Sasakawa Studentship
Masters by Research
Key facts
Start dates
September 2026
Application deadline
5pm, 10 March 2026
Location
Course length
Full time: 1 year
More details
Eligibility: UK citizens/ EU settled status
Bursary: £15,000 (max) for the 2026/27 academic year
Fees: Fees must be paid by the student.
This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.
Overview
We are pleased to invite applications for the Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship in Japanese Studies, made possible through the generosity of The Nippon Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. The award is £15,000 (max) for the 2026/27 academic year.
OBU offers a broad range of expertise on Japanese culture and language, but we would be particularly interested in candidates with projects on ageing and care, film and cinema studies, literature and the arts, social anthropology, or popular culture. The AHSS Faculty is home to the Europe Japan Research Centre, where you can find information and links to staff members’ profiles and research projects.
OBU offers a broad range of expertise on Japanese culture and language, but we would be particularly interested in candidates with projects on ageing and care, film and cinema studies, literature and the arts, social anthropology, or popular culture. The AHSS Faculty is home to the Europe Japan Research Centre, where you can find information and links to staff members’ profiles and research projects.
How to apply
Entry requirements
- The research proposal must have a strong focus on Japan. Proposals that seek to bridge or expand the disciplinary strengths within the Faculty are especially welcome.
- A good first degree (a good 2:1 or above) or predicted to obtain one.
- Appropriate level of skill in Japanese language in the areas of reading, composition and speaking as relevant to the proposed research.
- Candidates must have submitted an application for admission by the studentship application deadline.
Application process
To request application information please contact hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk with “Sasakawa Masters by Research studentship” clearly labelled in the subject line.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2025 / 26
Research degree fees and project costs
Bursary: £15K towards living expenses for a maximum of 1 year Full time.
2026 / 27
Research degree fees and project costs
Bursary award is £15,000 for academic year 2026/27. Students who make expected progress can be re-nominated each year. The studentship does not cover bench fees or tuition fees.