Curriculum

Masters Program Curriculum Guidelines

The Masters Program offers a group of core subjects that make up a diverse common base of knowledge relating to urban problems, as well as three specialized subject groups (Urban Society Planning Group, Lifeline Management Group, and Geo-Water Management Group).

Students will gain a common understanding of urban problems through the core subjects, and select one out of the three specialized subject groups.

This curriculum aims to foster a clear awareness of career paths amongst students by cultivating a common base of knowledge regarding the problems currently faced by cities and the measures required to address these, through the study of core subjects. On this basis, the curriculum aims to equip students with advanced specialist expertise through studying specialized subjects in specific fields.

Along with lecture subjects, the department offers some seminar-based subjects (capstone projects, and independently planned projects) where the students actively plan and implement project surveys, and corporate and overseas seminars, then summarize their results and deliver presentations on their findings. These exercises greatly promote the skills of report preparation, presentation, and discussion, and the ability to work independently; they also promote self-confidence.

In the department's urban management seminars, students create study and research plans in close consultation with their academic supervisors when they enter the graduate school. Students can enhance their independence, enterprise and skills in report writing, presentation and discussion through these seminars.

A distinguishing characteristic of the department's curriculum is a special course that it has set up that features a series of related subjects. As an additional incentive to students, the department presents certificates to students who complete the course.

The department runs the course not only for students in the department but also for professional engineers to enable them to receive refresher training. At the same time, we expect the course to be the first step in setting up a graduate school for professionals (professional school) to provide advanced training in specialized technical fields.

Doctoral Program Curriculum Guidelines

The doctoral program offers subjects that emphasize personal independence, to help students gain specialist knowledge and research skills in cutting-edge fields, as well as the comprehensive and international capabilities required to become community leaders.

More specifically, the program provides seminar subjects in which students conduct surveys and research tasks independently, give presentations in English, and engage in discussions.

To make it as easy as possible for mature-age students to enter the program and study easily, the department offers various forms of learning, such as intensive lectures and online education.