Graduate School of Economics
The Graduate School of Economics was founded in 1953 with the aim of contributing to the creation of a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious global society. Through the study of Economics and Business Management, the Graduate School of Economics at Kyoto University endeavors to foster human resources that possess the creative ability to contribute to solving the various problems of modern society through wisdom, knowledge, and technology. Most graduates have become researchers at universities, think tanks, and other research institutions both within and outside Japan. For details about the educational principles and goals of the Graduate School of Economics, please click on this link.
The Graduate School of Economics offers programs that broaden the knowledge and global perspectives of students and enhance their problem-solving capabilities. With the aim of producing world-class academic and professional economists, our long tradition of postgraduate education is based on six main areas: Economic Theory, Applied Economics, Political Economy, Economic Policy, Management and Accounting, Economic History and Thought. In 2009, we established the East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies Programme (EA Programme), an international graduate program taught in English and offered at both the master’s and PhD levels.
Master’s Program
Programs taught in English
1. East Asia Sustainable Development Studies (EA Programme)
The International Graduate Programme for East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies consists of a two-year Master’s programme and a three-year Doctoral programme, both starting in October. Since its establishment in 2009, the programme has received 163 master’s students and 97 doctoral students from 33 different countries across the globe (as of October 2024).
Our admission and curriculum policies are oriented towards “sustainability” studies, mainly of East Asian economies (but not exclusively, as far as comparative perspectives are considered), and place a specific focus on the environmental, social, and governance aspects of development policy, industry policy, and business management.
The programme is offered in English, and Japanese language skills are not required at the time of admission. The Master’s programme offers both basic and advanced courses through which students can experience a comprehensive curriculum. In addition to courses designed specifically for this programme, students participate in selected courses at the Graduate School of Economics and other graduate schools. Students develop their academic knowledge and practical skills in an international setting. We offer many opportunities to conduct field research at a diverse range of sites, including large manufacturing plants and small factories, cutting-edge businesses and rural farming communities, so that students can develop a multidisciplinary and critical appreciation of real-life issues and problems. These skills are all essential in order to contribute to sustainable development in East Asia and the world as academic researchers, government officials, or social entrepreneurs.
For more information about this programme, click here.
2. International Joint Master’s Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities
The Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University launched a new graduate program, “International Joint Master Degree Program in Global Markets, Local Creativities” in September 2021. This is a two-year master’s degree program, during which students study at the University of Glasgow (UK), the University of Barcelona (Spain), and Kyoto University (Japan). Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a single joint degree conferred by the three universities.
The joint degree program is one of several study tracks on GLOCAL, an integrated international program comprised of a seven-university consortium across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The GLOCAL program aims to provide students with interdisciplinary and international academic training and practical skills through the combined expertise, resources, and networks of these leading universities in seven innovative cities.
For more information about this program, click here.
Programs taught in Japanese
Regular Program
- Academic Researcher Program: Designed to foster academic experts, most of whom go on to PhD level.
- Professional Specialist Program: Designed for develop professionals for work in industry or public organizations after graduation.
For more information, click here.
Doctoral Program
Programs taught in English
1. East Asia Sustainable Development Studies (EA Programme)
The International Graduate Programme for East Asia Sustainable Economic Development Studies consists of a two-year Master’s programme and a three-year Doctoral programme, both starting in October. Since its establishment in 2009, the programme has received 163 master’s students and 97 doctoral students from 33 different countries across the globe (as of October 2024).
Our admission and curriculum policies are oriented towards “sustainability” studies, mainly of East Asian economies (but not exclusively, as far as comparative perspectives are considered), and place a specific focus on the environmental, social, and governance aspects of development policy, industry policy, and business management.
As with the Academic Researcher Program, individual research guidance by the primary and secondary supervisors is central to the preparation of the doctoral dissertation. In addition, the completion of credits in advanced courses — including those related to the research topic, academic workshop courses, courses on academic methodologies and research ethics, overseas field research courses, as well as courses that encourage and instruct students to participate in international conferences, career development seminars, and internships — is also required for the Doctoral Study Accreditation (Research Guidance Approval). To be awarded the doctoral degree, candidates must receive the Doctoral Study Accreditation, meet the requirements for submitting a doctoral dissertation, and pass the public defence of the doctoral dissertation and the oral examination.
For more information about this programme, click here.
2. International Double Doctoral Degree Program with the University of Glasgow
In 2018, an “International Double Doctoral Degree Program” was launched by the Graduate School of Economics in conjunction with the University of Glasgow. Only students already enrolled in a doctoral program at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University are eligible to apply to enter this program via Kyoto University. Students admitted to this program spend two years at Kyoto University and two years at the University of Glasgow.
For more information about this program, click here.