Master's Program

Details of the Curriculum

The guidelines of each Program (research field) and Course specify the courses students are required to take and the conditions to obtain a　Certificate.* Some Programs require students to obtain credits mainly through attending lectures while others expect students to conduct research,publish their work, or write a research report. Some Programs do not require the writing of a Master's thesis.

The Academic Project and the Master Seminar constitute the foundation of the Master's Program and the student's day-to-day research. In Academic Projects, students receive guidance in cutting-edge fields from multiple faculty members specializing in their specific theme or issue of interest. There are more than 50 Academic Projects available in advanced fields to accommodate students' diverse research interests. Students can also collaborate with diverse actors such as research institutes and administrative bodies inside or outside Japan to receive advice from a broader point of view. In the Master Seminar, students will receive guidance from their Main Research Advisor (Academic Advisor) both individually and with others. Active participation in a variety of activities, such as research projects, is the core of the curriculum at the Graduate School of Media and Governance. By taking part in a cutting-edge project led by a faculty member and choosing a unique research topic along with their advice, students will gain real experience planning, implementing, and evaluating research to be trained as researchers and innovators.

The Graduate School of Media and Governance encourages students to take part in fieldwork to conduct surveys and research based on their individual research themes inside or outside Japan, or apply for internships where they can use their research findings in a hands-on situation.Students are required to submit an application and obtain approval from the University prior to conducting the activity, after which they can earn credits if they are approved.

Note*: Certificate: In addition to the Master's Degree, students can earn a Certificate of Program or Course Completion by fulfilling specific requirements. The certificate will be signed by the Dean of the Graduate School and demonstrates the student's expertise in the corresponding field.

Requirements for Completing the Master's Program

Thesis Track

a.Complete four or more semesters at the Graduate School of Media and Governance excluding any period of temporary leave of absence
This is waived for students who are granted early completion of the master's program.

b. Acquire a total of thirty credits or more (including 2 credits from the MASTER THESIS 1 and 2)

The total of thirty credits may not include:

Credits Earned from Optional Subjects (Jiyu Kamoku)
Credits exceeding a maximum of 16 credits obtained from Project Courses and Master Research Courses (MASTER SEMINAR)
Credits exceeding a maximum of ten credits obtained from the following:

- Credits earned before entering the master's program (maximum eight credits)
- Credits earned from other graduate programs at Keio University
- Credits transferred from universities after enrolling in the Graduate School of Media and Governance (including from universities overseas).

c. Pass the MASTER THESIS 1 (make a Mid-term Presentation and pass it)

d. Pass the MASTER THESIS 2 (pass the evaluation of the Master's Thesis and the Final Examination)

Non-Thesis Track

It is possible to complete the master's program and acquire a master's degree without writing a thesis. Students must fulfill the following requirements in order to complete the master's program by the non-thesis track.

Students should discuss the matter carefully with their research advisor in advance, and must take MASTER PROJECT 1 in the semester of their Mid-term Presentation and MASTER PROJECT 2 in the semester they expect to complete the master's program.

a. Complete four or more semesters at the Graduate School of Media and Governance excluding any period of temporary leave of absence This is waived for students who are granted early completion of the master's program.

b. Acquire a total of thirty credits or more (including two credits from MASTER PROJECT 1 and 2) The total of thirty credits may not include:

Credits Earned from Optional Subjects (Jiyu Kamoku)
Credits exceeding a maximum of 16 credits obtained from Project Courses and Master Research Courses (MASTER SEMINAR)
Credits exceeding a maximum of ten credits obtained from the following:

- Credits earned before entering the master's program (maximum eight credits)
- Credits earned from other graduate programs at Keio University
- Credits transferred from other universities (including overseas) after enrolling in the Graduate School of Media and Governance.

c. Meet the GPA requirement on courses approved by the Academic Advisor

d. Pass the MASTER PROJECT 1 (make a Mid-term Presentation and pass it)

e. Pass the MASTER PROJECT 2 (pass the evaluation of the activities and results report of the Project Courses and the Final Exam)

* Please note that students must also submit the activities and results report of the Project Courses.