Program Overview

Introduction to IPADS

The International Program in Agricultural Development Studies (IPADS) is an English-language MSc and PhD program at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo. This program is issue-oriented, offering candidates the opportunity to develop expertise and skills across disciplines and country boundaries to tackle agricultural and environmental problems in developing countries.

Academic Year

The academic year at IPADS begins in September each year. Typically, students in the MSc program complete the coursework component within their first six months while designing and preparing for their original research, and then engage in full-time research for the remaining 18 months. Successful completion of the program leads to the awarding of a degree of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Faculty and Staff

IPADS takes pride in the quality of its experienced and internationally recognized faculty, who engage in innovative teaching as well as cutting-edge research.

Research Areas

IPADS offers various areas of research that constitute the fundamentals of agricultural development studies.

Students

Students enrolled in IPADS have diverse intellectual, geographical, academic backgrounds, and origins. As of May 1, 2020, IPADS has 45 students (26 students in the Master’s course and 19 students in the Doctoral course) from 20 countries enrolled.

Partnership

IPADS established a strategic partnership with the Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn (ZEF), one of the top research centers and think tanks in the world. IPADS students can participate in joint coursework with ZEF as well as various activities held annually, including students’ seminars and field study courses.

Extracurricular Activities: Internship Opportunities

Opportunities for internships in International Organizations such as UNOPS, UNIDO, and FAO are available for IPADS students depending on the year.