K YOTO J A PAN

Undergraduate Programs in English

College of International Relations
College of Policy Science

Admissions in 2014

ABOUT KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto is a mid-size city with a unique blend of traditional culture
and modern living. The city, the former capital of Japan, attracts
around 50 million visitors a year from all over the world, all keen
to see its famous temples, shrines, gardens, museums, and
World Heritage sites. Among the premier attractions are the
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi-inari shrine, Nijo-jo castle,
and Kyoto International Manga Museum. In Kyoto, culture
blends effortlessly with modern technology, and the city is
home to a number of the worlds leading high-tech companies.
Kyoto is also an ideal place to live. You will find everything you
want within walking distance, from shopping centers, cafes
and bakeries, to restaurants with a wide variety of Japanese
and international cuisines. The city offers convenient access to
Ninnaji Temple

Cafe near Kinugasa Campus

Tokyo (a little over two hours by Shinkansen), and cities such as

Osaka, Kobe, and Nara are just a short train ride away.
Home to many renowned institutions of higher education,
including Ritsumeikan University (RU), the city of Kyoto has
become known as one of Japans major college towns. There
are plenty of things to do here including many art museums,
movie theaters, and outdoor areas ideal for strolling or relaxing.
Whether as a host of international conferences or the home
of ground-breaking research, Kyoto is a name that is known
throughout the world. In todays international community and
global economy, it is clear that the most dynamic developments
are taking place in Asia, and it is essential to have a thorough
grasp of this region. Thanks to the rich history and diversity of
Kyoto, RUs location makes it the perfect place to develop an
in-depth understanding of Asia as a whole, while experiencing
firsthand the culture and history of Japan.

Kyoto Station

Gion Festival

Introduction

About Ritsumeikan

Student Life at RU

Living in Japan

The history of Ritsumeikan dates back to 1869 when a private

academy of the same name was founded in Kyoto. The academy has
become a comprehensive institution consisting of two universities,
including Ritsumeikan University (RU), four junior and senior high
schools, and a primary school.

RU offers the complete range of student advisory services,

including career planning, academic guidance, and services
catering specifically for international students, such as assistance
in obtaining visas and support for finding housing. There is also an
extensive range of dining and retail options close to the campus.
With hundreds of student clubs engaged in everything from sports
through traditional cultural activities to community service, the
campus provides plenty of opportunities to take a break from
studies and meet other students.

The average monthly living cost, including accommodation, food,

and insurance, in Kyoto is estimated at 100,000 to 115,000 yen.

RU is committed to providing students with the best possible

opportunity to reach their full potential. At the International Center,
students will find friendly staff ready to answer any questions they
may have and to help them interact with Japanese students and the
local community through excursions, parties, and cultural activities.
The administrative office of each college also provides advice on
all academic matters, such as course registration and internship
opportunities.

While studying here, international students will enter Japans

National Health Insurance scheme. For an annual premium of 18,000
yen, the scheme covers 70% of all costs incurred for treatment at
recognized medical providers in Japan.

RU, which boasts 13 colleges and 19 graduate schools across three

campuses, has actively promoted research collaboration with industry
and has made significant contributions to society both nationally and
globally through various academic projects. The RU alumni network
extends throughout Japan and to all corners of the globe, promising
students a wide range of contacts and career opportunities.
RU places importance on the internationalization of education and
research. Partnerships with academic institutions beyond Japan
have been strengthened and student exchange programs have been
expanded, further raising the universitys profile internationally.
RU sent and received students to and from 124 universities in
26 countries and regions in the 2012 academic year, and 1,307
international students from 51 countries and regions are currently
studying at the university.

Student Life

International students in the Global Studies and Community and

Regional Policy Studies majors are guaranteed accommodation
in a furnished off-campus apartment. With reasonable monthly
rents (35,000 to 50,000 yen) and convenient locations close to the
campus, these apartments offer a safe, convenient base from which
to start a new life in Japan.

International students are permitted to do part-time jobs up to a

maximum of 28 hours per week during semester (8 hours per day
during holidays) with a special work permit.

Peer Support
Each College has a group of higher-year students called
Oritor (Orientation Coordinators) who provide firstyear students with guidance and support in academic
and daily life. Oritors organize welcome events to
promote mutual friendship among new students, and
assist them with the Introductory Seminar course.

Student Life 5

College of International Relations

Global Studies Major

Courses
Language Courses

Japanese (Comprehension / Writing)

Academic English I, II, III, IV

Understanding How the Globalized World Works

General Education Courses

Introduction to Economics

Introduction to Law

Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Politics

Introduction to Linguistics

Introduction to Anthropology

Introduction to Geography

Introduction to Natural Sciences

Japan and the West

Peace Studies Seminar

Kyoto and the Japanese Arts

Modern World History

Peace Museum Seminar

Foundation Courses

Introduction to Peace Studies

Introduction to International Relations

Introduction to the United Nations

Computer Literacy

Introduction to Area Studies

What is the nature of

globalization and how
does it affect us?

Global Simulation Gaming

Contemporary International Politics

Global Political Economy

Global Studies Seminar

Global Studies Research

Global Sociology

Advanced Topics in International Relations

Core Program
Courses
What is the character
of international
cooperation among
nations and international
organizations?

How do international trade

and commerce function in
todays world?

How does cultural

communication take
place between one
nations society and
another?

Interpreting the World

International Character

In todays world, almost all major issues are ultimately global

and complex. An ability to understand and analyze global affairs
from an interdisciplinary perspective is essential whatever
future career you pursue. As a student of the Global Studies
major in the College of International Relations, you will examine
interactions across global, national, organizational, and individual

Governance
and Peace

Development
and Sustainability

Culture
and Society

International Law

Global Environmental Issues

Cross-Cultural Communication

Peace and Conflict Studies

International Development Cooperation

Media in World Politics

Security Studies

International Finance

Historical Sociology of Globalization

International Human Rights

International Trade and Investment

International Migration

International Organizations

North-South Relations

Gender Analysis of Security and Development

Theories of International Politics

Social Development

Race and Ethnicity in the Modern World

Related Courses

Internship

Professional Workshop

Area Studies Courses

Japanese Economy

Japanese Politics

Japanese Society

Japanese Culture

Business Administration in Japan

Foreign Relations of Japan

Japan-U.S. Relations

U.S. Politics and Foreign Policy

ASEAN Studies

Asia-Pacific Relations

Contemporary China

Korean Studies

Seminar

Introductory Seminar I, II

Advanced Seminar

Course Highlights
Global Simulation Gaming

Advanced Seminar

In this unique course, students adopt such roles as UN secretary-general,

heads of government, and media representatives, and they then debate
about key international topics like environmental degradation and
development issues. Through this course, students have the opportunity
to learn about the workings of international politics and the world
economy and also to develop their presentation and negotiation skills.

This takes the form of seminars comprised of small groups of

students with similar study interests. It results in a particularly close,
rich academic relationship between professors and students. The
Advanced Seminar begins in the third year, when students conduct
research in a topic of their interest. This research forms the basis of
their graduation thesis in the fourth year.

levels through an interdisciplinary lens. You will employ a variety

of approaches to make sense of international affairs and develop
the skills and knowledge essential to make a difference in a
globalized world.

Students from many countries and regions

Australia

Belgium

China

Indonesia

South Korea

Malaysia

Singapore

Thailand

College of International Relations

Finland

Nepal

Turkmenistan

France

Papua New Guinea

Uganda

Germany

Hong Kong

Paraguay

Philippines

United Kingdom

United States

Befitting the international character of the Global Studies major, the

college boasts a faculty comprised of members originating from all
over the world. In addition and appropriate for the practical nature
of this major, a number of faculty members have considerable work
experience with international organizations, such as the United
Nations and the World Bank; others have worked as international
journalists or in a wide range of international careers. The student
body is equally diverse. Of the students taking the Global Studies
major, around half are from Japan, with the other students coming
from over 20 different countries around the world.

Program Design

Opportunities beyond Japan

A key feature of the Global Studies major is great flexibility:

students design their own learning program based on their
academic interests and career, choosing study items from
the above Courses. First-year students learn the basics of
international relations, and for international students studying
Japanese is compulsory for one semester. From the second year,
students follow one of the three Core Programs listed above
and take advanced courses; there is also the hands-on Global
Simulation Gaming class. Third-year students can participate in
an internship, and they deepen their studies in the Advanced
Seminar. In the fourth year, students write their graduation thesis.

The College of International Relations encourages students

to experience studying beyond Japan at some stage during
their degree course. RU currently runs student exchange and
study abroad programs with more than 120 overseas partner
institutions.
In addition, RU operates the Dual Undergraduate Degree Program
(DUDP), in which students can earn bachelors degrees from both
RU and universities in the United States. Under this program,
students study at American University or Suffolk University for
two years while still registered at RU and can obtain degrees from
RU and the U.S. university in as little as four years.

College of International Relations

Yearly Intake

Enrollment

College of Policy Science

Community and Regional Policy Studies Major

60 students

April and
September

Policy Strategies for Global Challenges

Basic Information
Degree Awarded

Duration

Bachelor of Arts
in International
Relations

4 years full-time
education

Language of
Instruction

English

Government
finance

Student Voice
Energy

Study in Diversity

Andy Law, United Kingdom

Andy (center) with his classmates.

Second year, Global Studies major

What is the proper role

of the government in
the national economy?

What are the challenges that future

societies will face in energy supply?

Global Studies students benefit from having classmates and

friends from a wide array of countries and backgrounds. Each
semester, the diversity is enriched as new students join the
program. The faculty is also made up of staff from all points of the
compass. Diversity is vital for systems to be stable, prosperous
and self-supporting. This is true for both the biodiversity in
ecosystems and the cultural diversity in social systems. The
multicultural environment here questions and complements your
worldview on a regular and random basis.

Global
environment

That worldview is also challenged in such classes as Introduction

to Politics. In this class, we dont use specific textbooks. Instead,
we spend a lot of time talking, discussing concepts and ideas
within politics, looking at how politics relates to us personally.

How can we create

a sustainable
environment for
the future?

City planning
How are we going to design our urban
spaces of the future?

Messages from Alumni

Good Grounding for
an International Career
I decided to study International Relations at RU
because it was my aim to build an international
career, and I wanted a place where I could
study about global matters alongside students
from all around the world. After graduating, I
worked for a time in international marketing
and sales at Universal Studios Japan, where
I was mainly involved in promotions, sales,

Practical Professional Skills through

International Relations Studies
I originally wanted to study overseas, but I decided
on RU because of the Dual Undergraduate Degree
Program (DUDP), which would allow me to get
a degree in both Japan and the United States
within four years. I was attracted by courses that
allowed studies of international cooperation and
development in addition to foreign languages.

College of International Relations

events and handling foreign media for the Asian

market. Through that job, I traveled overseas
every month, and when I dealt with customers
in addition to communication skills, I needed to
understand the local culture and customs. Having
studied International Relations and interacted
every day with people from different countries
helped prepare me a lot for that kind of work.

Kristy Wang, Taiwan

Graduated in 2009
International Relations major

After graduation, I joined the Japan Overseas

Cooperation Volunteers and then the
United Nations Volunteers, and the practical
knowledge I had acquired at RU in such areas
as social statistics, data processing and project
management techniques proved enormously
helpful. I was therefore able to immediately
apply the skills developed at university within
a professional environment. The College of
International Relations offers many opportunities
to let you fulfill your dreams.

Satomi Ichino, Japan

Graduated in 2008
International Relations major

Global vision, local empowerment

Policy Science at RU

Carefully formulated, well-implemented policies have

Students in Policy Science acquire basic knowledge

the power to transform peoples lives. Students of

of economics, politics and other social sciences in

Policy Science learn how to unleash that power by

the first year. Studies become increasingly specific in

combining advanced academic knowledge in several

subsequent years. Second-year students select one

disciplines with a focus on solving real-life problems.

of the three Core Programs listed on the next page.

Issues such as poverty, demographic shifts, urbanization

A prime feature of Policy Science studies is their

and environmental change are recognized as global

practical nature: students learn research methods,

challenges, but they all demand localized, tailor-made

such as statistical analysis and quantitative and

responses. Policy Science connects the global and

qualitative research, and they engage in field studies

the local, cultivating advanced practitioners to deliver

with social surveys. This experience gives them the

creative solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.

ability to solve real social issues.

College of Policy Science

Case Study: Earthquake Reconstruction

CORE PROGRAMS
Sustainable
Urban Policy

Regional Economy
and Development

Multilevel
Governance

This program covers

This program covers

This program covers

Urban Planning for Sustainable Cities,

Community Safety, Housing and Policy,
Environmental Policy,
Community Development and Planning

Development Economics,
Regional Development,
Economic Institutions, Public Economics,
International Trade and Finance

Inter-Government Relations and Cooperation,

Global Public Policies,
Public Management, Constitutional Law,
Social Welfare Policies

Wang Qian, China

Fourth year, College of Policy Science

Skill Building
Small classes ideal for developing communication and teamwork skills

Summer fieldwork programs in various countries around the world

Strong focus on active participation, lively discussions and

presentations

Students develop analytical methods, logical ways of thinking and

presentation skills used in Policy Science

Intensive Japanese-language study (first year, compulsory; second

year, strongly recommended) leads to intermediate or advanced
proficiencyproviding major advantages in future employment

Opportunity to become qualified as Certified Social Researcher by

Japanese Association for Social Research
Research group in Kesennuma

Great emphasis on practical training, carrying out social surveys and

field research

Basic Information
Degree Awarded

Duration

Language of Instruction

Yearly Intake

Enrollment

Bachelor of Arts
in Policy Science

4 years full-time
education

English

20 students

September

New Campus for

Policy Science
students

In 2015, the College of Policy Science is scheduled to move to a brand-new campus located
in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture. Midway between the cultured serenity of Kyoto and the vibrant
urban spaces of Osaka, the Ibaraki Campus will provide the ideal location for students keen to
take advantage of all Japan has to offer.

An Example of What Students Learn: City Planning

I teach about urban and housing policies
implemented in Japan and other
countries. Like many countries, Japan
is experiencing city shrinkage through
demographic and economic changes. I
explore housing policy solutions to tackle
problems related to housing affordability
as well as accessibility to jobs and
services among low-income households
in declining cities.

Kimiko Shiki
Associate Professor
College of Policy Science

10

College of Policy Science

Both domestic and international students

show strong interest in studying city
planning and urban society. Historically,
cities have been the cultural, economic and
political centers where people, goods and

In the College of Policy Science, we learn

about such matters as managing small
and medium-sized enterprises, urban
construction, political systems, social
welfare, the environment and sustainable
development. A distinctive feature of
the course is that it covers a wide range
of studies, and there is a huge variety
of study options. There are also many
opportunities for carrying out fieldwork,
and in my second year, I conducted
a survey on traditional Japanese
confectionery in Kyoto.
My graduation thesis deals with
reconstruction and recovery after natural
disasters, and it focuses on the huge
Tohoku earthquake of March 2011. I
compare that situation with the May
2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. In

Career Paths
Graduates with a major in Community
and Regional Policy Studies will find
that a number of attractive career
options are open to them. With the
skills, knowledge and experience gained
during the program, graduates will have
considerable opportunities for jobs in
planning and research in the public sector

December 2012, our research group

surveyed Kesennuma in Tohoku, where
the destruction caused by the earthquake
was appalling much worse than wed
expected. Afterward, we discussed the
situation with many experts, analyzing the
support policy of Chinas government and
the current situation of the disaster area
in Tohoku.
As part of the fieldwork in Kesennuma,
I carried out interviews with the mayor,
local members of the National Diet and
the president of a company in Shanghai
that had donated an electric generator.
In this way, I was practically applying
the methods of qualitative research I
had studied in Policy Science, and in that
investigation I was able to make good use
of the interview techniques I had learned.

Potential Career Paths

at both the national and regional level.
However, those qualities are also
very much sought after in the private
sector, and graduates will be attractive
candidates when global corporations
are hiring for their research and planning
departments.

National/regional policy planning, research

Corporate research, planning
International public administration
Urban planning, development
Non-government/non-profit sector
Community leadership
Academic research, consultancy

Message from an Alumnus

information intersect. Such dynamism and
diversity have attracted many scholars and
students to study cities. Currently, cities
are going through major socioeconomic
and spatial restructuring, resulting in urban
decay in advanced countries, and growth
and expansion in developing countries.
In this area of study, students learn the
historical evolution of city planning and
housing policy to solve urban problems
and find out what is behind recent
changes in urban environments.

Practical Value of
Policy Science

Yusuke Nakamura, Japan

Graduated in 2001,
College of Policy Science

In pursuing their chosen research topic in

Policy Science, students find themselves
involved in the whole process from
examining current situations to mapping out
future policies. My own research area was
nonprofit organizations, and I undertook
an internship with the Osaka Voluntary
Action Center, where I was involved in
drafting policy measures. In Policy Science,
you learn how to handle problems and
situations in different fields. You learn how
to get things done.

in Relo Holdings Inc. before becoming

one of the founding members of a startup company offering services related to
real estate. As head of operations at that
company, Im now responsible for such
wide-ranging areas as project planning,
systems development and legal matters.
Society is confronted with various
problems both big and small on a
daily basis, and dealing with those issues
requires the ability to weigh up alternative
courses of action. What you learn as an
undergraduate and whether you acquire
that appropriate way of thinking will have
a major impact on your ability to deal with
such issues in a professional situation.

After graduation, I worked for several years

College of Policy Science

11

General Information
How and When to Apply

Academic Calendar

The decision on an application is based on the application documents and an interview.

Late March
New student orientation (spring enrollment)

Application documents include registration forms, essays, high school academic

transcripts and a letter of reference.
Students residing overseas are not required to travel to Japan for interview.
For details, please refer to the application handbook. The application handbook and
application forms can be downloaded from
www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/admissions (GS)
www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ps/admissions (CRPS)
*GS = Global Studies major CRPS = Community and Regional Policy Studies major
Enrollment Date
2014
April 1

2014
September 26

GS

CRPS Application Period

Interview

Announcement of Results

1st
period

2013
Jul. 19 Aug. 1

2013
Oct. 5 or 6

2013 Oct. 23

2nd
period

2013
Oct. 3 17

2013
Nov. 30 or Dec. 1

2013 Dec. 25

1st period

2014
Jan. 16 29

2014
Mar. 22 or 23

2014 Apr. 17

2nd period

2014
Mar. 28 Apr. 8

2014
May 24 or 25

2014 Jun. 16

*For Japanese nationals applying for the Global Studies major, the application schedule differs from the above.
Visit our Web site at www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/admissions/japanese for details.

Start of April
Spring entrance ceremony
Early April
Spring semester classes begin
Late July
Spring semester classes end; final
examinations
Early August to late September
Summer vacation
Mid- to late September
New student orientation (fall enrollment)
Late September
Fall entrance ceremony
Fall semester classes begin
Late December to early January
Winter vacation
Late January
Fall semester classes end; final examinations

Fees and Scholarships

Admission Fee
(one-time only)
GS
CRPS

300,000 yen
(US$ 3,045)

Annual Tuition Fee

(1st year)

Annual Tuition Fee

(2nd & subsequent years)

1,065,000 yen
(US$ 10,809)

1,225,000 yen
(US$ 12,433)

970,000 yen
(US$ 9,845)

1,130,000 yen
(US$ 11,469)

Early February to late March

Spring vacation

Access to RU
Kinugasa Campus

*All figures are for 2013. Fees for each academic year are finalized in the preceding year.
*Payment of the admission fee is required after acceptance to secure a place at RU.

Shiga

Scholarships awarded before enrollment

100% tuition waiver

in the first year

50% tuition reduction

in the first year

(Biwako-Kusatsu
Campus)

20 % tuition reduction
in the first year

Osaka

*No special application is required for the above scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
Notification of award is sent to the successful applicants along with admission results.
*Only students who will hold the status of residence of Student while studying at RU are eligible for consideration.

Tokyo
Kyoto

Other available scholarships for International Students

(Kinugasa Campus)

Examples of scholarships available:

JASSO scholarship: 48,000 yen (US$ 487) per month
International Students Assistance Scholarship by RU Faculty/Staff: 250,000 yen (US$ 2,537) per year
20% to 100% tuition reduction scholarship (second and subsequent years)

Application for the above scholarships can be made after enrollment. In the first year, scholarships
are awarded on the basis of students admission evaluation. In the second and subsequent years,
scholarships are awarded on the basis of students grades during the previous year of study.
*Amounts in US$ are for reference only. US$ 1 = 98.53 yen (as of April 8, 2013)

College of International Relations

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/
www.facebook.com/RitsIR
College of Policy Science

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ps/

From Kansai International Airport in Osaka

to Kyoto Station
1hr. 15 min. by JR Limited Express Haruka
From Kyoto Station to Kinugasa Campus
30 min. by taxi / 45 min. by bus
From Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station
2hr. 10 min. by JR Shinkansen (bullet train)

Ritsumeikan University
International Admissions Office
56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8577 Japan
E-mail: hello@st.ritsumei.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-75-465-8162