Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentships in Japanese Studies 2025/26

Available to students proposing to pursue either MA Film Studies with a focus on Japanese cinema, MA by Research in Japanese Studies or a PhD in Japanese studies, starting October 2025. PhD students already in their first and second year of study at the University of Leeds are also eligible to apply.

<p>The<a href="http://www.gbsf.org.uk/studentships/"> Sasakawa Japanese Studies Postgraduate Studentship Programme </a>was launched by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and is now in its 11th year. Up to three studentships will be available for the academic year 2025/26.</p> <p>These scholarships are available for students proposing to pursue either MA Film Studies with a focus on Japanese cinema, MA by Research in Japanese Studies or a PhD in Japanese studies, starting in October 2025. For the taught MA programme in Film Studies, the successful candidate(s) must take the module on Transnational East Asian Cinemas and their MA dissertation needs to be focused on Japanese film.<br />  <br /> The Sasakawa Postgraduate studentships are open to both UK and international students. In general, non-UK nationals intending to do a MA or a MAR are eligible only if they are settled in the UK or have been ordinarily resident for at least three years immediately preceding the start of their MA or MAR course. This does not apply to PhD studentship candidates.</p> <p><strong>The Studentships are worth £15,000 and they are tenable for one year only</strong>. If the programme is extended, it will be possible to reapply to the competition the following year, for up to a maximum of three years (for those studying for a PhD) or four years (for students pursuing MA or MAR, and then PhD). The studentships cannot be held together with other full funding. </p> <p>Any aspect of Japanese studies or any discipline subject where the primary focus is on Japan will be considered, though applications in international relations, development studies, history, literature, cinema and anthropology are encouraged. Prior knowledge of the Japanese language is not a condition.</p> <p><strong>Other conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2025.</li> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded a doctoral degree, although they can be currently studying for a doctoral degree in their 1st or 2nd year of study at the University of Leeds.</li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time (UK applicants only) research study leading to the degree of PhD, MAR or MA Film Studies. Students who are already registered for PhD research study are not excluded from applying.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> <li>Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul>

<p><u><strong>Stage 1</strong></u></p> <p>First, apply for a place of study on a <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/masters-applying/doc/apply-masters-courses">Taught MA programme</a> (please note the funding is only avaialble for MA Film Studies taught programme) or <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">research degree MAR or PhD</a> at the <a href="http://C:\Users\dcokse\Downloads\ahc.leeds.ac.uk\languages">School of Languages, Cultures and Societies </a>(or other School where you are proposing to undertake research in this area). You should apply via the suitable online application form for either taught masters or research degrees (linked above) by 28th February 2025.</p> <p>Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the ‘Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship in Japanese Studies’. You will be expected to meet our eligability criteria for MA, MAR or PhD candidates.</p> <p>In order to be considered for the Studentship you must submit all the required supporting documents for the degree programme you are applying for (please see our websites for further details of supporting documents required).</p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.</p> <p><u><strong>Stage 2</strong></u></p> <p>Provide a personal statement and a detailed CV by 14th March 2025.</p> <p>The personal statement should be written in Arial point 11, single-spaced, not exceeding two pages of A4. It should include your name and student ID number at the top, and be organised around the following headings:</p> <ul> <li>Reasons for application: please suggest reasons why you are a suitable candidate for the studentship.</li> <li>Extent of funding from other sources: the funding/scholarships you are in competition for, or have secured already;</li> <li>Research to be undertaken: research interests, extent to which the research is Japan-related, anticipated dissertation title and a 300-word research proposal (for students intending to undertake a PhD); students already enrolled in a PhD programme should include a progress report on their project);</li> <li> Future academic or career plans;</li> <li>Any other relevant information in support of your application.</li> </ul> <p>Please e-mail your personal statement and CV to Dr Irena Hayter (i.hayter@leeds.ac.uk) by 14th March 2025. Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their applications early to mid-June 2025.</p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

Applicants should meet the English language requirements for the MA, MAR or PhD they are applying for. Postgraduate research (PhD or MAR) applicants to the School of LCS whose first language is not English would need an English language qualification, for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components. <br />

<p>For further information related to the PhD application process please email the Admissions Team at ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk </p> <p>For further information related to the Masters application process please email the Admissions Team at lcspg@leeds.ac.uk</p> <p>For further information related to the Sasakawa studentship please contact Dr Irena Hayter at i.hayter@leeds.ac.uk</p>