Information Technology and Society in Asia

The Master's Program in Information Technology and Society at The University of Tokyo is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary course designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills at the intersection of information technology, social sciences, and humanities. This program aims to foster a deep understanding of how digital technologies influence societal structures, cultural dynamics, and individual behaviors within Asian contexts and beyond. Students will explore key issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, digital divide, technological innovation, and policy development, all through the lens of social impact and ethical considerations.

The curriculum offers a blend of theoretical foundations and real-world applications, emphasizing critical thinking, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Core courses cover topics including digital communication, information society theory, data analysis, and ICT policy. Electives enable students to specialize in areas like social informatics, e-governance, or the cultural implications of digital media. The program also encourages engagement with industries and government agencies through internships, seminars, and collaborative projects, preparing graduates for careers in academia, public policy, technology companies, and international organizations.

By leveraging the university’s strong ties with Asian countries and its international research networks, students gain unique insights into the regional and global challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. The program is tailored for those interested in understanding and shaping the socio-technical landscapes of Asia, contributing to sustainable development, digital inclusiveness, and innovative policymaking. Graduates will be well-equipped to analyze complex digital phenomena, design socially responsible technological solutions, and participate in shaping the future of information society in Asia and globally.

Sample Elective Courses

* GraSPP: Graduate School of Public Policy
** GSHS: Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology
*** GSE: Graduate School of Engineering
**** GSLP: Graduate Schools for Law and Politics
***** GSAS: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

S1: April 5 - June 3, 2016
S2: June 6 - August 1, 2016
A1: September 26 - November 18, 2016
A2: November 21, 2016 - January 26, 2017

Time slots: 1=8:30-10:15 2=10:25-12:10 3=13:00-14:45 4=14:55-16:40 5=16:50-18:35 6=18:45-20:30

• * Other courses in English, Japanese, or other languages at GSII are also open to ITASIA students.
• * A maximum of 8 credits may be acquired by taking courses in other departments of the University of Tokyo.

Other Educational Events

Master's Preliminary Presentation, Master's Qualifying Presentation

Tuition and Fees

(As of 2016, subject to changes)

Examination Fee

• 10,000 yen

* Japanese government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship students are exempt from the examination fee as well as the entrance fee and annual tuition.
* Those entering the Ph.D. program in September 2017 are exempt from the examination fee as well as the entrance fee if they earned a Master's or professional degree at the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo in September 2017.

Entrance Fee

• 282,000 yen

Annual Tuition

• 535,800 yen (M.A.S. program)
• 520,800 yen (Ph.D. program)

Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to the M.A.S. program, you must be a holder of a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent status
• M.A.S. program applicants must have completed at least the equivalent of 16 years of school education including university education. Applicants who have spent fewer than 16 years completing their elementary, middle, high school and university education must explain very clearly their academic history.
• CHECKLIST with signature (Form #1)
• APPLICATION (Form #2)
• Official proof of graduation and receipt of degree (*)(+) One official document of graduation and receipt of degree, certified with the seal/stamp of the university from which you graduated (Please do not send the original diploma.) M.A.S. program applicants must submit their Bachelor's certificate, and Ph.D. program applicants must submit both Bachelor's and Master's certificates. If it is impossible to obtain the certificate in time by any means, please contact the ITASIA Admissions Office as early as possible. Those who have not yet graduated from their course of study at the time of application are requested to submit an authorized statement of anticipated graduation.
• Official transcript (*)(+) An official transcript listing all courses and grades, certified with the seal/stamp of the university from which you graduated, or its registrar. If available, a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) would help the committee to assess your dossier. The GPA statement should be part of the official transcript, or, if separate, should bear an official university or registrar seal. It should include an explanation of the numerical values used to calculate the average.If available, an authorized certificate of class ranking may also be included.M.A.S. program applicants must submit their Bachelor's transcript, and Ph.D. program applicants must submit both their Bachelor's and Master's transcripts. (The "first cycle" in European and other universities as specified in the Bologna Declaration is regarded as equivalent to a Bachelor's program or course, and the "second cycle" is considered equivalent to a Master's program or course.)Applicants may request that their university send transcripts directly. If you choose to do so, please make note of that on Form #1 of your application, with the date you made the request.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Official Score Report
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) General Test Official Score Report
• One original of signed and sealed employer reference (optional)
• At least one sample of representative research work (for M.A.S. program applicants, Bachelor's thesis or a term-paper; for Ph.D. program applicants, Master's thesis or some other publication). If the applicant has not yet graduated at the time of application, an interim thesis report is acceptable.If an M.A.S. program applicant cannot submit either a thesis or a term-paper, then any other relevant research paper is required.If the applicant has a more suitable paper related to the intended research, then it may be submitted instead.If the work is not originally written in English, its summarized translation of a length of 3,000 words in English should be attached.This sample, and its summarized translation if applicable, must be submitted not only in a paper format but also as a PDF file that is burned on a CD, DVD, or USB media, unless the sample is a publication with an ISBN. The PDF file must contain accessible text data of the sample inside.
• One list of publications (if applicable)
• One copy of your census register, passport, or other proof of citizenship (Please do not send the original.)
• Three letters of recommendation including Form #3. They should be written in English or Japanese.Each letter, together with Form #3, must be prepared and sent by strictly following the instructions written in Form #3 in order to ensure confidentiality.They may be sent directly by the recommender to the ITASIA Admissions Office.At least two recommenders must be outside of the GSII.The application will not be reviewed without the letters of recommendation.
• One copy of Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Result (optional)
• Three passport-style photographs (Please write your name on the back.)height: 4cm x width: 3cm, color photographs taken within the last six months, upper frontal view without hat, etc.
• One original of the Certificate of Remittance (Portion C of Form #4). All applicants must pay the examination fee before sending their application, unless they are Japanese government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) scholarship students or they expect to earn a Master's or professional degree at the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo (including the ITASIA program) in September 2017.If the payment is done at a bank in Japan using Form #4, the Certificate of Remittance (Portion C of Form #4) should be pasted on the designated place in Form #2.If the payment is done by the online method, please enclose the printed "Result" page. (Please see the separate instructions on ITASIA's website.)

The Financing Studies of the Program in Information Technology and Society at The University of Tokyo encompass a comprehensive approach to understanding the financial aspects related to technology development, implementation, and societal impact within the Asian context. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze and manage financial resources effectively in the field of information technology, focusing on economic sustainability, investment strategies, and fiscal policy considerations pertinent to Asian countries. Students will explore topics such as funding mechanisms for technological innovation, government policies supporting ICT infrastructure, private sector investment in technology startups, and public-private partnerships in digital development.

Throughout the coursework, learners are exposed to quantitative methods for financial analysis, budgeting processes for large-scale IT projects, and risk assessment techniques relevant to technology ventures. Special emphasis is placed on understanding regional financial systems, currency considerations, international financial cooperation, and development financing specific to Asian economies. The program also covers the role of financial institutions, venture capital, and academic funding sources in fostering innovation and technological growth within the society.

In addition, students will study case studies of successful and failed financing initiatives in Asian countries, enabling them to develop strategic financial planning skills. Practical training includes financial statement analysis, project valuation, and the development of funding proposals. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for careers in finance, policy-making, and strategic planning related to information technology at national and international levels. Given the importance of sustainable development goals in the region, the program also emphasizes ethical considerations and social responsibility in financial decision-making processes concerning technology deployment in Asian societies. Overall, the Financing Studies component is integral to understanding the economic frameworks that underpin technological advancement and societal progress in Asia.

The University of Tokyo offers a program focusing on Information Technology and Society in Asia designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between technological development and societal changes within Asian countries. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the socio-economic, cultural, and political aspects of information technology adoption and innovation across diverse Asian contexts. Students enrolled in this program engage with cutting-edge research, case studies, and collaborative projects that explore how digital infrastructures influence issues such as urbanization, education, governance, and economic development in Asia. The curriculum is structured to include coursework in information technology, social sciences, and regional studies, fostering an integrated perspective on the opportunities and challenges faced by Asian societies in the digital era. The program encourages active participation in seminars, workshops, and fieldwork, often involving collaboration with local communities and industry stakeholders, thereby promoting practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. It aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, policy-making, technological innovation, and consultancy, particularly focusing on issues relevant to the Asian continent. The faculty consists of distinguished researchers and practitioners with expertise in Asian regional studies, information technology, and social sciences, providing students with mentorship and networking opportunities. The language of instruction is primarily English, making it accessible to international students and fostering a diverse academic environment. The program duration generally spans two years for master's students and three to four years for doctoral candidates, with options for joint degrees and research exchanges with partner universities across Asia. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address societal needs through technology, support sustainable development goals, and promote digital inclusiveness in Asian communities.