Doctoral Program in English Language Education Pedagogy

Doctoral Program (English medium track):

　In the Specialized Studies in English Language Education Pedagogy: Applied Linguistics and Language Education Doctoral Program, doctoral students engage in extensive research based on a broad range of educational topics. During their doctoral studies, doctoral students are required to conduct research that contributes to the advancement of their studies and to their field of research, and to publish and present research at academic conferences and symposia in Japan and / or abroad. Under the guidance of multiple professors, each in charge of the doctoral course in each specialized area, students conduct research, publish in academic journals, defend their doctoral research proposal during a preliminary examination, and write a final doctoral dissertation which is evaluated by a Board of Examiners. Upon completion of the doctoral program requirements, and based on approval of the Board of Examiners and the Graduate School Committee of the School of Letters, a doctoral degree (PhD in English Literature) is conferred. During and after the doctoral program, the goal for students is to achieve expertise as a highly specialized researcher, an English educator, and a professional in the Field of Education.

Requirements for PhD programs in the Graduate School of Letters

　During the doctoral orientation at the time of admission, an explanation of the courses and research requirements will be provided. Students will be guided by their doctoral program advisor regarding course registration requirements, and registration procedures.

For students applying for PhD program after 2018, the following provides details related to program requirements:

• PhD program period of study 
• PhD program course requirements 
• Program course of study
• Presentation of proposed doctoral research / research plan
• Preliminary Examination and doctoral dissertation submission 
• Doctoral dissertation examination and conferment of doctoral degree

PhD program period of study

Minimum period of study

• 6 semesters of enrollment (3 years) 

Maximum period of study 

• 12 semesters of enrollment (6 years) 

Estimated period of study and dissertation research: 3-6 years 

Note: Graduate students are able to apply for a leave of absence of up to a maximum of 6 semesters (3 years) during their graduate studies based on the regulations of the university