. 

Staff memberRoleSpecialisms
Professor Natascha GentzChair of Chinese StudiesMedia, politics and cultural studies
Professor Dr Joachim GentzChair of Chinese Philosophy and ReligionHistoriography, philosophy and religion
Professor Aaron MooreHanda Chair of Japanese-Chinese RelationsTransnational and comparative social history 
Dr Daniel HammondSenior Lecturer in Chinese Politics and SocietyPolitics and society
Dr Xuelei HuangSenior Lecturer in Chinese StudiesCinema, print culture, drama and literature in modern China
Dr Youngmi KimSenior Lecturer in Korean StudiesComparative politics and international relations
Dr Yuqing LiuLecturer in Chinese StudiesPoetry and language culture
Dr Abigail MacBainLecturer in Premodern Japanese StudiesPremodern Japanese history and religion
Dr Mark McLeisterLecturer in Chinese StudiesAnthropology, Christianity in China
Dr Helen ParkerLecturer in JapaneseTraditional and modern Japanese literature and performing arts
Dr Chris PerkinsSenior Lecturer in JapaneseJapanese student politics; contemporary Japanese culture and society
Dr Christopher RosenmeierSenior lecturer in ChineseModern literature
Dr Holly StephensLecturer in Japanese and Korean StudiesEconomic history, agriculture, empire, everyday life, and the emergence of the modern state in Japan and Korea

Entrance requirements, fees, funding and more...

The University of Edinburgh Degree Finder gives you lots of information about what topics and themes we can supervise in Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies.

You can also use Degree Finder to find out about:

  • application deadlines
  • entrance requirements
  • start dates
  • fees and scholarship opportunities 

Degree Finder links straight through to EUCLID, the online system for applying to postgraduate programmes at the University of Edinburgh.

QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 4th in the UK and 9th in the world for Arts and Humanities.

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are based on research citations and the results of major global surveys of employers and academics.

They are International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) approved.


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