In AY2021, the Security and International Studies Program has been merged into the G-cube program as a G-cube concentration, joining the Global Governance Studies Concentration and the International Development Studies Concentration. Please see the curriculum below.

Program in brief

Equips students to become Leader of Leaders for government, business, and international arenas.

• Program Director: Professor Kazushi Takahashi
• Associate Director: Vice President, Professor Yoko Kijima / Associate Professor Yusuke Takagi / Professor Yoko Iwama
• Degrees Offered: 

           Ph.D. in Advanced Policy Studies 

           Ph.D. in International Relations

           Ph.D. in International Development Studies       

• Scholarship: GRIPS Fellowship, JICA Scholarship
• Language of Instruction: English
• Time Schedule:
  • Program Duration…3 years 
  • Enrollment…October
  • Graduation…September
• How to Apply

  ⇒　For further information, please visit the GRIPS Global Governance (G-cube) website.

General Description

The world is faced with new and serious problems, such as financial crises, terrorism, energy challenges, and environmental issues. Behind them lie conflicting interests, large value gaps, dysfunctional global governance systems, escalating globalization, the rise of emerging states, and drastic changes in the distribution of wealth and power in the world. A new type of leader is needed to address these problems and forge a path to a new age.  These leaders require qualities, competencies, and skills that conventional institutions of higher education, which focus on nurturing highly specialized professionals, are not equipped to instill.    

Against this background, this new 3-year Ph.D. program aims to produce a new type of leader for government, business, and international arenas.  The program will equip its participants with: (1) a broad historical perspective, which will help them understand the true nature of policy issues and predict their overall impact, (2) strong analytical ability needed to develop insightful and effective policies, and (3) effective communication skills to convey ideas and opinions across languages, cultures, religions, and nationalities.

The curriculum has been designed to enable students to develop a broad historical perspective, strong analytical ability, and good communication skills through lectures, tutorials, and seminars taught entirely in English.  A distinctive feature of the program is its teaching staff, which includes nationally and internationally renowned guest speakers—many of whom are former ministers and top business leaders—as well as first-rate GRIPS faculty. 

Target Group and Eligibility

This program is open to those with a master’s degree from a recognized/accredited university, with the ability and will to become a leader of leaders.  Preference is given to current government officials, or those who are interested in pursuing a career as a government official, or in international organizations.

The applicant is expected to have a record of solid academic performance at the undergraduate and graduate level, and must satisfy the English language requirement with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (iBT79) or IELTS 6.0.

Curriculum Three Year Ph.D. Course 2021-2024

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