PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

This PhD degree is offered at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies to students who wish to study Chinese Studies, East Asian Studies, Hebrew Studies, Korean Studies, Japanese Studies, and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (Arabic or Persian).

Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work in the history, literature, linguistics, social anthropology, sociology, politics, and contemporary culture of the Middle East, North Africa, China, Japan, and the two Koreas. In addition, the work of several staff members crosses traditional boundaries, both geographical and subject-based. Please see our Research pages for more information about the kind of research carried out by the Faculty.

Before you apply, it is essential that you contact your prospective Supervisor to discuss your proposed research.

The PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies is a three to four-year course consisting of individual supervision and guided research. Students are given guidance in areas specific to their subject and in advanced research methods. In the third term (Easter) of the first year, students submit a PhD progress examination, which usually consists of a critical essay and a general statement about progress to date and the likely course of their future research. At the end of the programme, students submit a PhD thesis, followed by a viva (oral examination).

Further information about the programme and the supervisors can be found on our Faculty's website.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of each PhD programme, students will be expected to have:

• acquired the ability to read, interpret, and translate primary sources fluently in their subject area
• acquired an excellent knowledge of the general scholarship on their chosen research topic
• acquired an in-depth and focused knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis
• developed the ability to formulate original research questions and produce a well-constructed argument to answer them in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources
• developed advanced, independent library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with successfully completing a higher research degree

Continuing

Students who wish to continue on a PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will need to have at least 67% in a relevant language bachelor's degree from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. They also must already hold a master's qualification relevant to the subject they intend to study, which should have been awarded a score of at least 67% from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. They also need to satisfy any pre-existing requirements set by the Degree Committee, i.e., English language requirement.

Applicants must have sufficient language skills to carry out their proposed research.

EU and International students can find information about their country's equivalent continuation mark from the Postgraduate Admissions International Qualifications page.

Those students who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will be required to obtain at least 67% overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee, i.e., English language requirement.

For students enrolled in an MPhil by Research at the University of Cambridge, admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations. Please contact the Postgraduate Administrator if you require further details.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Merit). If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. All applicants must have at least 67% in a relevant bachelor's degree from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. They also must already hold a master's qualification relevant to the subject they intend to study, which should have been awarded a score of at least 67% from a UK university or its equivalent overseas. They also need to satisfy any pre-existing requirements set by the Degree Committee, i.e., English language requirement. Applicants must have sufficient language skills to carry out their proposed research. EU and International students can find information about their country's equivalent continuation mark from the Graduate Admissions International Qualifications page. Those students who are enrolled in an MPhil by Advanced Studies at the University of Cambridge and wish to continue to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies will be required to obtain at least 67% overall in their MPhil by Advanced Studies degree and satisfy any pre-existing requirements also set by the Degree Committee, i.e. English language requirement. For students enrolled in an MPhil by Research at the University of Cambridge, admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations. University Minimum Academic Requirements Language Requirement

Listening: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Reading: 7.0, Speaking: 7.0, Total: 7.5, Listening: 25, Writing: 25, Reading: 25, Speaking: 25, Total: 110