Makiko is a DPhil candidate in International Relations at New College. Her research focuses on the role that states’ mastery of practices such as international law and diplomacy plays in their pursuit of higher status in international society.
We spoke to Makiko about her journey to Oxford and what achieving a fully funded place means to her:
I was born in Tokyo, Japan. Because of my father’s work, I spent some of my childhood in Switzerland and lived in the US from the end of elementary school to university. I have a BA with Honours in Political Science from Wellesley College (summa cum laude) and an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford (Distinction).
What made you think about Oxford?
I have been interested in studying at Oxford since I was young. I chose to study in the U.S. for my undergraduate degree, but I spent my junior year in Oxford as a visiting student to study politics. As I engaged with DPIR professors and took tutorials, I was deeply inspired by the vibrant intellectual community and the department's focus on theory and history. So, I came back to read the MPhil in International Relations and found the experience very enriching. I worked for three years in Japan after the MPhil, but I was always intending to return for the DPhil, and now I am delighted to be back.
Talk us through the application process and opportunity for funding?
I applied to the DPhil while I was working full-time. As I intended to build my DPhil project on my MPhil thesis, I first reached out to my MPhil supervisor to ask if he was willing to supervise me for the DPhil. I then developed my research proposal and funding applications. There were two main challenges in the application process. The first was balancing the application with full-time work, and the second was staying informed of relevant recent literature for my proposal since I was out of academia for a few years. Writing the application while working was difficult, but I made time before and after work on weekdays and went to the libraries over the weekends for several months. As for recent literature, I was grateful to have my supervisor’s recommendations.
How did that feel when you first found out you were successful in securing a fully funded place at DPIR?
I was truly honoured to receive funding. The opportunity to study at Oxford with the DPIR Studentship is very important. The funding allows me to focus on my research without worrying about the finances, which is such a privilege. Beyond finances, it is an honour to be recognised by the DPIR for my work. I am thrilled to pursue the DPhil at Oxford, as that was my dream for years.
Tell us a little more about your research.
My research examines the process by which states pursue higher status in international society by learning and achieving mastery of key practices such as international law and diplomacy. I draw on practice theory and the English School, and my current empirical focus is on Japan from the 19th century to the contemporary period.
Finally, what message do you have for other students who may be considering applying to Oxford?
I would encourage you to apply! You will learn so much from brilliant faculty and students. DPIR is an intellectually diverse community: there is a place for everyone, whether you are quantitative- or qualitative-leaning, and whether you are seeking to stay in academia or to become a practitioner. Oxford is also a wonderful city: I am constantly inspired by living in such a historic place and having the opportunity to attend talks by top academics and practitioners from around the world.