Sasakawa Studentship
MPhil or PhD
Key facts
Start dates
September 2026
Application deadline
5pm, 10 March 2026
Location
Course length
Full time: 3 years
More details
Eligibility: UK, EU and International
Bursary p.a: £15,000 towards living expenses for the first year. PhD students who make expected progress will be re-nominated each year, up to the max of 3-years continuous funding.
Fees: Applicants will be responsible for paying their own university fees.
Overview
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University is 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.
Oxford Brookes University can nominate up to 3 candidates for a PhD, MPhil/PhD. The award is £15,000 (max) for the 2026/27 academic year. PhD students who make expected progress will be re-nominated each year, up to the maximum of 3-years of continuous funding.
Oxford Brookes University 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 Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is home to the Europe Japan Research Centre, where you can find information and links to staff members’ profiles and research projects.
Oxford Brookes University can nominate up to 3 candidates for a PhD, MPhil/PhD. The award is £15,000 (max) for the 2026/27 academic year. PhD students who make expected progress will be re-nominated each year, up to the maximum of 3-years of continuous funding.
Oxford Brookes University 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 Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 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
Please contact hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk with “Sasakawa studentship” clearly labelled in the subject line. You will then be sent the application information.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2025 / 26
Research degree fees and project costs
Bursary award is £15,000 for academic year 2025/26. Students who make expected progress can be re-nominated each year.
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.