Master of Arts (Coursework) in Japanese Visual Cultures

The one-year Master of Arts (Coursework) in Japanese Visual Cultures employs comparative, transregional, and transcultural approaches to explore visual cultures in Japan and beyond. This programme addresses the increasing visualisation of information in today’s world, offering students a timely opportunity to understand how visual cultures diffuse and adapt globally, with Japan—a pioneer in the realm of visual cultural production—as a central reference point.

Courses in the programme strike a unique balance between academic rigor and practical industry insights. Students will gain proficiency in working with diverse data sources in both English and Japanese. Students will also acquire critical thinking and innovation skills essential for navigating the intricacies of visual communication in the modern world, and for pursuing careers in the visual culture industries.

Entry Requirements

Candidates seeking admission must have obtained:

  1. A good NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects either related to Asia or literature, media, and visual cultures or having acquired advanced Japanese language skills; or
  2. A good Bachelor's degree (at least an average grade of B equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to Asia or literature, media, and visual cultures or having acquired advanced Japanese language skills, and successful completion of a placement test; or exceptionally,
  3. Other relevant qualifications and experience, and successful completion of a placement test; however, admission is subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Relevant cases will be routed to the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS) for information.

All candidates should possess evidence of previous Japanese language study (at the elementary level or higher), any JLPT certificate or equivalent, and candidates whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with a minimum of 22 for the writing section) is required for the internet-based test or 237 for the computer-based test; while a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required.

Candidature

The programme will be offered on both full-time and part-time basis.

PROGRAMME CANDIDATURE MINIMUM DURATION MAXIMUM DURATION
Master’s Degree Full-time 12 months 24 months
Master’s Degree Part-time 24 months 36 months

Full-time Master’s Degree candidates will read a minimum of 12 units and not exceeding 24 units per semester. Part-time Master’s Degree candidates will read a minimum of 4 units and not exceeding 12 units per semester.

Master’s Degree candidates may register for JSC5401 Master’s Thesis (Coursework) after taking a minimum of 5 courses and having attained a GPA of 4.2 or higher. Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the point of completion of the teaching semester.

Candidates who are unable to complete the degree requirements by the maximum period of candidature may apply for extension at least three months before the candidature expires. The Department will consider such applications in accordance with prevailing NUS policy.

Candidates may convert from full-time study to part-time study or vice versa and must seek approval from the Department at least three months prior to the commencement date of the following semester.

Candidates who intend to withdraw from the programme must inform the Department in writing. The Department will take action in accordance with prevailing NUS policy.

Requirements for Award of Degree

Students enrolled in the MA in Japanese Visual Cultures will have to fulfil 40 units for the award of the degree.

  • Two core courses from JSC5101, JSC5102 or JSC5103 for a total of 8 units. These modules provide the conceptual and theoretical foundations in how to approach the study of visual and popular cultures.
  • Students can fulfil the remaining 32 units by:
    • Reading remaining core or elective courses. These electives include topical courses, case and field studies courses, internship courses and language courses offered by the Department of Japanese Studies.
    • Completing a thesis for 8 units (for students with a minimum GPA of 4.2)
    • Reading a maximum of 8 units of other courses at level 4000 or above offered by Japanese Studies or courses offered by other departments (with the approval by Japanese Studies and if applicable the course host department).

Course information for the Japanese Visual Cultures Programmes can be found here: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/jps/course-information-jvc/

Application Process

Application Period:

Application for the upcoming AY2025/2026 intake will be open from 1 November 2024 until 15 January 2025.

To learn about the application process and supporting documents for MA Coursework Programmes in NUS, please click here.

Tuition Fees

The AY2025/2026 tuition fee for the MA (coursework) in Japanese Visual Cultures programme for the intake is as follows*:

Singapore Citizens/
Singapore Permanent Residents		 NUS Alumni (International Students) International Students
Rebate 40% 20% NA
Total Tuition Fee (incl. 9% GST) 23,580.00 SGD 31,440.00 SGD 39,300.00 SGD
Non-refundable deposit 5,450.00 SGD 5,450.00 SGD 5,450.00 SGD
By first week of semester 1 9,065.00 SGD 12,995.00 SGD 16,925.00 SGD
By first week of semester 2 9,065.00 SGD 12,995.00 SGD 16,925.00 SGD
  • The non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance of offer. This deposit will be counted as part of the tuition fee payment upon successful matriculation.
  • Students who have to repeat courses will need to pay S$3,930 (inclusive of GST) per course.
  • Students in this programme are not eligible for MOE’s Service Obligation Scheme.

Contact

Please email jpsbox16@nus.edu.sg for any enquiries relating to the Japanese Visual Cultures Programme.

Programme Brochure