京都大学 大学院経済学研究科・経済学部

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Kyoto University Faculty of Economics

Mission

Basic Mission

Based on the principles of freedom and harmony, we hereby establish the basic mission of the Kyoto University Faculty of Economics in order to sustain and develop the university’s historical commitment to academic freedom, to tackle multi-dimensional problems, and to pursue harmonious coexistence within the human and ecological community on this planet.

Educational Mission

The Kyoto University Faculty of Economics upholds Kyoto University’s mission of fostering creativity and transmitting preeminent knowledge through independent learning. More precisely, the faculty’s educational mission is to cultivate individuals who are capable of applying specialized knowledge to tackle complex challenges in our contemporary economy and society; prepared to contribute to harmonious coexistence in the global community; and filled with a great deal of compassion, sensitivity to human rights, and integrity to advocate for fairness.

Educational Objectives

In order to accomplish its educational mission, the Kyoto University Faculty of Economics works to carry out and achieve the objectives set forth below.

  1. We will attract students with diverse individual characteristics and cultural backgrounds through a variety of admission processes, foster graduates with flexible and diverse outlooks and capabilities in economics and management, and supply them to a wide range of fields in society.
  2. We will develop a multi-dimensional curriculum that both equips students with broad-based foundations in the disciplines of economics and management and cultivates flexible thinking and creativity. In the delivery of this curriculum we will place emphasis on seminar-style education and provide both individual guidance and group-based learning.
  3. We will strive to enhance our advanced specialist education, employing the latest findings from economics and management research across the world in collaboration with the Graduate School of Economics.
  4. We will pursue the development of advanced, practical capabilities in economics and management through research and education partnerships with government bodies, private companies, and not-for-profit organizations.
  5. We will work to foster individuals with international capabilities to contribute to sustainable economic development under the globalization of the economic sphere.
  6. We will use these educational activities as a whole to instill basic and specialized academic abilities attuned to our changing times, and work to cultivate individuals filled with a great deal of compassion, sensitivity to human rights, and integrity to advocate for fairness.

Three Core Policies of the Kyoto University Faculty of Economics

We hereby establish three core policies in order to accomplish the educational mission of the Kyoto University Faculty of Economics: Diploma Policy, Curriculum Policy, and Admission Policy.

 

Diploma Policy (Standards for award of degrees in the Kyoto University Faculty of Economics)

The Faculty of Economics of Kyoto University is expected to educate and produce creative human resources, who, based on their knowledge of economics and business management acquired through their university education, can contribute to society by responding effectively to economic and social change, and helping to discover and propose solutions to the problems we face. In this way, the Faculty aims to make a significant contribution to academia, governance and industry.

In order to produce human resources who can meet the aforementioned expectations, the following goals, which the Faculty expects the students to accomplish by the time of graduation, have been set.

DP 1.Acquire  knowledge of the fundamentals of economics and business management.

DP2.Based on their knowledge of economics and business management, students will be able to analyze various modern economic and social problems in an autonomous way, creating and proposing solutions.

DP3.Have the intellectual capacity for flexible thinking and creativity, to enable students to respond to economic and social change effectively.

DP4.Possess a wide range of knowledge in economics and business management and cultural qualities, including a well-developed linguistic proficiency, through which students can confidently communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

 

The Degree of Bachelor of Economics is conferred to students who have been enrolled in the Faculty for no less than four years after admission (those who have transferred from elsewhere to the third year are to have been enrolled in the Faculty for no less than two years), and who have acquired the necessary amount of credits for graduation, before passing a final examination.

 

Curriculum Policy

In order to achieve the goals advocated in the Diploma Policy, the Undergraduate Program majoring in Economics and Management at the Faculty of Economics Kyoto University implements an educational policy that stresses both liberal arts and specialist education allowing students to develop their flexible thinking and creativity. In particular, we place emphasis on small-group education whereby constant interaction fosters active participation and self-learning.

In accordance with our curriculum policy, students at the Faculty of Economics take courses as follows:

  1. Mainly in the first and second years, students take Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses consisting of humanities and social sciences courses, through which they cultivate a broad understanding of people, society, and culture as well as a sense of responsibility for ethics and social justice; natural sciences courses, through which they understand the origins of nature and develop rational thinking; mathematics and data science courses, which provide a methodological basis for undergraduate courses; and language courses, which develop their language skills in multiple languages and promote intercultural interaction.【DP4】
  2. In the first semester of a student’s first year they take “introductory seminars” in order to ensure a smooth transition from high school to university-level education. These courses help students to acquire core academic skills, research ethics and develop their academic portfolio.【DP1.2】
  3. During their first year students take “introductory courses” in order to acquire a broad knowledge of economics and business management, utilizing standard introductory textbooks to that effect.【DP1】
  4. In their second year, students take “specialized introductory courses” in order to acquire a basic knowledge of particular sub-fields in economics and business management. In these courses, students who do not specialize in that particular sub-field will also learn the fundamentals of the sub-fields of economics and business management in a systematic way utilizing standard textbooks.【DP1.2】
  5. For “introductory courses” and “specialized introductory courses”, a “semi-elective system” has been established in order to ensure students acquire a systematic knowledge of a wide range of fields. In this system students take at least the required number of credits from each of four separate fields ; Group A to Group D.【DP1.2】
  6. From the second year onwards, students who have completed the “introductory” and “specialized introductory courses” proceed to take “specialized courses” to acquire more advanced knowledge In these courses, students acquire specialized knowledge using not only standard textbooks but also specialized books and articles as teaching materials. Specialized courses are also classified into four groups from Group A to Group D, allowing students to deepen their expertise in each field. Students who wish to deepen their expertise in these fields can acquire a wide range of expertise by systematically combining courses from these groups according to their own academic interests and career plans.【DP3】
  7. A number of “special Lectures” (usually taken with graduate students and provided by working professionals) are offered, mainly for third year students and above, so that students can acquire useful/practical knowledge from practitioners.【DP3】
  8. From their third year onwards, students participate in a “seminar” each year in which the instructor involved provides guidance on a specific theme. Here, students develop their flexible thinking and creativity through self-study, debate and interaction with other students, and through the preparation of presentations and reports. Participants in these seminars can submit the results of their activities as a “graduation thesis” in their final year.【DP2.3】
  9. Additionally, in order to broaden students’ perspectives, “global courses” and other diverse study opportunities are provided with courses that can be taken at the Faculty of Law and other Faculties at Kyoto University, at other universities in Japan, and via study abroad opportunities as a part of our overseas exchange system.【DP3.4】

Students at the Faculty of Economics register for courses according to the above curriculum policy and subject to an upper limit of courses per semester. A course tree (course structure) of Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses and courses offered by the Faculty of Economics, as well as a course model focusing on introductory courses, specialized introductory courses, and specialized courses in four groups, encourage students to systematically study and design their careers.

Students who have presented an extremely outstanding graduation thesis are recognized with the “Award for Excellent Graduation Thesis”. The aim of this award is to promote students’ efforts to master specialized academic knowledge, and to encourage them to develop creative abilities. Students with outstanding academic performance and who hope to enter the Graduate School after graduation are allowed to attend Graduate School courses during their fourth year. The learning outcomes and methods of assessment for each course are shown on each individual course’s syllabus.

 

Admission Policy

Our educational programs in Economics and Business Management focus on the study of the economic activities of diverse entities including individuals, governments and profit-making private-sector companies. The academic disciplines of economics and business management aim to further the well-being of people and society. The objects of its study are far from simple and straightforward. On the contrary, the complexity increases as new issues requiring solutions arise one after another in modern society in areas such as fiscal problems, industrial issues, employment, finance, the global environment and others. While the Faculty of Economics of Kyoto University has been upholding a tradition of academic freedom throughout its history, it has also been dedicated to delivering a high level of undergraduate education for its students, encompassing introducing students to both the fundamental knowledge of economics and business management, as well as new and innovative areas of academic enquiry. The Faculty has endeavored to produce creative human resources, who can respond to social and economic changes flexibly, discovering optimal solutions to the various problems we face today. Through their strong commitment to education, the faculty has been contributing significantly to the development of academia, government and industry. Given this historical background, the Faculty of Economics of Kyoto University hopes to recruit applicants with sufficient intellectual capabilities and a spirit of enquiry, so that they will develop advanced analytical skills and knowledge to study economics and business management successfully once they are enrolled. The students are also expected to actively participate in discussions with faculty and fellow students, thereby developing themselves as people highly trained in communication, as well as autonomous and creative thinking. These are the specific qualities which the Faculty expects of those who apply for enrolment:

 

[Qualities Required of Applicants for Enrolment]

  1. Possession of a wide scope and high level of basic knowledge acquired through senior high school education, together with abilities of logical thinking and linguistic proficiency
  2. Possession of a strong intellectual curiosity, and a drive to actively participate in social and economic activities in general

It is understood that it is particularly important that the Faculty actively recruits students from diverse backgrounds in order to develop high level human resources with the aforementioned qualities. Currently the Faculty offers three different types of entrance examination to evaluate the candidates’ academic aptitude, namely. “Entrance Examination focused on Humanities”, “Entrance Examination focused on Natural Sciences & Engineering” and “Admissions Office Entrance Examination (tokushoku-nyushi)”. As for “Entrance Examination focused on Humanities”, which accounts for the majority of applications, the applicants have to take aptitude tests in 4 academic subjects. Included in the list are 1) social science, 2) mathematics, both of which form the groundwork to study economics and business management, 3) Japanese language, the fundamental basis for their logical thinking and 4) the English language, which is essential for the students’ pecialized subject learning and for their future activities in the international community after graduation. If candidates take the “Examination focused on Natural Sciences and Engineering”, they have to answer an extra series of mathematical questions, while being exempt from the social science exam. The extra mathematics exam is specially designed to assess the applicants’ mathematical competence which is indispensable for economic analysis. The first step of screening in the “Admission Office Entrance Examination” is a review of documents submitted, followed by a written exam, part of which involves writing an essay. The applicants’ comprehension of given texts is evaluated in order to see how correctly the applicants identify and grasp the core issues proposed in the materials. Importance is placed on their ability to structure their essays logically and express their thoughts clearly. In all of these three types of Examination, the applicants’ previous score in the exams of the National Centre for University Entrance Examinations are added for a final admissions judgement. By incorporating the National Centre’s exam scores, the applicants’ total academic aptitude can be clearly and objectively identified. Furthermore, the Faculty offers diverse screening opportunities to applicants. For instance, entrance examinations can be taken by non-Japanese applicants, Japanese nationals who were educated outside of the Japanese education system, or those who want to transfer to a program in the third year after completing the first two years of university education elsewhere. This initiative aims to provide applicants from diverse backgrounds with a fair chance of evaluation and admission.

Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics

Mission

Basic Mission

Based on the principles of freedom and harmony, we hereby establish the basic mission of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics in order to sustain and develop the university’s historical commitment to academic freedom, to tackle multi-dimensional problems, and to pursue harmonious coexistence within the human and ecological community on this planet.

Educational Mission

The Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics upholds Kyoto University’s mission of educating outstanding researchers and specialists who will contribute to harmonious coexistence within human and ecological communities. More precisely, the graduate school’s educational mission is to cultivate specialists who are capable of applying insights, knowledge, and techniques based on economics to tackle complex challenges in our contemporary economy and society; prepared to contribute to the global community; and filled with a great deal of compassion, sensitivity to human rights, and integrity to advocate for fairness.

Educational Objectives

In order to accomplish its educational mission, the Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics works to carry out and achieve the objectives set forth below.

  1. The Graduate School of Economics is composed of a Master’s program and a Doctoral program. In the Master’s program, students aspiring to a career in academic research take classes and receive individual guidance centering on the production of a Master’s thesis. We aim to introduce students to the wealth of existing scholarship in economics and related fields, and to equip them with the basic academic expertise and analytical skills essential for independent research.
  2. Operated in an environment where freedom and autonomy are valued, the Doctoral program provides research guidance to students seeking to obtain a Doctoral degree in economics following the completion of their Master’s degree. The aim of the program is to cultivate researchers capable of boldly tackling new challenges in the field of economics and key problems in social and economic spheres, and thereby addressing the needs of wider society.
  3. In order to accomplish our mission and objectives, our faculty members with diversified and advanced expertise provide a broad-based education encompassing economic philosophy, theory, history, and policy, as well as fields such as applied economics and managerial accounting. We will thereby foster students’ capacity to build knowledge systems that provide broader insights for their own research without over-specialization in any one academic field.
  4. We will train our students not only to pursue their research in depth, but also to apply a strong sense of responsibility and high ethical standards to that research, constantly subjecting it to critical examination to ensure that it is consistent with the goal of harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. Through individual guidance, seminars, and projects, students will be encouraged to develop the sense of fairness, tolerance, and deep compassion required to perform leadership roles in education, academic research, and other fields in the future.
  5. We will use a variety of admission streams to build a graduate student cohort that is internationally diverse in terms of individual characteristics, careers and cultures, and foster experts in the analysis of problems in economics and management from international perspectives.
  6. We will cultivate economists, business analysts, and other professionals with practical ability to furnish world-class, realistic solutions to complex economic and management challenges both in Japan and across the world.
  7. We will use these educational activities as a whole to cultivate research capabilities attuned to our changing times.
Research Mission

Reflecting Kyoto University’s mission of diverse development in pure and applied research in the humanities, sciences and technology, while seeking to integrate these various perspectives, the research mission of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics is to contribute to the resolution of a range of problems in the social and economic spheres using wisdom, knowledge and techniques in economics.

  1. Global pre-eminence and creativity
    We engage in research on the economic and business activities and organizations that form the basis of our social existence, thereby advancing Kyoto University’s mission of generating world-class knowledge through freedom and autonomy in research that conforms with high ethical standards.
  2. Contribution to the global community
    We use specialized research to address many of the key economic problems confronting the world today, including sustainable economic growth, poverty and inequality, economic crises, energy, environmental, and population problems, as well as international conflict. This research constitutes a scholarly contribution to world peace, justice, and cooperation, and to productive and sustainable development. We also contribute to the society through publication of research findings and involvement in policy-making.
  3. Pluralist values and diverse approaches
    In light of the growing sophistication, complexity and diversity of the global community and academic sphere, the Graduate School respects pluralist values and diverse approaches, and develops advanced and reliable methods of research and analysis.

    The Graduate School of Economics will establish the following fundamental research principles in order to accomplish its research mission.
  4. Securing common foundations and diversity
    We will emphasize common theoretical foundations and mutual understanding of diverse approaches.
  5. Establishing infrastructure for cutting-edge research
    We will develop the human, financial, and information infrastructure required to pursue world-class, cutting-edge research.
  6. Developing international joint research hubs
    We will build international research hubs through interaction and collaboration with many universities and research institutes across the globe.
  7. Accumulating research outputs
    We will support specialized research by expanding our specialist library collections of economic publications and materials from within and beyond Japan.
  8. Sharing research findings
    We will share our research findings with the public in a variety of forms, and thereby contribute to the advancement of academic endeavor both domestically and internationally.

Three Core Policies of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics

We hereby establish three core policies in order to accomplish the educational mission of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Economics: Diploma Policy, Curriculum Policy, and Admission Policy.

Diploma Policy (Criteria for degree conferral at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University)

[Graduate School of Economics (Master’s Program)]

In line with the philosophy of Kyoto University to nurture excellent researchers and human resources who possess high-level professional skills and technical knowledge and who can contribute towards the harmonious coexistence of global society, the Graduate School of Economics seeks to cultivate graduates who can apply the technical knowledge and skills they learn from the study of economics to solve several problems faced in our current society and economy. In order that our students may contribute to the harmonious coexistence of global society, we seek to cultivate a strong sense of human empathy and respect for human rights among them, in addition to developing their advanced technical knowledge.

To cultivate such human resources at this Graduate School, a fixed curriculum has been established, encompassing the completion of a prescribed number of course credits, the completion of a supervised and examined master’s thesis, and achieving the following goals, all of which are necessary to qualify for the award of the Degree of Master of Economics :

    1. On the “Researcher Program” Master’s degree, students acquire the necessary advanced knowledge in economics and related disciplines, as well as the core academic skills and analytical ability required to become a researcher.
    2. On the “Professional Career Program” Master’s degree, students acquire advanced knowledge in economics and related disciplines, as well as core and advanced abilities in empirical data analysis. In addition, they enhance their communication skills (including in English) via group work, and acquire the ability to practically analyze and propose solutions to various socio-economic problems faced in Japan and overseas.
    3. Conduct academic research in the field of economics whilst maintaining research ethics and a sense of social responsibility, in harmony with people and nature.
    4. Possess technical ability so as to analyze economics and business management-related issues from an international perspective.
    5. Complete an original master’s thesis that makes an academic or practical contribution to the field of economics.
[Graduate School of Economics (International Joint Master Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities)]

The international master’s program in “Global Markets, Local Creativities” offered at Kyoto University is a joint master’s degree program in which the degree is jointly conferred by Kyoto University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Barcelona. It is part of an international educational initiative put together by the “GLOCAL Consortium” (consisting of the aforementioned three universities and multiple others) so as to nurture global human resources by utilizing the specific educational resources of each participating institution.

To this end the program is based on the general rules and regulations of the Graduate School of Economics and the agreements concluded between participating Universities. In order to obtain a joint degree “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities” students need to fulfil the program criteria in terms of credit attainment and the successful completion (after research supervision) of a master’s thesis through which they acquire and demonstrate:

  • An awareness of social responsibility and research ethics
  • An understanding of local conditions and change in the face of globalization which is grounded in both historical and economic studies
  • Critical and analytical thinking on current social and organizational issues
  • English and communication skills for both academic purposes and for effective communication in international settings
  • An international perspective and cross-cultural understanding which are essential for leadership in an international environment
  • A master’s thesis of scientific merit which contributes to academic knowledge and/or is of social significance

 

[Graduate School of Economics (Doctoral Program)]

Following the philosophy of Kyoto University to nurture excellent researchers and human resources who possess high-level professional skills and technical knowledge and who can contribute towards the harmonious coexistence of global society, the Graduate School of Economics seeks to cultivate graduates who can apply the technical knowledge and skills they learn from the study of economics to solve several problems faced in our current society and economy. In order that our students may contribute to the harmonious coexistence of global society, we seek to cultivate a strong sense of human empathy and respect for human rights among them, in addition to developing their advanced technical knowledge.

To cultivate such human resources at this Graduate School, a fixed curriculum has been established, including the successful completion of a doctoral thesis examination having received research supervision, and achieving the following goals, all of which are necessary to qualify for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Economics :

  1. Become a researcher who is able to act independently, having acquired both the necessary core and advanced abilities and academic knowledge to engage in specialized research.
  2. Acquire advanced abilities in order to propose solutions to various socio-economic challenges that we face.
  3. Conduct academic research in the field of economics whilst maintaining research ethics and a sense of social responsibility, in harmony with people and nature.
  4. Possess an advanced technical ability to analyze issues related to economics and business management from an international perspective.
  5. Complete a doctoral thesis that makes a significant academic or practical contribution to the field of economics.
Curriculum Policy
[Graduate School of Economics (Master’s Program and Doctoral Program)]

In line with the goals set out in our Diploma Policy, The Graduate School of Economics of Kyoto University refrains from the over-specialization of research fields in favor of an approach that emphasizes broad perspectives and comprehensive knowledge. Utilizing the diversity of high-level specialist knowledge held by our Faculty, we offer broad-based education in the several fields of economics, including economic thought, theory, history, policy, applied economics, management and accounting.

Our systematic specialist courses are delivered combining lectures, seminars, and other formats as appropriate. Our educational programs utilize specific course structures and course numbering to ensure comprehensive learning.

  1. Through its courses and master’s thesis research, the “Professional Career Program” Master’s degree aims to help students acquire core skills in data and empirical analysis and advanced knowledge in economics and related disciplines. Furthermore, it develops high-level communication skills among students via group work and courses delivered in English, whilst also fostering a real knowledge of socio-economic issues at home and abroad, together with the analytical ability to propose solutions to such issues. For their master’s thesis research, students engage in a workshop course in which they are supervised by multiple faculty members as part of a group.
  2. Through its courses and master’s thesis research the “Researcher Program” Master’s degree aims to help students acquire the core academic and analytical abilities to conduct research in economic theory, socio-economy, applied economics, economic history, the history of economic thought, economic policy, business management and accounting, etc. For their master’s thesis research, students are supervised individually by a supervisor selected following their admission to the program.
  3. On the doctoral program students engage issues that are at the forefront of economics as a discipline as well as various problems faced in society and the real economy today, thus nurturing researchers who can respond to society’s needs. Students are guided closely by their supervisor with the ultimate goal being to produce a doctoral dissertation of sufficient quality for the award of a doctoral degree. To this end, students benefit from supervision provided by multiple faculty members, ensuring systematic research guidance.
  4. The East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies Program (EAP) aims to train global human resources, such as practically-oriented academic researchers and economists at international organizations, etc., who can contribute to solving various socio-economic issues related to sustainable development in East Asia and the wider world. This is pursued via the EAPs curriculum which includes core courses in economics and business management and advanced courses that further develop student’s theoretical, empirical and analytical abilities. Advanced course B courses are mainly taken by doctoral students and focus on research presentation workshops, academic skills and ethics, field research in Japan and other East Asian countries, seminars on international academic conferences, career development, and internship opportunities. Master’s thesis research is conducted under the supervision of an individual supervisor, and doctoral dissertation research is conducted with the submission of an annual research plan and research reports under the supervision of two individual supervisors.
  5. Each person’s individual research is positioned among several specialized fields, with its results and significance discussed and developed at a truly international level, and, wherever appropriate, the capability to design and engage in joint research is developed. To that end, we hold regular seminars and workshops that emphasize multidisciplinary research methods and reflect a diversity in research subject. In addition, we enhance the research ability of graduate students by providing them with opportunities to study and research abroad, by inviting leading researchers from other countries to visit, and through participation in the various research conducted at the Graduate School of Economics.
  6. Students are educated and encouraged to review their own research from the point of view of social responsibility and research ethics, so that they are able to critically examine whether it serves the purpose of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. We seek to cultivate graduates with the necessary qualities, such as fairness, tolerance, and human empathy, to become future leaders in education, academia and other fields.
[Graduate School of Economics (International Joint Master Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities)]
In order to achieve the objectives, set out in the Diploma Policy, the GLOCAL Consortium (including Kyoto University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Barcelona) have created an integrated curriculum (known as the GLOCAL program). The GLOCAL program consists of several combinations of universities (study tracks) which confer a variety of degrees. The study track involving Kyoto University awards a jointly conferred “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities” and is structured according to the following curriculum policy:
  1. Reflecting the diversity of its subject matter (the relationship between various regions and the global economy), the program provides a global study environment to participants with a curriculum structure that means all students study in three different countries and at three different universities, and because of its student body is characterized by diversity in national and study backgrounds. All students admitted to the GLOCAL program spend their first (autumn) semester studying at the University of Glasgow after which they progress onto a specific study track.
  2. On the study track involving Kyoto University, students study at the University of Glasgow in their first semester, the University of Barcelona in their second semester, and at Kyoto University in their third and fourth. The curriculum on this study track is coursework centered and provides students with core knowledge on regional transformation under the influence of globalization, together with a strong grounding in historical and economic analyses.
  3. To improve the abilities of participants in using English for both academic and practical communication purposes, the program is offered entirely in English. Furthermore, international and cross-cultural communication and leadership skills are fostered or enhanced on the program by the diversity of participating faculty and the design of the curriculum which includes field research, group learning, summer schools, and small-group learning (in the third and fourth semesters).
  4. Throughout the first three semesters students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through courses and coursework that tackle real social and organizational issues. In the third semester students commence work on their master’s thesis and in the fourth semester they focus exclusively on their master’s thesis,receiving supervision under a joint-supervision arrangement that includes faculty from all three universities on their study track.
  5. In order to cultivate a sense of social responsibility among students and to deepen their understanding of research ethics, related courses and individual research guidance will be provided.
Admission Policy
[Graduate School of Economics (Master’s Program and Doctoral Program)]

The Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University takes pride in being one of the oldest graduate schools of economics in Japan. Since its foundation, it has constantly strived to further the study of economics, establishing its position as one of the most prestigious centers of research and graduate education in the field. The aim of this Graduate School is to produce outstanding human resources through the educational and research efforts of its master’s and doctoral program. Those who study in these program will acquire profound knowledge outstanding and skills, with which they can analyze economic and business management scientifically. They will be able to tackle the various problems and challenges which Japan faces today, such as fiscal, industrial, employment, management, financial, and global environment issues, amongst others. Some graduates go on to become full-fledged researchers themselves, creating and proposing fundamental solutions to contemporary problems in the world. Others become competent professional practitioners, playing a pivotal role in various fields which require a high level of professionalism. In order to keep exploring the new frontiers of economics as a pioneering institute, we need creative intellectuals, who can challenge the unprecedented problems of today’s world and work towards appropriate solutions. The following describes the qualities, which the Graduate School expects of applicants for enrolment in order to fulfil this mission.

  1. To possess deep specialized knowledge of the particular academic areas of Economics and related areas.
  2. To be highly motivated and committed to the study of economics so as to contribute to the advancement of academic knowledge, and to participate in the dissemination of research outcomes in society to benefit people.
  3. To be able to identify and define innovative and cutting-edge research themes in specialized areas, and to explore and apply the methodology relevant to the selected themes, eventually bringing about solutions.
  4. To possess good Japanese or English proficiency for communication, so that the applicant can present and publish their research outcomes domestically and internationally, and/or participate in activities to deliver the benefits of their research to society.

Our selection of applicants for enrolment is performed in a fair manner. No applicant shall be discriminated against due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, political views, or physical and/or mental disabilities.

In order to realize the above, admission to the Graduate School’s Master’s program is conducted after an evaluation of each candidate’s suitability, including a combination of their bachelor’s degree, TOEFL examination results, examinations on economics-related specialized knowledge, and their research plan.

For the Graduate School’s doctoral program, admission is determined by an evaluation of various application documents such as the candidate’s master’s degree, master’s thesis, TOEFL examination results, and an oral examination.

For the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development program, admission is conducted based on an evaluation of the appropriate application documents, including the results of the candidate’s bachelor’s or master’s degree, an interview, and, in the case of the doctoral program, the identification of a faculty member willing to act as the candidate’s supervisor.

[Graduate School of Economics (International Joint Master Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities)]
This program aims to develop human resources with international leadership qualities who, by making use of the critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the grounding in historical and economic studies that they acquire, are able to tackle various challenges faced by society in the face of globalization. In order to foster such human resources, the selection process is conducted by evaluating candidates on the basis of the following abilities, motivation, and experience:
  1. Whether candidates demonstrate sufficient critical thinking and analytical skills, and are able to identify problems by themselves.
  2. Whether candidates demonstrate a strong knowledge or interest in historical factors. Also, whether candidates possess basic academic skills in economics and/or other social science fields, which allow them to engage social science concepts.
  3. Whether candidates have a strong interest in social and organizational aspects of regional transformation under globalization, and demonstrate an aspiration to play a leading role in tackling these issues.
  4. Whether candidates possess communication skills and an ability in English that allows them to express themselves verbally and in writing with clarity, and which allows them to comprehend and engage academic social science papers written in English.
  5. Whether candidates demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility and research ethics which they will apply to their studies.
In order to implement the above admission policy, the selection process for the “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities” (i.e. the study track involving Kyoto University) is conducted as part of the overall selection process of the “GLOCAL Program” as indicated in the curriculum policy. During the application process applicants select and apply for a desired study track which cannot be changed after application. Applicants for the GLOCAL program who select and apply for the study track that includes Kyoto University and who are then admitted after the screening process become students enrolled in the “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities”. In principle the selection process of the GLOCAL program is conducted via the evaluation of the documents submitted by applicants, however, in the case of the “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities” an additional oral examination may be requested by one of the participating universities on this study track. All applicants must satisfy the standard application criteria as established by the GLOCAL program, including the following requirements:

– A bachelor’s degree (obtained prior to enrolment). In particular, a bachelor’s degree in humanities and/or social sciences disciplines related to the subject of this program (e.g. economics, business, history, economic/business/social history, etc.) or equivalent disciplines.

– GPA of 75% (= 3.0) or more (for country specific GPA requirements please refer to the GLOCAL website)

– Overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, and 6.0 or higher in all individual categories The selection process for the GLOCAL program, including the “International Master in Global Markets, Local Creativities”, is carried out on the basis of equality and fairness. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, nationality, political views, etc., is and will not be practiced.