The University of Oxford is one of the world's leading centres for the study of Japan. The Nissan Institute, within the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, acts as a focal point for graduate level work and faculty research on Japan in the social sciences. Alongside vibrant doctoral programmes, the MSc and MPhil in Modern Japanese Studies, inaugurated in 2008, are recognized as among Europe's most prestigious and successful training programmes. The Nissan Institute seminar runs each week during the teaching terms alongside the Graduate research seminar.