1. Basic Concept

The program consists of "Knowledge and Concept Oriented Courses", "Experiential Learning and Skills Oriented Practical Courses" and a Thesis Work. "Knowledge and Concept Oriented Courses" are composed of core courses that deal with diverse subjects of sustainability from a holistic point of view and elective courses that may deal with specific topics and can be taken based on interests and needs of individual students. On the other hand, "Experiential Learning and Skills Oriented Practical Courses" include exercises needed to gain practical skills for actions in the real world.

2. Knowledge and Concept Oriented Courses

When we face real complex problems in the society, an ability to bring in a holistic way of thinking and to see what aspects actually contribute to regional or global sustainability is essential. Structured knowledge about various aspects of sustainability is needed in order to make this possible.
The Knowledge and Concept Oriented Courses do not aim to include all relevant subjects in a catalogue-like way, but include courses that provide a holistic view with students by letting them look into actual cases and analyze linkages between different relevant issues. Moreover, there are a variety of elective courses that have been selected from a wide range of academic fields spanning humanities and sciences which have heretofore been part of the Division of Environmental Studies. The courses are also part of a consistent curriculum developed to provide the necessary coursework for sustainability through coordination with the Transdisciplinary Initiative for Global Sustainability, which was put forth by The University of Tokyo to establish its sustainability science program. These courses allow students to acquire the necessary basic knowledge and concepts for buildings a sustainable society.

3. Experiential Learning and Skills Oriented Practical Courses

The Experiential Learning and Skills Oriented Practical Courses are part of a unique curriculum which emphasizes practical exercises to acquire various skills related to sustainability rather than simply gaining a superficial knowledge of the subject matter. The coursework includes training in systems thinking for being able to appropriately assess circumstances from a comprehensive perspective, the acquisition of facilitation and negotiation skills necessary for building a consensus, the development of the ability to think internationally and an understanding of cultural diversity so that work can be performed responsibly in an international venue, and a wide range of experiences through case studies having to do with various examples of international cooperation and environmental issues. Students from many different specializations and cultural backgrounds give serious thought to issues related to sustainability through demanding exercises and projects and acquire practical knowledge and skills by stimulating one another intellectually.

4. Thesis Work

A master's thesis or doctoral thesis on sustainability science is required of all students in master's program or doctoral program, respectively. Themes for the theses are determined based on discussions with a supervisor. The theme of the thesis does not have to be within the existing academic framework and can involve research which applies a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to specific issues related to sustainability or research designed to propose new systems, institutions values and paradigms in order to build a sustainable society. Thus, the student can go beyond simply proposing solutions to environmental problems.

Students enrolling in this program select their courses based on a discussion with the faculty member in charge of educational affairs. After a supervisor is selected, discussions are also held with the supervisor. "Seminar Course on Sustainability Science I-IV" and "Research on Sustainability Science" are compulsory courses within the program. The former are series of seminars or research meetings by supervisors directly connected to relevant research. In addition, students must present their accomplishments to all the faculties involved in the program every term. The latter is a credit earned for research activities related to the student's master's thesis. Courses designated as compulsory electives form the core of the program, and 12 or more of the credits must be taken from among these courses. One of the characteristics of this program is the acquisition of various skills related to sustainability within the practical training courses, and at least four of the 12 or more compulsory elective credits must be selected from among the Experiential Learning and Skills Oriented Practical Courses. Additionally, many of the English lectures provided by the Division of Environmental Studies are designated as electives within the program, and courses can be selected from a wide range of fields related to sustainability depending on the student's personal preferences or research theme.

At the time of application to the program the applicants are required to submit a research plan and the names of their desired supervisors, but neither supervisor nor research topic is determined only by this information. This is because sustainability is a concept that includes various elements which call for various research topics and approaches making it inappropriate for the selection of an supervisor (and research theme) to be based only on the applicant's judgment before enrollment. Soon after enrollment new students are provided with a detailed explanation of sustainability as it is viewed within this program, and the possible research topics which faculty members in the program can provide thorough guidance. Afterwards individual meetings between students and faculty are arranged, and a supervisor is selected within about one month after enrollment. The student's formal department (on paper) within the Division of Environmental Studies then becomes that of his or her supervisor, but the coursework is based on the program's independent curriculum, and the decision of whether or not to award the student with a master's degree is based on completion of the program's requirements.

The entrance exam for this program is carried out in English, but that doesn't mean that the top priority for selection is placed on whether the applicant has a high level of English abilities at the time of the exam. After enrollment, at least a minimal level of English is required in order to understand the lectures and exercises, which are carried out in English, but comprehensive communication skills for an international society, including English language skills, will ultimately be developed through the educational activities of the program itself.

Supplementary classes and English lessons are also planned to help students whose native language is not English improve their English communication skills.

Master of Sustainability Science
Ph.D. in Sustainability Science

• Requirements
• List of GPSS Courses (Academic Year 2009-2010)
• List of Courses (Winter 2009)
• Syllabuses of GPSS Courses (Spring 2009)
• Timetable of GPSS Courses (Spring 2009)
• Supervisors and Research Topics
• Asian Program for Incubation of Environmental Leaders (APIEL) NEW