Rural and Regional Development

Graduate Program in Rural and Regional Development at Nagoya University offers an in-depth and comprehensive education designed to cultivate professionals who can address the complex challenges faced by rural and regional communities. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating social sciences, environmental studies, economic development, and policy analysis to foster sustainable growth and resilience in diverse local contexts. Through a blend of theoretical coursework, practical fieldwork, and research projects, students gain critical skills in community development, resource management, and regional planning. The program aims to prepare graduates to work effectively in government agencies, non-profit organizations, international development institutions, and private sector entities involved in regional and rural development initiatives. Students will explore key themes such as agricultural innovation, rural livelihood improvement, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion. The curriculum is designed to reflect current global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and economic disparities, providing students with innovative solutions tailored to regional needs. Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders is a core component of the program, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and develop practical strategies that promote sustainable development. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty members specializing in regional development studies, the program offers an enriching academic environment that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and leadership. Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of rural and regional areas, improving quality of life and fostering sustainable development through policy formulation, project management, and community engagement. This program reflects Nagoya University’s commitment to addressing regional challenges through research, education, and collaboration, ultimately making a positive impact on society at local, national, and international levels.

GSID Common Subjects

Development Literacy

• Introduction to International Development
• Japan's Development Experience

Methodology

• Introduction to Questionaire
• Survey and Interview
• Introduction to Linguistics
• Information Processing

Lectures by Development Experts

• Development Cooperation 
• Development Assistance
• Non-Governmetal Organizations
• Organization for International Cooperation
• International Understanding and Community

Fieldwork

• Preparatory Seminar for GSID
• Overseas Fieldwork
• GSID Overseas Fieldwork
• Preparatory Seminar for GSID
• Domestic Fieldwork
• GSID Domestic Fieldwork
• Independet Overseas Fieldwork I
• Independet Overseas Fieldwork II
• Independet Domestic Fieldwork Ⅰ
• Independet Domestic Fieldwork II

Others

• GSID Common Seminar I 
• GSID Common Seminar II 
• GSID Common Special Lectures I
• GSID Common Special Lectures II

Core Subjects (required) 

Discipline

• Rural Development
• Regional Development Planning*
• Social Development Theory and Practice
• Indigenous Development and Capacity Building in Rural Areas 

Required Electives

• Development Sociology
• Development Economics 
• Development Project Management
• Participatory Rural Industry Promotion

Seminars

• Seminar on Rural and Regional 
• Management Ia,Ⅰb,Ⅱa,Ⅱb

Core Subjects (electives) 

• Urban and Rural Relations 
• Regional Environment Management
• Participatory Development and Socio-Cultural Change
• Lecture on Rural and Regional Development I 
• Lecture on Rural and Regional Development II
• Special Lecture on Rural and Regional Development I
• Special Lecture on Rural and Regional Development II

Electives offered by Cooperative Units 

• Lecture on Development Policy I
• Lecture on Development Policy II
• Seminar on Development Policy I
• Seminar on Development Policy II
• Lecture on Management Development I
• Lecture on Management Development II
• Seminar on Management Development I
• Seminar on Management Development II

• TOEFL: minimum score of 80 iBT; 550 PBT
• IELTS: minimum band score of 6 
• Application fee: JPY 5,000
• Payment of the registration fee (JPY 282,000)
• Application Form
• Bachelor's Degree Diploma (or Prospective Bachelor's Degree Diploma) from Your University (Original Copy)
• Academic Transcript from the graduate school
• Certificate of Master's degree
• Research Proposal
• Statement concerning applicant's working and/or research experience.
• Photograph card, Examinee's registration card and receipt forms
• Letter of Recommendation
• Letter of Self-Recommendation
• Summary of Undergraduate Graduation Research
• Major Publications
• Documents Showing Other Strengths
• Document Validating Your Nationality and Residence Status
• Japanese Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship Application Form

Scholarships

• Japanese Government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship

The Rural and Regional Development program at Nagoya University is designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural and regional areas in Japan and around the world. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, environmental, and political factors that influence rural development. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students gain insights into sustainable development strategies, community engagement, and policy-making tailored to regional needs. The curriculum includes courses in agricultural sciences, environmental management, regional planning, socio-economic analysis, and public policy. Students have opportunities for practical training, fieldwork, and collaboration with local communities and government agencies to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving to promote sustainable growth and improve quality of life in rural regions. Faculty members are experts in their fields, many of whom conduct research on rural development issues within Japan and internationally. The program fosters international perspectives by encouraging student exchanges and collaborative projects with universities and organizations abroad. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, international development organizations, and the private sector, contributing to the advancement and sustainability of rural areas. The university’s facilities support advanced research and learning, including specialized laboratories and resource centers focused on regional development topics. Overall, Nagoya University’s Rural and Regional Development program aims to cultivate professionals capable of designing and implementing effective strategies to foster resilient, sustainable, and prosperous rural communities worldwide.