SOAS University of London

Registry

CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary

Deadline: 7 May 2020

The Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions offers a CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary in Japanese Religions to be held at SOAS, University of London. 

The total value of the scholarship is £5,000 for one year only for full-time programmes, providing a contribution towards fees. If the successful candidate receives a grant to cover fees from another funding body, the bursary can be used towards maintenance.

Applications are invited from outstanding students of Japanese religions, regardless of nationality.

Eligible Programmes
  • full-time Research Degree: Religions and Philosophies in Japanese Religions (Department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies)
  • full-time MA Religions of Asia and Africa or MA Buddhist Studies focusing on Japanese Religions/ Japanese Buddhism
  • full-time MA Religions of Asia and Africa and Intensive Language (Japanese) focusing on Japanese Religions/ Japanese Buddhism
  • New admissions only (programmes starting in September 2020).
Candidate Criteria
  • Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record
  • Taught Masters (MA) applicants must focus on Japanese Religions / Japanese Buddhism. Evidence of this should be included in the statement of their application and reflected in their choice of modules.
  • Taught Masters (MA) and Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) applicants should give evidence in the statement of their application of their ability to use sources in Japanese.
  • Open to UK/EU and Overseas candidates.
  • Applicants must have an offer of admission for one of the eligible programmes at SOAS by the scholarship application deadline.
  • Applicants must meet the English language condition of their offer of admission to study at SOAS as soon as possible but no later than 1 June 2020.

Please note that most scholarships do not cover funding or even allow for Pre-sessionals. Please check the wording of your scholarship offer carefully to see if you are eligible for a Pre-sessional course or whether you need to achieve SOAS direct entry scores by the deadline specified in your scholarship terms and conditions.

Candidate Assessment
  • Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by a Selection Panel.  The Centre reserves the right not to make an award in the event that no suitable application is received.
  • Candidates will be assessed on evidence that the primary focus of their study is Japanese Religions / Japanese Buddhism and that they have sufficient knowledge of Japanese to use sources in Japanese.
  • The assessment of your application will be based on the information in your application for admission. Selectors will be looking at academic references, degree results, statement, CV, research proposal (MPhil/PhD applications only)  and other relevant information.
Scholarship Application Deadline
  • Scholarship applications must be received no later than 15:00 (UK time) on 7 May 2020.
  • Applicants must also submit a complete application to their programme well in advance and then submit an application for the scholarship.  Please note that complete applications for admission can take 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year.  You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods.  It is recommended to apply for the programme about six weeks before the scholarship deadline (that is, by 23 March 2020).
  • Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.
Notification of Results

The successful candidate will be notified by email by mid-July.  If you have not had a response to your application by mid-July you may assume that you have not been successful.  

Scholarship Application Procedures

You must follow two steps:   

  • STEP 1:  Apply for your programme

Applicants must submit a complete on-line application for admission and have an offer of admissions by the scholarship application deadline.   

Please see here for an on-line Taught Masters application.

Please see here for guidance on how to apply for a Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) and for an on-line application.

A complete application for admission includes transcripts, an explanation of the grading system for any degrees obtained outside of the UK, two references, CV, research proposal (MPhil/PhD applications only) and a personal statement. The panel will be considering your scholarship application TOGETHER with your online application for admission.  Please note that complete application for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year.  You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods. It is recommended to apply for the programme about six weeks before the scholarship deadline (that is, by 23 March 2020).

  • STEP 2:  Apply for the scholarship by 15:00 (UK time) on 7 May 2020.

You must apply for this scholarship via the on-line application form which will open on 23 January 2020.

For academic enquiries:

For scholarship enquiries: