Doctoral Program

Today, the global demand for human resources with advanced knowledge and skills has never been stronger. An increasing number of international organizations, not only universities and other research institutions, are looking for people who have doctoral degrees in relevant fields.

Research Room

Doctoral students in the GSIR have first and second academic advisors who work as a team to guide them through to completion of a PhD dissertation. Since 2010, as a Ritsumeikan University-wide effort, we have been supporting the career development of doctoral students.

  1. We have a vibrant research culture where graduate students are involved in organizing research seminars, contributing to international workshops held by the faculty, as well as presenting their own research to the broader intellectual community at GSIR.
  2. There are also many opportunities for graduate students to engage regularly in discussion and intellectual exchange with researchers and graduate students from outside Ritsumeikan, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Synergy with
Research Institutes and Centers

The GSIR and faculty members are closely affiliated with research organizations (Institute of International Relations and Area Studies, Center for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Center for East Asian Peace and Cooperation, Kyoto Museum for World Peace, The Creative Media Research Center, etc.) that serve as the focal point for all of our programs. GSIR’s commitment to intellectual excellence and interdisciplinary research have made the graduate school an ideal environment for students to pursue their studies. The mission of the GSIR is to cultivate the talent and ability of a new generation of scholars working at the doctoral level, who in turn will contribute to the global community.

Research Centers / Research Institutes on campus

  • Institute of International Relations and Area Studies
  • Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University