Background of the Program
The 1+3 Combined MA and PhD English-language program is a unique program offering students MA and Ph.D. degrees in Japanese and Eurasian Studies in Japan. It is intended for students from the Eurasian region (Central Asia, Russia, CIS countries, Mongolia). Classes, guidance, and writing theses and dissertations are conducted in English. Areas of expertise consist of various subjects related to the humanities and social sciences disciplines including the fields of Japanese, Eurasian and International Studies. The graduates of the program are expected to promote cultural, economic, and technological exchanges between Japan and the Eurasian continent as well as to play active roles in the educational and research institutes of their home countries.
Aims of the Program
The main goals of the program are:
1. To foster human resources to promote exchange between Eurasia and Japan and play an important role in the stabilization and prosperity of the regions in an academic or practical way, overcoming cultural or historical differences between the regions;
2. To reinforce the networks between Eurasia and Japan through the goals mentioned above.
Program Content
The program is promoted by the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Tsukuba. First, students enroll in the MA Program, which offers more than 50 courses in English, and develops international, interdisciplinary and problem-oriented approach to the understanding of a specific country or an area. Then students will enroll in the doctoral program of their choice within the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Structure of the Program
The program consists of a 1-year Master’s Program and a 3-year Doctoral Program for a total of 4 years. Over the course of their studies, students will have an opportunity to receive their education using Englishlanguage-based curriculum in addition to having an opportunity to enroll in complimentary Japanese language education. By the end of their studies, students are expected to be proficient in both the English and Japanese languages in addition to becoming leading specialists in the chosen area of their specialization. The curriculum of the program features, among other subjects, seminars conducted
by JICA, UN, ADB and governmental agencies, colloquiums based on collaborative research projects and internships at the Japanese companies. Those graduating from this combined “1+3” program will be in a position to seek employment in the academic and research institutions, UN agencies, governmental institutions and corporate community.
Language of Instruction
English is the main language of instruction for this program. However, knowledge of the Japanese language is an asset.
Degrees Obtained
Students will receive an MA degree in International Studies and PhD in the discipline of the program of enrollment at the Graduate School of Humanities and Socials Sciences at the University of Tsukuba.
Eligibility
- Nationality. Applicants must be from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, or Mongolia (13 countries).
- Age. Applicants who have been born on or after April 2, 1982.
- Educational background. Applicants who have an undergraduate degree and who have completed 16 years of school education.
- Language Qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency by submitting scores received on English Language Proficiency Tests (Approximate scores are around TOEFL IBT 80, TOEFL CBT 230, TOEFL PBT 500, IELTS 6.0), as well as JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) Level N5 or higher. The scores above provided as approximate ones and each applicant’s ability will be checked and considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Arrival in Japan. Applicants must be able to arrive in Japan by the last week of September 2017.
- Other. Any applicant who falls under the following conditions is not eligible. If identified after the commencement of the scholarship period, the applicant will be required to withdraw from the scholarship.
- The applicant was a grantee of a Japanese Government Scholarship in the past. (Those who have previously been awarded MEXT scholarship may apply for the MEXT scholarship under this program only after 3 years from the time of completion of their previous MEXT-sponsored studies.)
- The applicant is already the recipient of a scholarship from an organization other than the Japanese government.
- The applicant is considered a “future graduate’ and selected as such, is unable to graduate within the present date or unable to fulfill graduation requirements.
Enrollment Quota
This program admits up to 10 students per year. Those applicants who demonstrate outstanding abilities will be awarded scholarships of Japanese government (up to 5 scholarships per year). Those who qualify for the program but unable to
secure a scholarship of Japanese government will be admitted into the program as privately-financed students. They will be responsible for the costs of their tuition and residence in Japan over the period of their studies.
Enrollment Date
October 1, 2017.
Scholarship
Those demonstrating outstanding abilities will be awarded the following scholarships (5 scholarships per year) on a competitive basis. Amount of scholarship is 144,000 yen (MA student), 145,000 yen (PhD student) as of FY 2014. This amount is subject to change.
Travel Expenses
Each grantee of the MEXT scholarship under this program will be provided with an airplane ticket from the international airport nearest to his/her home address in his/her home country to Narita International Airport. Upon completion, the grantee will be provided with an airplane ticket if he returns to his/her home country during the designated period of time.
Application Documents
First Stage: The completion and submission of the Preliminary Application Form is the first stage of application process. The application form should be sent to the following address:
E-mail: spca-info@ml.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp
Second Stage: An interview and exam conducted in the applicant’s home country constitutes the second stage of screening. Each applicant should bring all related documents (certifying statements of academic and professional background; authenticated English proficiency certificate [TOEFL or GRE]; and basic Japanese language skills are an asset) on the interview day or send them by post to the following address.
Special Program in Japanese and Central Eurasian Studies
Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
University of Tsukuba
Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken JAPAN
305-8571
E-mail: spca-info@ml.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp
Download and fill in the application form.
For further official information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.chiiki.tsukuba.ac.jp/spca/news-events/news-events.html#20161104