In Japan, abroad,
meet the world today.

Majors & Courses

GSGlobal Studies Major

International Relations Major in English

JDPAmerican University - Ritsumeikan University
Joint Degree Program

The only joint degree programme in Japan offering two years each in Kyoto and Washington D.C.

IRInternational Relations Major

International Relations Major in Japanese

TOPICS

　

After participating in the Thailand Bangkok Training Program, I felt once again that working for an international organization is the career I would like to pursue. I want to work with them to create a better world.（KURIMOTO Hiyori）

　

Peace Studies Seminar Hiroshima Fieldtrip: I feit it was so real how people would get involved in the crossfire – a hibakusha story inspired me to learn so as to help achieve peaceful goals.（HATANAKA Kai Masaaki）

　

Language ability and confidence influenced my personality: This is the first place in Japan where I feel that I can be myself.（CHI Xing Ying）

　

During Graduate School Week, the Graduate School of International Relations has prepared events to help answer questions such as, “What are graduate school classes like?” and “What are the possible paths after completion?”

　

Our experience at the Thailand Bangkok Training Program strengthened my resolve to work for an international organization.（IWAMURA Atsushi）

　

Special Lecture by Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations　”Towards a peaceful and just future: what we can do”

　

We welcomed new students for September 2024 enrollment.

　

Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies held.

　

The ‘Thailand, Bangkok Training Program’ was held to learn about the roles and work of international organizations and government.

　

College of IR put me in good steady in my career path, while also improving my overall character – just to be a better human being（Alvin KUEK：Singapore Airlines）

　

Ritsumeikan University Commencement Ceremony, Spring Semester AY 2024(to be held on September 22, 2024)

　

Learning from the Past, Creating the Future（Peace Studies Seminar）
More Topics

College Figures

Established

1988

Graduates

8000+

Number of Students

1400+

Current Number of
Foreign Students

340+

Number of
Host Countries / Regions

30Country / Region

Number of Courses
Offered in English

65Coures

35.5% of all courses offered by
the College of
International Relations

Number of Students
studying abroad

140+Annually

Foreign Faculty

34

Faculty Nationality

14Country / Region

Results as of October 2021

Special Contents

Global Studies Major 10th anniversary site Global Studies Major 10th anniversary site

International Political Economy

Analyze international relations while having an awareness of the interaction between politics and economics

NAKATO SachioProfessor, College of International Relations

Capitalism

Looking at People’s Lives and International Relations from the Perspective of the Capitalist Economic System

MORIOKA MasashiProfessor, College of International Relations

Pacifism in the Constitution of Japan

What is the international order pursued in the Constitution of Japan?
The perception of the constitution in the context of international relations

KIMIJIMA AkihikoProfessor, College of International Relations

International Politics

Can We “Eliminate War?”
Study the Field of International Politics with the Hope

ADACHI KenkiProfessor, College of International Relations

Comparative Politics

How do we fight the backslide of democracy?
Understanding successes and failures through international comparisons

HONNA JunProfessor, College of International Relations

Global International Relations

Reexamining international relations from its beginnings, bridging the West and the non-West

ATAKA HiroakiProfessor, College of International Relations

Development Economics

Economic development in developing countries cannot be achieved by economic rationality alone.

WATANABE MatsuoProfessor, College of International Relations

Migrant workers and Racism

Listening carefully to the sacrifices of overseas Filipino migrant workers

TSUJIMOTO ToshikoProfessor, College of International Relations

Working for an International Organization

Theory and Empathy Are Needed in the Field of International Humanitarian and Development Assistance

ISHIKAWA SachikoProfessor, College of International Relations

Cultural Anthropology

Dive into a Different Culture and Rethink Your “Norms”

SMITH Nathaniel M.Associate Professor, College of International Relations

Media Literacy

Understanding the Media is Essential to Understanding the World

KOGA BROWES ScottAssociate Professor, College of International Relations

International Economics

Using Economics to Predict the Next Action of People and Nations

YANE HarukaAssociate Professor, College of International Relations

Rediscovering Japan

An Accurate Knowledge of One’s Own Country Facilitates Internationalization

RAJKAI Zsombor TiborProfessor, College of International Relations

Advanced Science and Technology and Global Law

Nanotechnology, AI, and Robotic Weapons, How Will the International Community Manage the Risks of Science and Technology?

KAWAMURA SatokoAssociate Professor, College of International Relations

New Threats

Protecting People and Nations from the Global Threat of Narcotics

FUKUMI SayakaAssociate Professor, College of International Relations

Developing Countries and International Cooperation

What Is the Sustainable International Cooperation Required in the Global Era?

SHIMADA HaruyukiProfessor, College of International Relations

The program will draw out what can be learned in the College of International Relations through the research of faculty members and a wealth of episodes.

IR students/graduates strive on and off campus, in Kyoto and around the world.