MPhil students work on a wide range of Japan-related topics. Every year one or more students taking the MSc or MPhil in Japanese Studies continues to a DPhil at Oxford, while others pursue a similar degree elsewhere. Topics are decided in consultation with their supervisor. Research often involves a period of field work or archival work in Japan and/or elsewhere. In addition to seminars run by their own departmental programme, students attend seminars organized by the Nissan Institute aimed at developing professional research skills. Some of the students and their topics are introduced below.