Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies

The Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies was established in 1994 as the Graduate School of Comparative Social and Cultural Studies at Kyushu University. In 2000, it was renamed to its current title as part of Kyushu University's adoption of the "Faculty/Research Institute System." Since its inception, the school has produced over 1,000 master's degree holders and more than 280 doctoral degree holders. However, in 2014, it was reorganized into a new faculty called the Graduate School of Earth Environmental Science.

Educational Philosophy and Objectives

The school's educational philosophy is based on four core principles:

• Fostering research and education that aims for the coexistence of different social cultures, promoting relationships that enrich each other's differences.
• Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to address modern societal issues by integrating social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
• Cultivating individuals who can act as bridges between Japan and the world, equipped with critical thinking, flexibility, and practical international skills.
• Promoting academic studies that are open to society, providing a platform for specialists from diverse backgrounds to come together, learn from each other, and grow.

Program Overview

Based on these principles, the school aims to play a central role in clarifying the various issues faced by modern society, such as internationalization, informationization, and environmental problems, through interdisciplinary and comprehensive research. The goal is to systematically foster researchers and high-level professionals who can address these issues.

Targeted Talent

The school aims to cultivate the following types of professionals:

• Next-generation specialist researchers
• Professionals who can apply the results of their graduate research in various occupational fields
• Professionals who, after gaining social experience, can leverage their experience to excel
• International professionals who can utilize the outcomes of their studies at the graduate school in their home country or other countries

Curriculum and Educational Content

The school offers a curriculum that allows students to acquire comprehensive research methods based on their specialization while encouraging interdisciplinary research. Key features include:

• A course structure that allows for broad unit acquisition across different fields
• Flexible and sufficient unit acquisition through elective classes
• Comprehensive exercises and research methodology seminars in the master's program
• Systematic doctoral thesis seminars in the doctoral program

Research Guidance System

A notable feature of the school is its collective guidance system, where multiple instructors guide a single student, tailored to the student's area of specialization and interests. This system combines individual specialized guidance with interdisciplinary and comprehensive guidance, ensuring that students receive well-rounded support.

Completion Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation for master's and doctoral programs involves multiple instructors to ensure objectivity and fairness. The master's final examination includes a panel of instructors, and the doctoral thesis is evaluated by a committee that includes external members. The evaluation process for both master's and doctoral theses involves a multi-stage assessment, including preliminary, acceptance, and final examinations, with the final examination being open to the public.

Desired Student Profile

The school seeks students who:

• Have the motivation and ability to autonomously discover and pursue research themes
• Value and can utilize the interdisciplinary content of the school's education

Admission Policy

For the master's program, the school conducts spring and fall admissions, including a general academic ability test and a special selection test that focuses on motivation and individual abilities. The school actively accepts international students and working professionals, reflecting its educational goals of fostering interdisciplinary and international talent.

For the doctoral program, admissions are based on a oral examination in the spring, focusing on the applicant's research plan and desire to obtain a doctoral degree. Nearly half of the doctoral students are from other universities, indicating a diverse and experienced student body.

Conclusion

The Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies offers a unique and comprehensive educational environment that fosters interdisciplinary research, international perspectives, and practical skills. With its collective guidance system, flexible curriculum, and rigorous evaluation process, the school is committed to producing high-level professionals and researchers who can address the complex issues of modern society.