StudyQA — PhD: Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative

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The Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative at The University of Tokyo is a pioneering program designed to cultivate future leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspective necessary to address the complex challenges of global sustainability. This interdisciplinary program brings together experts and students from diverse fields such as environmental science, social sciences, engineering, economics, and policy studies to foster innovative solutions for sustainable development. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, and international collaborations, participants gain a deep understanding of the intricate interconnections between ecological systems, societal needs, and economic development. The initiative emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in leadership, communication, and collaboration, preparing students to effectively advocate for and implement sustainable practices across various sectors. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research, case studies from around the world, and engagement with policymakers and industry leaders, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to combat climate change, conserve biodiversity, promote social equity, and achieve sustainable economic growth. The program offers opportunities for immersive learning through fieldwork, seminars, and networking events, fostering a vibrant community of aspiring sustainability professionals. Graduates of the Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative emerge as innovative thinkers and proactive changemakers, ready to lead initiatives within government, industry, academia, or non-profit organizations. Committed to fostering a global perspective, the program encourages international exchange, enabling students to develop cross-cultural competencies essential for leadership in an interconnected world. As a part of The University of Tokyo’s broader mission to advance knowledge and solve pressing global issues, this initiative stands at the forefront of sustainability education, contributing to the development of solutions that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable.

Foundation and specialized courses covering key issues related to sustainability
Diverse theoretical and practical exercises aimed at enhancing such skills as communication, systems thinking, social surveys, and data analysis through real-world training and debate experience
Comprehensive research process spanning from elucidation of research topic through to research framework development and leading to compilation of Master's thesis and PhD dissertation.

The integrated character of the Master's and Doctoral programs allows students to acquire the basic knowledge and skills related to sustainability in the Master's degree; and then after having acquired international experience and leadership skills, to combine these skills in the Doctoral degree.

Master's Course

Students satisfying the completion requirements for GPSS-GLI will be awarded Master of Sustainability Science.

Credit Requirements—Master's Course

Course Name	required credits
Basic Compulsory Courses on Sustainability Science	4
Compulsory Elective Lecture Courses	6 minimum
Exercise Courses	8 minimum
Master's Research on Sustainability Science	8
GPSS Elective Courses, and courses offered in other departments and graduate/undergraduate schools (four credits at most)	-
Total	30 minimum

Doctoral Course

Students satisfying the completion requirements for GPSS-GLI will be awarded Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Sustainability Science.

Credit Requirements — Doctoral Course

Course Name	required credits
Advanced Compulsory Course on Sustainability Science	2
Global Leadership Exercise Course	2
Exercise Courses	2 minimum
Doctoral Research on Sustainability Science	12
GPSS Elective Courses, and courses offered in other departments and graduate schools (two credits at most)	-
Total	20

All GPSS-GLI students are required to complete a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation related to sustainability science as part of the requirements of the compulsory core courses, Master's/Doctoral Research on Sustainability Science.

Students are encouraged to conduct research activities outside traditional academic disciplines such as applying transdisciplinary and integrative approaches to specific challenges related to sustainability, or proposing novel paradigms and value systems for establishing a sustainable society.

Admission Scheme for Master's Course

Admission for GPSS-GLI consists of document review and oral examination. No written examination is required.

All the entrance examinations will be conducted in English.

Short essays and research plan must be written in English and be enclosed in the application documents. Applicants must well prepare for them. Oral examination is also conducted in English.

There are three admission schemes. The characteristics (eligibility, application deadline or period , date of enrollment, past results, and so on) of each scheme are summarized in the following table, but please refer to the linked pages for more detailed information.

Admission Scheme	Eligibility	Examination Fee	Application Period (Deadline)	Date and Venue of oral Examination
Ordinary Examination (Schedule A)	Graduated or expected to graduate from a university by March 31, 2017	30,000 JPY	June 16 to 22, 2016	Date: August 18 or 19, 2016 Venue: Kashiwa campus, Japan Applicants who live in foreign countries at the time of both the application and oral examination may be interviewed by using an internet video conference system.
Ordinary Examination (Schedule B)	Graduated from a university or expected to graduate from a university by the day before the enrollment date*	30,000 JPY	November 22 to 29, 2016	Date: End of January, 2017 Venue: Kashiwa campus, Japan Applicants who live in foreign countries at the time of both the application and oral examination may be interviewed by using an internet video conference system.
Special Admission with "Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship with Department Recommendation" or "ADB-JSP Scholarship"	Graduated from a university or expected to graduate from a university by the day before the enrollment date* 1) live outside of Japan 2) non-Japanese nationality 3) born on April 2, 1982 or after	Covered by MEXT or ADB	November 29, 2016**	Oral examination will be conducted by using an internet video conference system Date: End of January, 2017

*Note: Those who are expected to obtain such a degree at the end date of September, 2017 may be eligible to apply for GPSS-GLI. Please consult GPSS Admission Office in advance.

**Note: Application documents must arrive at our office on or before November 29, 2016.

Admission Scheme for Doctoral Course

Admission for GPSS-GLI consists of document review and oral examination. No written examination is required.

All the entrance examination is conducted in English. Short essays and research plan must be written in English and be enclosed in the application documents. Applicants must well prepare for them. Oral examination is also conducted in English.

Admission Scheme	Eligibility	Examination Fee	Application Period (Deadline)	Date and Venue of oral Examination
Ordinary Examination (Schedule A)	Graduated or expected to graduate from a graduate school by March 31, 2017	30,000 JPY	June 16 to 22, 2016	August 18 or 19, 2016 Second Examination (if necessary): Early February, 2017 Venue: Kashiwa campus, Japan Applicants who live in foreign countries at the time of both the application and oral examination may be interviewed by using an internet video conference system.
Ordinary Examination (Schedule B)	Graduated or expected to graduate from a graduate school by the day before the enrollment date*	30,000 JPY	November 22 to 29, 2016	Early February, 2017 Second Examination (if necessary): late August, 2017 Venue: Kashiwa campus, Japan Applicants who live in foreign countries at the time of both the application and oral examination may be interviewed by using an internet video conference system.
Special Admission with "Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship with Department Recommendation"	Graduated or expected to graduate from a graduate school by the day before the enrollment date* 1) live outside of Japan 2) non-Japanese nationality 3) born on April 2, 1982 or after	Covered by MEXT	November 29, 2016**	Oral examination. will be conducted by using an internet video conference system. Date: End of January, 2017

*Note: Those who are expected to obtain such a degree at the end of September 2017 may be eligible to apply for GPSS-GLI. Please consult GPSS Admission Office in advance.

**Note: Application documents must arrive at our office on or before November 29, 2016.

Scholarships

GPSS-GLI Fellowship
Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship
ADB-JSP Scholarship

The Sustainability Science Global Leadership Initiative at The University of Tokyo is a comprehensive program designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to address the pressing sustainability challenges faced by our planet. This initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from environmental science, economics, policy, and social sciences to foster innovative solutions for sustainable development. Students engaged in this program have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, international seminars, and fieldwork that span multiple disciplines and geographic regions. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, aiming to cultivate critical thinking, leadership capabilities, and a global perspective. Participants collaborate with faculty members who are experts in sustainability, gaining exposure to real-world issues through case studies and project-based learning. The program also emphasizes leadership skills, encouraging students to become proactive agents of change within their communities and beyond. Throughout their studies, students develop a nuanced understanding of complex systems, resource management, climate change mitigation, and social equity, preparing them to work effectively in international organizations, governments, NGOs, and private sectors dedicated to sustainable development. The University of Tokyo’s facilities and partnerships with global institutions provide an enriching environment for academic growth and professional networking. Graduates from this program are expected to contribute significantly to policies and initiatives aimed at achieving global sustainability goals, making a tangible impact in diverse sectors worldwide.

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