Degree Offered and Three Policies
Master's Program
Major: Major in Media and Governance
Degree: Master of Media and Governance
Educational and Research Objectives
The Graduate School of Media and Governance aims to produce professionals with cross-disciplinary perspectives and expertise to respond to societal needs, as well as practical skills to identify and solve problems. We emphasize creating and integrating technological and social innovations, questioning societal norms, applying research findings to address real-world issues, and collaborating with researchers and students from different fields. We also aim to prepare the next generation of global leaders in the information age through combining diverse domains of knowledge that encompass policy, governance, social innovations, the environment, information and communication technology, media, physical movements, and bioscience.
Diploma Policy
Educational Goals
Based on Keio University's overall diploma policy, our master's program aims to train leaders to have a creative vision for social systems and technologies, to acquire expertise and practical problem-solving skills, to respond to complex issues, and to produce new valuable ideas that integrate knowledge from diverse fields. Students who have fulfilled the prescribed curriculum requirements will be awarded a master's degree.
Competency Objectives
- Objective (1): Students should be proactive in identifying issues and finding subsequent solutions
This skill will be honed by students taking initiative in all stages of their personal research projects, addressing issues as they arise, whether during early conceptualization, planning, or final implementation. - Objective (2): Students should be proficient in skills and expertise related to their area of study
The Graduate School of Media and Governance requires students to invest in core research fields, honing advanced knowledge and skills by focusing on a range of topics including "International Strategy," "Language, Culture, and Communication," "Social Innovation, Management, and Organizations," "Policy Design," "Methodologies in Policy Management Studies," "Advanced Information Systems," "Advanced Design Studies," "Systems Biology," "Environmental Design," and "Human Environment." - Objective (3): Students should be able to conduct interdisciplinary research
Students must broaden their academic horizons by incorporating cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives while also maintaining a deeper understanding of their core research area. They will network with other scholars to accomplish this, working together to develop multifaceted approaches that envision practical research applications to solve a complex range of issues. - Objective (4): Students should be world-class innovators and communicators
This program equips students with the skills needed to make an impact on the world stage, requiring them to conceptualize, plan, and implement their personal projects while communicating their findings accurately and effectively. - Objective (5): Students should be models of Jitsugaku
Jitsugaku is one of the founding principles at Keio University that emphasizes the tenets of empirical science through reason, observation, and verification. Students must embody this in their own research, discovering problems as they confront the realities around them, and committing themselves to finding solutions that they can implement in society.
Curriculum Policy
Structure of Curriculum
The curriculum for the Graduate School of Media and Governance (Master of Media and Governance) consists of research concept and methodology courses, program courses, project courses, special courses, master's research courses, and a master's thesis to help students demonstrate their competencies specified in the diploma policy.
Course Formats for Curriculum
Students will complete curriculum requirements through a combination of pedagogical frameworks outside of a traditional lecture format, such as applied research, fieldwork, internships, and project-based learning. Students will engage in interdisciplinary research projects in a flexible learning format combining in-person and online components.
Evaluation Methods of Learning Outcomes
The academic outcomes for the curriculum in our master's program are evaluated for each course using the standards stipulated by Keio University's assessment policy. Students will submit their master's thesis for review at a dissertation hearing led by multiple academic advisors, including those in areas outside of the student's specialized field, who will bring an interdisciplinary lens to the evaluation process.
How Courses Reflect the Competency Objectives
- Objective (1): Proactivity
Program courses teach students methodologies and approaches to identify and address major issues in different fields. Students will use these experiences to develop problem-identification and problem-solving skills. - Objective (2): Expertise
Students will cultivate proficiency in their field through coursework designed to test their knowledge and research skills, with one main component being the Master Seminar led by a student's main research advisor. Students will also hone these skills through research concept and methodology courses. Finally, special courses are offered to provide further systematic knowledge needed to comprehend the implications of different disciplines. - Objective (3): Interdisciplinary Skills
Project courses--which integrate faculty and student participants with different academic backgrounds and specialties--allow students to gain a multifaceted understanding of global and local issues, developing their interdisciplinary research and practical skills through drafting proposals, implementing policies, and gaining practice. - Objective (4): Innovation and Communication
As a capstone of the master's program, students will carve out their individual niche by formulating and finalizing their master's thesis. Throughout this process, students are given opportunities to enhance their communication skills through presentations at mid-term and final presentations. - Objective (5): Jitsugaku
Project courses offer opportunities for students to learn through active involvement in real-world projects. This will foster an attitude in which students identify issues, test assumptions, and find proactive strategies to address the problems they have identified - (1) Basic academic skills in their research field and aspirations to incorporate holistic viewpoints into their research.
- (2) Ambition and flexibility to face challenges from cross- and multi-disciplinary perspectives, not bound by past specializations or singular academic domains.
- (1) Applicants from within Japan
Applicants in Japan who graduated or are expected to graduate from a four-year university are eligible to apply in this category. The first stage of the screening will be based on a student's submitted application documents. The screening committee will make their decisions by conducting a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications, academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. If applicants pass the document screening, the committee will then interview candidates to determine whether they will be admitted. - (2) Applicants from abroad
Applicants living abroad who graduated or are expected to graduate from a four-year university are eligible to apply in this category. They must discuss their research plan with a graduate school committee member who belongs to the applicant's desired program and receive informal consent to be their research supervisor.
Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications such as their academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. These will be ascertained through their application materials and the record of communication between the applicant and the graduate school committee member. - (3) Applicants with working experience
Applicants must have graduated from a university at least two years prior to the time of application. The first-round of screening will be based on application documents. The screening committee will make their decisions by conducting a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications, academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. If applicants pass the document screening, the committee will then interview candidates to determine whether they will be admitted. - (4) Internal recommendation entrance examination
Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time degree student in the Faculty of Policy Management or the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at the time of application. The first screening will be based on application documents, and an interview will be held for those who pass the first screening. The screening committee will make their decision by conducting a holistic review of the application and interview, taking into consideration the candidate's qualifications, academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. - Objective (1): Students should be proactive in identifying issues and finding subsequent solutions
This skill will be honed by students taking initiative in all stages of their personal research projects, addressing issues as they arise, whether during early conceptualization, planning, or final implementation. - Objective (2): Students should be proficient in skills and expertise related to their area of study
The Graduate School of Media and Governance requires students to invest in core research fields, honing advanced knowledge and skills by focusing on a range of topics including "International Strategy," "Language, Culture, and Communication," "Social Innovation, Management, and Organizations," "Policy Design," "Methodologies in Policy Management Studies," "Advanced Information Systems," "Advanced Design Studies," "Systems Biology," "Environmental Design," and "Human Environment." - Objective (3): Students should be able to conduct interdisciplinary research
Students must broaden their academic horizons by incorporating cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives while also maintaining a deeper understanding of their core research area. They will network with other scholars to accomplish this, working together to develop multifaceted approaches that envision practical research applications to solve a complex range of issues. - Objective (4): Students should be world-class innovators and communicators
This program equips students with the skills needed to make an impact on the world stage, requiring them to conceptualize, plan, and implement their personal projects while communicating their findings accurately and effectively. - Objective (5): Students should be models of Jitsugaku
Jitsugaku is one of the founding principles at Keio University that emphasizes the tenets of empirical science through reason, observation, and verification. Students must embody this in their own research, discovering problems as they confront the realities around them, and committing themselves to finding solutions that they can implement in society. - Objective (6): Students should be working to pioneer new fields of study
Students will learn how to cultivate and pioneer new fields that are able to address global and regional issues, newly emerging dilemmas, and increasingly complex contemporary problems while still maintaining their primary academic area of focus. - Objective (7): Students should be able to foster and educate the next generation of researchers
This program requires its students to gain skills to nurture and educate the next generation of researchers so that they will be equipped with expertise, sound judgment, and originality. - Objective (1): Proactivity
By receiving guidance on their doctoral dissertations, students will learn to identify issues related to their research and find appropriate solution. They must hone their problem-solving skills as they work with their colleagues and advisors to complete their proposals, write their dissertation, and implement their ideas into the real world. - Objective (2): Expertise
Students will develop research skills by taking skill building courses offered in their field.
In addition, students will receive supervision and advice on how to work on their research and doctoral dissertation from their research advisory group which consists both of faculty members in the Graduate School of Media and Governance and outside researchers. These opportunities will help grow the student's expertise and hone their research skills. - Objective (3): Interdisciplinary Skills
Students will have opportunities to consult with faculty members who are not in their research advisory group as they prepare to give presentations, including their thesis proposal and doctoral defense. This helps them gain multifaceted perspectives when they confront challenges. - Objective (4): Innovation and Communication
Students must present at an international conference during their studies to showcase their findings to the global academic community. By fulfilling the international research aptitude requirements, students will acquire language and communication skills that will serve them well on the international stage. - Objective (5): Jitsugaku
Students will learn how to identify problems, test hypotheses, and implement solutions through their work by taking independent research courses taught by their main research advisor, as well as by conducting their own fieldwork and experiments. - Objective (6): Pioneering New Fields
Doctoral students must draft an original syllabus proposal that outlines their research focus, providing a creative outlet that transcends traditional lecture courses. Through this experience, students will cultivate the ability to pioneer new academic domains without losing the depth of their main field of study. - Objective (7): Teaching and Mentorship
Students are given ample opportunities to teach courses, practice pedagogical skills, put together educational content, and give lectures as an independent instructor. This will draw out and cultivate a student's abilities as an educator. - (1) Ambition to make an impact on society by applying research findings in real-world contexts in addition to achieving academic accolades or contributing to academic conferences
- (2) Awareness of social issues and the desire to address these problems using an interdisciplinary lens in research and practical initiatives
- (1) Applicants from within Japan
Applicants living in Japan who have completed or are expected to complete a master's program are eligible to apply for this category. Students must pass the document screening process and then undergo an interview to be admitted into the program. - (2) Applicants from abroad
Applicants living abroad who have completed or are expected to complete a master's program are eligible to apply under this category. They must discuss their research plan with a graduate school committee member who belongs to the applicant's desired program and receive informal consent to be their research supervisor. Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications such as their academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. These will be ascertained through their application materials and the record of communication between the applicant and the graduate school committee member. - (3) Applicants in Japan with working experience
Applicants living in Japan who have completed or are expected to complete a master's program and have been working at a private organization, government office, or research and educational institution at least five years at the time of enrollment in the doctoral program. If applicants pass the document screening, the committee will then interview candidates to determine whether they will be admitted. - (4) Applicants from abroad with working experience
Applicants living abroad who have completed or are expected to complete a master's program and have been working at a private organization, government office, or research and educational institution for at least five years at the time of enrollment in the doctoral program. Applicants must discuss their research plan with a graduate school committee member who belongs to the applicant's desired program and receive informal consent to be their research supervisor.
Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications such as their academic achievements, motivation for research, and research skills. These will be ascertained through their application materials and the record of communication between the applicant and the graduate school committee member.
Admissions Policy
Desired Qualities in Potential Students
Student Screening Process
In order to attract a wide range of applicants described above, screenings will be conducted in the following categories: (1) applicants from within Japan, (2) applicants from abroad, and (3) applicants with working experience. Entrance examinations are held twice a year. Students can choose to enroll in either April or September. This is to enable a diverse community of students to enroll and allow build on each other's strengths.
Current Keio students can also apply through another category, (4) internal recommendation entrance examinations.
Doctoral Program
Major: Major in Media and Governance
Degree: Ph.D. in Media and Governance
Educational and Research Objectives
The Graduate School of Media and Governance aims to produce professionals with cross-disciplinary perspectives and expertise to respond to societal needs, as well as practical skills to identify and solve problems. We emphasize creating and integrating technological and social innovations, questioning societal norms, applying research findings to address real-world issues, and collaborating with researchers and students from different fields. We also aim to prepare the next generation of global leaders in the information age through combining diverse domains of knowledge that encompass policy, governance, social innovations, the environment, information and communication technology, media, physical movements, and bioscience.
Diploma Policy
Educational Goals
Our doctoral program aims to train researchers, educators, and academic leaders who will have a creative vision for social systems and technologies, acquire expertise and practical problem-solving skills, and respond to a diverse range of issues. Graduate students will apply their research findings to the realm of media and governance through developing highly specialized research, ideological frameworks, and new methodologies, to produce new academic fields that combine knowledge from diverse academic fields of study. All of these goals are rooted in the diploma policy outlined by Keio University as an institution. The doctoral degree will be awarded to students who have fulfilled the curriculum requirements.
Competency Objectives
Curriculum Policy
Structure of Curriculum
The curriculum for the Graduate School of Media and Governance (Ph.D. in Media and Governance) consists of independent research courses and special courses that are designed to help students demonstrate their competencies specified in the diploma policy.
Course Formats for Curriculum
Students will complete curriculum requirements through a combination of pedagogical frameworks, such as applied research, fieldwork, internships, and project-based learning.
Evaluation Methods of Learning Outcomes
The academic outcomes for the curriculum in our doctoral program are evaluated for each course using the standards stipulated by Keio University's assessment policy. In addition, students must fulfill supplementary requirements to become a doctoral candidate, gaining teaching experience and submitting a thesis proposal on top of academic requirements to compose an original syllabus, fulfill international research aptitude requirements, and enroll in skill-building courses. Students who have completed these requirements will receive instruction and support from multiple academic advisors as they write their doctoral dissertation. They will be awarded their degree after passing their public doctoral defense and final examinations.
How Courses Reflect the Competency Objectives
Admissions Policy
Desired Qualities in Potential Students
Student Screening Process
In order to attract a wide range of applicants described above, screenings will be conducted in the following categories: (1) applicants from within Japan, (2) applicants from abroad, (3) applicants in Japan with working experience, and (4) applicants from abroad with working experience. Entrance examinations are held twice a year. Students can choose to enroll in either April or September. This is to enable a diverse community of students to enroll and allow build on each other's strengths.