1. Philosophy of Nagasaki University & Educational Philosophy of the Doctoral Course

Nagasaki University contributes to the improvement of a well-balanced society through the inherited traditional culture rooted in Nagasaki, cultivating fertile creativity in students, and developing innovative science for world peace.

In relation to the various problems the multicultural social situation of the 21ˢᵗ century has created and based on advanced and specialized knowledge of the global humanities and social sciences, we aim to ascertain the essence of the problems, propose diverse solutions, and train researchers and highly-skilled professionals who are equipped with international communication skills and can contribute to generating and disseminating the values 21ˢᵗ century academia needs, while building a world that is sustainable in terms of life, mind, and social culture.

2. Policy for Completion Certification and Granting of Degree (Diploma Policy (DP))

After acquiring the designated units by studying in this course for 3 years or longer and receiving the necessary research supervision, students who possess the following skills (1–3) in relation to the problems of the 21ˢᵗ century multicultural social situation and who also pass the degree dissertation review and final examinations will be conferred the doctor’s degree (Doctor of Philosophy).

1. Conduct any of the following research and demonstrate highly specialized knowledge and creative abilities related to global humanities and social sciences.

(1) Sociocultural research that aims to establish theories on co-existence and diversity

(2) Linguistic research that aims to devise a fundamental solution entailing reciprocal understanding through linguistic and non-linguistic communication

(3) From the perspective of Japan and Nagasaki, Asian research that forges a new relationship between the self and the other that will serve as a basis for the study of global humanities and social sciences

(4) Public policy research to create global public value

(5) Theoretical and practical research related to peacefully contributing to promoting the abolition of nuclear weaponry

2. The restructuring of the humanities and social sciences departments has facilitated more advanced acquisition of fundamental and versatile knowledge and methods pertaining to the global humanities and social sciences, specifically skills for ascertaining the essence of the problems of the multicultural social situation and proposing diverse solutions.

3. By comparing and contrasting different societies’ experiences and theories and generating new knowledge and value, one can develop outstanding abilities suitable for conducting independent research and becoming a highly specialized professional.

3. Curriculum Organization and Implementation Policies (Curriculum Policy (CP))

Based on the educational philosophy, education and research aims, and the DP, we established a policy to form the educational curriculum as follows in order to train researchers and highly-skilled professionals equipped with international communication skills.

[Policy on organizing an educational curriculum/policy to determine educational content and methods of implementing education]

To acquire creative knowledge and outstanding abilities in the global humanities and social sciences through research supervision based on multilateral viewpoints comprising a research supervision team composed of specialists in diverse fields across five departments.

[Policy on methods of assessing study results]

Assessment of study results will follow the performance assessment method indicated in the syllabus for each taught subject (e.g., regular examinations, reports, and in-class presentations) and will be conducted fairly and strictly. Doctoral dissertations will be assessed via dissertation review and the final examinations.

4. Admission Policy (AP)

[Desired Applicants]

Based on the educational philosophy, educational and research objectives, the DP, and the CP, we seek students with the following qualities:

(1) Education in and knowledge of the humanities and social sciences.

(2) An ability to understand and empathize with the 21ˢᵗ century multicultural social situation characterized by an asymmetrical and unequal society, growing risks associated with the unequal distribution of resources, and friction and conflict between ethnic groups, religions, cultures, nation- states, etc., which are creating various complex problems accompanying greater intersection and convergence in the world.

(3) An interest in interacting with people from various backgrounds in the world at large and contributing to developing a global society and global welfare

[Basic Applicant Selection Policy]

We conduct four types of entrance examinations: General, Professional, International Students, and Internal Advancement. Please do not fail to contact your prospective supervisor in advance before submitting your application. Consult them fully about your entrance examination, the content of your research, and the language in which guidance will be provided.

[Applicant Selection Method]

In general entrance examinations including those for professionals and international students and regarding the selection of students advancing to university, we select students who possess an education in and knowledge of global humanities and social sciences. The relevant entrance examination will be determined and judged comprehensively based on the application documents and performance in an oral test. We will use the research plan, research results from the master’s dissertation, etc., and the academic results certificate as the basis for the oral test.

Table for the selection method

Evaluation method for required aptitude and its relative weight (most prioritized: ++, prioritized; +)