About the Graduate School

Vision

The Graduate School offers a two-year master’s program designed to provide both education and academically grounded skills training. It is aimed at individuals who seek to explore contemporary issues at local, regional, and global levels in the context of increasing globalization.

One of our key objectives is to cultivate professionals with globally relevant expertise, specifically:

  1. The ability to understand and analyze international and regional dynamics affecting Northeast Asia, including Russia, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Mongolia.
  2. Advanced communicative competence in English.

Additionally, the Graduate School welcomes students regardless of their local or national backgrounds and is fully equipped to deliver the knowledge and skills necessary for those interested in our program.

Digital Pamphlet

Highlights of the Graduate School

1.Open the Door to a New Era in Northeast Asia

Located in Niigata, a key commercial and industrial hub, we foster specialist knowledge and skills to prepare graduates for leading roles in both local and global societies.

2.Courses Offered in English and Japanese

To develop professionals with multilingual communication skills, we offer courses in both English and Japanese. Students can also complete all credit requirements by enrolling solely in English-taught courses.

3.Information Literacy

Understanding the dynamics of politics, economy, and society requires strong information literacy, including statistical data analysis. Our graduate school provides specialized courses to equip students with these essential skills.

4.Regional Development × International Studies

As a center of academic excellence, we aim to contribute to the local community. Our first mission is to cultivate highly competent individuals with broad perspectives, strong intellectual abilities, and leadership potential in emerging economic sectors. Our second mission is to address critical local challenges, including employment creation and sustainable development.

5.Area Studies Grounded in Sound Theories

Students will explore cutting-edge theories and approaches to international and regional affairs. Through primary source research and empirical data analysis, they will examine key political, economic, and societal issues in East Asia.

6.Academic Training by Distinguished Faculty

Our faculty members are highly respected for their academic and educational achievements. To ensure high standards of teaching and research, we provide students with in-depth, personalized guidance.

7.Flexible Curricular Programs

Our graduate school welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including professionals and international students. To accommodate various needs, we offer flexible study options, such as evening classes and extended enrollment programs.

3 policies

Diploma Policy

Graduates will possess in-depth knowledge of the international community, with a particular focus on East Asian countries. They will develop strong policy analysis skills and English communication abilities, preparing them for specialized careers or further academic research.

Curriculum Policy

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills essential for advanced professional roles or academic pursuits. To accommodate working students, we offer a flexible study extension system.

To achieve the competencies outlined in the Diploma Policy, our interdisciplinary curriculum integrates three specialized streams along with academic foreign language courses:

  1. International Society Courses
    Students will explore fundamental concepts and theories of international relations, gaining practical skills for analyzing policies and real-world challenges.
  2. Regional International Relations Courses
    This stream focuses on the interactions between individual countries, regional issues, and regional systems. Students will compare interstate relations in different regional contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of geopolitical dynamics.
  3. Comparative Country Research Courses
    Students will conduct detailed analyses of East Asian countries (Japan, Russia, China, and South Korea) in the areas of politics, economy, and society.
  4. Academic Foreign Language Courses
    Students will develop proficiency in academic English, enabling them to engage in discussions and write dissertations with confidence.

Admissions Policy

The Graduate School welcomes students of diverse backgrounds. Through various types of admissions exams, we accept those who are interested in the program, regardless of place of origin and nationality. They are expected to enroll in our educational program in accordance with our Diploma Policy and Curriculum Policy and to have the following qualities and proactive attitudes.

  1. Those who have acquired specialized knowledge and skills with a specialized focus in major in the bachelor’s degree and a certain level of English proficiency.
  2. As a member of the university’s research community, those who respect and can communicate smoothly with others and contribute to research activities.
  3. Those who are ready to engage in independent thinking and to learn autonomously from a global perspective with a flexible attitude.

Triple-Layered Groups of Course

The Graduate School offers three specialized course groups focusing on international society, international relations in East Asia, and the political economy of individual countries. Addressing challenges in a globalized world requires a broad perspective, in-depth knowledge, and an understanding of both regional international relations and national political economies. Unlike traditional graduate programs, our curriculum is designed to systematically study and integrate these multilayered fields.

Academic Language Courses

The Graduate School offers academic language courses focused on oral communication and professional writing. These courses aim to equip students with strong English communication skills, enabling them to actively engage in the global community.

Degree

The Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development confers the following degree:
Master of Arts in International Studies and Regional Development