Based on the Five Guiding Principles of Hiroshima University, our mission is to grow, through interdisciplinary research approach of environment, education and peace as focuses, global leaders who can be engaged creatively and collaboratively in various issues in the developing countries.

1　Successful student candidates

The Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation (IDEC) demands the students with the qualities as follows;

　　　1. Possession of a broad general view of the world and ability to consider deeply the various problems of globalism and globalization that confront developing countries

　　　2. Ability to pursue subjects of study and research projects with strong perseverance and to think through the issues involved rationally and logically

　　　3. Possession of a sympathetic attitude as an internationally minded person and ability to communicate easily with people from many different countries.

2　Basic Principles of Entrance Examination

At the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, we aim, through the medium of interdisciplinary research, teaching and practical fieldwork, to train both researchers and professional specialists at a high level, who are capable both of creating an organized system of knowledge [International Cooperation Studies] at the cutting edge of international development and cooperation, and at the same time of playing a leading role in the international community.

Based on our mission statement, we therefore welcome applications not only from students who aim to acquire sound theoretical knowledge of international development and cooperation, but also from members of society who have professional expertise or practical experience in international development matters and who desire to pursue further activities back in their countries of origin, in order to promote international society at a deeper level.

We will assess the expertise on the basic subjects and special subjects at the general selection. In addition, we will judge the abilities and attitude based on the background experiences and research proposals at the recommendation entrance examinations and special selection.

Degrees at the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation are awarded to students who have completed educational programs based on an interdisciplinary curriculum that conforms to the Mission Statement of the graduate school. The Master’s Degree is awarded to students who have completed the prescribed degree program and the relevant diploma [Master (in Arts, Science, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, or International Cooperation Studies)] confirms that the recipient has great scholarship with a wide perspective, together with proven research capability in the core fields of Environment, Education, and Peace, and also skills necessary for professionals requiring a high level of specialized knowledge.

The Doctoral Degree is awarded to students who have completed the prescribed degree program and the relevant diploma [Doctorate (in Philosophy, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, or International Cooperation Studies)] confirms that the recipient has the proven capacity to pursue research independently in the fields of Environment, Education, and Peace, with special reference to Asia and Africa, or that the recipient has acquired the capacity for high-level specialized research necessary for engaging in business activities and has also possessed the sound scholarly attainments that is the foundation for such a capacity.

The Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation (IDEC) follows an interdisciplinary curriculum that is based on its Mission Statement. The central pillars of the curriculum consist of three core fields: Environment, Education and Peace. The curriculum is so structured that students can focus on one field as the central focus of study, but also supplement this with courses taken from the other core fields. In this way they can acquire professional abilities to observe and analyze research targets from a variety of viewpoints. The lectures are organized into three groups: common courses, common courses specific to particular divisions, and specialized courses. In addition to these courses, each member of the teaching staff organizes seminars geared to giving specific instruction required for the student’s study.

In addition, the school promotes an education system with classes both in English and Japanese as official teaching languages and also vigorously implements an internship program utilizing an extensive network with institutions abroad. Great importance is attached to combining abstract logical reasoning with practical application by being involved, for example, in contracted large-scale projects and international cooperation through those activities. For the future, the school will make continuous efforts to renew the curriculum, through which it can enhance the training of researchers, specialists, international civil servants and business personnel, who are fully abreast of the needs of society and the changing international environment.