Academic Program

Academic Calendar

We offer an integrated program that allows students to acquire introductory and applied knowledge in International Studies and Regional Development and to successfully carry out their MA-thesis projects.

Courses

Advanced research subjects

The advanced research subjects consist of the following three specialized streams. International Politics Cluster equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze international affairs through the learning and application of concepts and theories of International Politics, as well as the study of policy-related issues. International Economics and International Development Cluster equips students with the theories and skills to analyze the international economy, economic growth, and development issues facing countries and regional economies. Based on a multi-disciplinary approach of economics, sociology, and politics, Northeast Asian Studies Cluster equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze policies and critical issues in the Northeast Asian region as a whole and individual countries/regions (Russia, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Mongolia).

Cross-sectional Courses

The program offers foundational research subjects designed to provide students with a systematic understanding of theoretical and methodological knowledge related to international and regional studies, preparing them for the next stage of specialized research. Specifically, these subjects pave the foundation for students to conduct research through the introduction to international politics and international economics, practical study of research methods, and the acquisition of general knowledge about the Northeast Asian region.

Curriculum for Academic Year 2026

Dissertation Evaluation Criteria

Based on the Diploma Policy and Curriculum Policy of the Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development, the University of Niigata Prefecture, the criteria for evaluating a master’s thesis are as follows:

  1. The applicant must be the sole author of the master’s thesis. The content of the thesis must not contain any part that infringes on the originality or ideas of the thesis or research output of any party other than the applicant.
  2. The master’s thesis must not infringe copyright, portrait rights or any rights of any party other than the author himself / herself.
  3. The master’s thesis must show that the degree recipient has acquired basic research abilities in each specialized field / course and abilities to pursue careers that require a high degree of specialization.
  4. The master’s thesis shall include the background and objectives of the research, the status of previous and related research, the positioning and significance of the research content, and conclusion with a reasonable structure.
  5. In the review and final examination of the master’s thesis, the following points are considered in the evaluation.
    • The subject of the dissertation has social and academic significance, and the research method is appropriate.
    • Investigations are conducted on the basis of previous research on the subject; data as well as historical information and materials are collected, processed, and verified with due care.
    • The arguments are clear, consistent, and presented in appropriate literary expressions.
    • The thesis achieves a certain extent of academic or practical significance that contributes to deepening and development of dialogues in the relevant academic field or profession.

Curriculum Models

International Politics

Northeast Asian Studies