FAQ
A: Students in PCP will learn the fundamentals of economics thinking and empirical research necessary to develop their careers. The emphasis is on practical application of economics as well as cutting-edge academic research. In this sense, we expect more from our graduates than simply performing well in economics courses at business schools. Our goal is to cultivate professionals who can build successful careers based on their solid economic skills.
A: In PCP, lectures, textbooks, reference materials, and exams are in English. Students are allowed to use Japanese when they ask questions outside of class and/or communicate with Teaching Assistants. All communications with PCP instructors must be in English, including e-mails.
A: Yes, a PCP Certificate is awarded to those who satisfy the following conditions upon completion:
(1) Being a PCP student; and
(2) Having earned a total of 20 credits from a range of the designated courses for the PCP Certificate.
A: All students, including PEARL students, apply during the same application period. Applicants must submit the application documents via the designated online form. Eligibility, application documents, and application period are subject to change every year. The latest information will be available on the application page.
A: Yes, we welcome applications from eligible students from faculties other than the faculty of Economics. The application and screening process are the same as those for students in the Faculty of Economics.
A: The screening is conducted based on the application form submitted along with the Grade Report and the English test score. There are no examinations or interviews. After a careful review of submitted application documents, a list of successful applicants will be posted on the K-Support portal.
A: Yes, you can do so as long as you come back to PCP after your return from abroad.
A: Exchange students enrolled in the Keio International Program (KIP) or Japanese Language Program (JLP) can join the program. Please contact the Keio University International Center for the details on how to register for PCP courses. After careful evaluation, the PCP Co-ordinator may allow exchange students to count credits earned for equivalent courses taken elsewhere toward the program.
A: The test score of TOEFL iBT or IELTS is valid for two years from the test date. The test score must be valid on the day of application, and the test must be taken by the applicant him/herself. The test score of IELTS must be from the IELTS Academic test.
A: Yes, it is possible to take both courses while participating in the program. In fact, most current PCP students take Research Seminar (研究会) concurrently with PCP courses. However, please keep in mind that this can result in a very heavy workload. You need strong motivation to complete the program and should be prepared to devote a significant amount of your time to your studies. Needless to say, students are NOT allowed to submit the same paper as a final/graduation paper for PCP courses, Research Seminar (研究会) and/or Independent Research Project (研究プロジェクト).
A: Students are strongly recommended to finish this program in which only selected students can participate. Students can withdraw from the program only if the withdrawal becomes necessary for reasons beyond one’s control. If that is the case, students first have to obtain the approval of the PCP Co-ordinator and then submit a PROFESSIONAL CAREER PROGRAM（PCP）WITHDRAWAL FORM to the Office of Student Services. Even after the withdrawal, credits earned in the program will be counted towards graduation.
A: Only Keio students who have passed the screening process are eligible to become full-time members of the program. In other words, students enrolled in any other university cannot join the program as a full-time member. However, exchange students who obtain necessary credits including the two required courses of the program can be conferred a PCP Certificate, based on the evaluation by the PCP Co-ordinator.
A: Please send your questions to pcp-office-group[at]keio.jp or the International Centre at IC-COURSES[at]adst.keio.ac.jp. The PCP Co-ordinator is Ayako Obashi, professor of economics at Keio University. Please note that we do not respond to questions whose answers are available on this website.