Programme structure
The duration of the Master's programme is two years, and the programme consists of 120 credits:
- Compulsory courses, 30 credits
- Elective courses, 30 credits
- Thesis preparation, 30 credits
- Master's thesis, 30 credits
Course of study
| 4. semester | JAP4595 – Master's Thesis in Japanese Studies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester |
or or JAP4020 – Methodologies and Data Collection in Japanese Studies and EAST4610 – Voices from East Asia: How to Communicate Research Results |
||
| 2. semester | Elective JAP course | Elective course | Elective course |
| 1. semester | JAP4010 – Theory and Method in Japanese Studies | Elective JAP course | Elective course |
| 10 studiepoeng | 10 studiepoeng | 10 studiepoeng | |
The first two semesters builds the methodological and theoretical basis for independent work on your master's thesis. You should begin to reflect on a topic for your master thesis from day one. You will be provided with a thesis supervisor at the end of the first semester.
First and second semester
The first year of the Master's Degree comprises the methodical and theoretical basis for independent work on the Master's thesis.
Compulsory course
Elective courses
A minimum of 20 credits must be chosen from the following JAP courses:
- JAP4020 – Methodologies and Data Collection in Japanese Studies
- JAP4110 – Classical Japanese
- JAP4320 – Modern Japan Through Novels
- JAP4330 – Introduction to the Japanese Language and Linguistics
- JAP4515 – Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society
- JAP4530 – Topics in Japanese Society and Politics
- JAP4610 – Readings in Japanese Studies
The remaining 30 credits can be taken either from the list of JAP courses above, or from additional elective courses:
- EAST4540 – East Asian Modernities
- EAST4504 – Religious Traditions in East Asia
- KIN4340 – Taiwan Studies
- KIN4520 – Recent Developments in Chinese Society - Only for students with qualifications in Chinese
- KOS4020 – Conference participation and presentation
- KOS4030 – Work as a research assistant
- KOS4050 – Religion and Politics
- KOS4550 – Topics in Environmental Humanities
- MES4500 – Topics in Middle East Politics and Society I
- KULH4020 – Digital kulturarv (requires fluency in Norwegian)
Elective courses may be offered on an irregular basis. You can find information about which semesters the course will be offered in the course description.
It is possible to apply for recognition of credits taken in other subjects when these can be seen as relevant for the candidate’s subject area for the dissertation. This must be done in agreement with your supervisor.
Third semester - thesis preparation
Choose one of the following 30 credit options:
-
Semester abroad (30 credits)
-
AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East (30 credits)
- JAP4020 – Methodologies and Data Collection in Japanese Studies and EAST4610 – Voices from East Asia: How to Communicate Research Results (30 credits in total). This option can be done either in Japan or in Oslo.
Fourth semester - thesis
Useful resources
- The department's website for master's students
- Previously submitted MA theses in Japanese Studies at the department
Diploma and degree
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.