Japanese Cultural Studies (MA) / Japanese Creative Industries Studies (MA) - 2012/2013 entry

Japanese Cultural Studies combines approaches from history, literature, film, media, globalisation/diaspora, and gender studies. You will explore a wide range of Japanese cultural productions in their social and historical formations, and engage with related critical debates in contemporary Japan. Promoting comparative perspectives, the course also allows you to look at Japanese culture in the regional context of East Asia, and to reflect upon western representations of Japan and the ‘Far East.’

Japanese Creative Industries Studies examines media organisations, advertising, branding, new media and cultural management. It engages with such key issues as creativity and the work culture of cultural producers. You will also explore the complex ways in which the creative and cultural industries, as economic agents, (re-)configure the relationship between the local and the global.

This programme is taught in English and does not require knowledge of the Japanese language. Students are encouraged, however, to make use – free of charge – of our Japanese language courses (beginners to advanced levels).

Find out more about studying at Birkbeck and our Japanese cultural studies.

• Interdisciplinary programme with a choice of two pathways: Japanese Cultural Studies or Japanese Creative Industries Studies.
• Provides an advanced understanding of modern and contemporary Japan, its cultural practices and creative industries.
• Ideal if you have a personal interest in Japan and cultural studies, or if you want to enhance your career prospects in the media/cultural industries or in professions with an intercultural and international outlook.

The programme consists of four main components: core/compulsory modules, option modules, a Research Skills module and a dissertation.

Japanese Cultural Studies pathway

• core module: Key Issues in Cultural Studies/Creative Industry Studies on Japan (two terms)
• Research Skills module (10 weeks in term one)
• three option modules (10 weeks/one term) from a range of choices
• dissertation of 15,000 words on a cultural studies subject.

Japanese Creative Industries Studies pathway

• core module: Key Issues in Cultural Studies/Creative Industry Studies on Japan (two terms)
• Research Skills module (10 weeks in term one)
• compulsory module: Theory and Practice of Japanese Creative Industries Studies
• two option modules (10 weeks/one term) from a range of choices
• dissertation of 15,000 words on a creative industries subject.

Core module

The compulsory core module, Key Issues in Cultural Studies/Creative Industry Studies on Japan, provides you with critical insight into some of the central concepts and concerns in Japanese cultural and creative industries studies. It examines the ways in which 'Japan', its society and culture(s) have been conceptualised and narrated at crucial moments in Japan’s recent history. We will explore a wide range of cultural practices and productions in their social and historical formations, examine their producers and audiences, and engage with related critical debates in contemporary Japan.

Option modules

A large range of option modules are available that enable you to explore a variety of topics, for example:

• Creative Industries
• Popular Culture
• Modern Japanese Cultural and Social History
• Gender and Sexuality
• Film, Visual Culture, and Media
• Literature
• Japanese around the World
• Race and Ethnicity

Please note: not all options are offered every year. You should always confirm module availability before enrolling.

Special lectures by visiting scholars in cultural studies and by professionals in creative industries; Pacific-Asia Cultural Studies Graduate Seminar; regular screenings of Japanese films.

If you are interested in further research, we offer an PhD/MPhil in Japanese.

Graduates go on to careers in international organisations or businesses, in cultural industries, and as researchers or journalists.

• In addition to our online application, you will need to submit a completed entrance task. Download the task and a copy of the required reading.

• We recommend you apply as early as possible.
• Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places.