Program Overview
The Master of Philosophy in East Asian Studies at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
Build Skills Employers Value A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures gives you a range of skills that employers value. Youâll develop: â¢Intercultural awareness â¢Advanced communication skills â¢Strong analytical and decision-making abilities â¢Confidence, independence, and adaptability Real-World Experience Gain real-world experience, broaden your horizons and develop your self-confidence through a semester abroad. Living, studying, or working overseas also enhances intercultural communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, helping graduates stand out in a competitive global job market. Continue Your Journey Our undergraduate degrees are designed to make it easy to progress into postgraduate study if you choose. We offer a wide range of specialist masterâs courses, with fast-tracked enrolment available for high-achieving undergraduate students. You can also take part in our Stellify programme, developing leadership and professional skills while contributing to your community through volunteering. Career Advantage The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK by top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2025). Our award-winning Careers Service offers tailored guidance, industry connections, and ongoing support for up to two years after graduation. Proven Graduate Outcomes Our graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations, including: â¢Santander â¢RBS â¢Virgin Atlantic â¢British Army, Amnesty International â¢Foreign and Commonwealth Office â¢KPMG â¢Deloitte â¢LâOréal â¢BT â¢Louis Vuitton â¢Rothschild â¢Hilton Hotels â¢British Council â¢Teach First â¢Barclays â¢BBC Find out more on our Careers and Employability page .
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the East Asian region's cultures, histories, societies, economics and politics, while studying in Western Europe's most linguistically diverse city. Take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of East Asia with a course that can be tailored to your needs. Have the option to study Chinese, Korean or Japanese Ranked 6th in the UK for Modern Languages (QS World Ranking by Subject 2025).
Open days
Join us on campus to learn more about your course, grab a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities. Itâs an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester. Find out more about our upcoming open days . Not in the UK or canât make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content .
Contact details School/Faculty School of Arts, Languages and Cultures Telephone +44 (0)161 509 2871 Email ug-languages@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/modern-languages/ School/Faculty overview See: About us
Related courses
Chinese Studies BA (4 years) Japanese Studies BA (4 years)
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. East Asian Studies Chinese Studies Japanese Studies Modern Languages and Cultures
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A-level
ABB including one essay based/humanities subject. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If youâre taking more than three A Levels, these wonât be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
A-level contextual offer
BBC including one essay based subject. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If youâre taking more than three A Levels, these wonât be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below
Contextual offers are available for applicants who: live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years. See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap , which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee home students pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year). Tuition fees for international students will be £27,800 for the 2026/27 academic year. For subsequent academic years, the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fee by up to 7% each year including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our education and wider student experience. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you. Learn more about student finance options for UK students . Learn more about fees and finance for international students . As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap , which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee home students pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year). Tuition fees for international students will be £27,800 for the 2026/27 academic year. For subsequent academic years, the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fee by up to 7% each year including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our education and wider student experience. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you. Learn more about student finance options for UK students . Learn more about fees and finance for international students . As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)