The Three Policies of the Psychology Program

Based on the Diploma Policy (Policy on Degree Conferral and degree conferral) of Keio University University, the goal is to cultivate researchers, educators, and professionals with expertise, interdisciplinarity, and an international perspective in psychology. This involves students acquiring and applying specialized knowledge and techniques in psychology as an empirical science from a broad perspective and writing a thesis based on that foundation. In addition, students who fulfill the prescribed requirements of the curriculum will be awarded a Master of Arts in Psychology [M.A. (Psychology)] degree.

(1) Acquisition of fundamental, comprehensive, and advanced specialized knowledge of psychology.

(2) Acquisition of specialized techniques to independently conduct experimental and applied research in psychology.

(3) Acquisition of the ability to apply a broad range of knowledge that connects to related interdisciplinary fields.

(4) Acquisition of the qualities needed to make social and international contributions in the future.

To cultivate the competencies and abilities set forth in the Diploma Policy (Policy on Degree Conferral and degree conferral), the Master's Program in Psychology at Graduate School of Human Relations systematically organizes a curriculum composed of: seminar courses in the fields of perception, development, learning, cognition, physiology/neuroscience, and clinical development; advanced topics and lecture courses in psychology, biology, neuroscience, mental medical sciences, developmental science, and applied psychology; and courses in developmental clinical practice and psychological practical course.

Based on this curriculum organization, education is conducted by combining teaching methods such as active learning centered on seminars and practical course; fieldwork including site visits, surveys, and experiments; Project-Based Learning (PBL) in advanced topics courses; and internships in practical course.

The assessment of learning outcomes, in relation to the goals for qualities and abilities to be acquired through the curriculum of our Graduate School's Psychology Program, is conducted based on the concept of an assessment plan for the entire Juku. This evaluation is performed using direct indicators based on the grading criteria defined for each course, as well as quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators that include various questionnaires and surveys.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): Acquisition of Fundamental and Comprehensive Knowledge of Psychology and Advanced Specialized Knowledge

In lecture courses, students aim to acquire specialized knowledge, ranging from fundamental knowledge and techniques in various fields of psychology to the latest research trends. We focus on imparting specialized knowledge by inviting several prominent researchers from Japan and abroad each year as part-time lecturers and Guest Professor (Part-time) to cover the latest topics and the current state of related academic fields.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): Acquisition of Specialized Techniques to Independently Conduct Experimental and Applied Research in Psychology

Seminars in each field are offered, where students learn experimental and applied techniques while reading and understanding related specialized papers. Similarly, in the "Special Experiments in Psychology" course, graduate students provide experimental instruction to undergraduate students taking experimental practice courses alongside faculty members, reviewing their own fundamental knowledge through this practical experience.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): Acquisition of the Ability to Apply a Wide Range of Knowledge Interdisciplinarily to Related Fields

Through courses such as "Advanced Topics in Applied Psychology," "Advanced Topics in Developmental Science," "Practicum in Developmental Clinical Support," and advanced seminars and lectures by prominent researchers from Japan and abroad, we primarily aim for students to acquire a broad range of knowledge applicable to related fields and the qualities needed to contribute to society.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): Acquisition of Qualities to Contribute Socially and Internationally in the Future

In the "Special Experiments in Psychology" course, graduate students provide experimental instruction to undergraduate students in experimental practice courses alongside faculty. This serves as a form of "teaching practicum" to cultivate their ability to contribute to society. By inviting internationally acclaimed researchers from abroad as part-time lecturers and Guest Professor (Part-time), we aim for students to acquire specialized knowledge and communication skills for research, such as presentations and discussions.

(1) Students who possess a fundamental specialized academic ability in psychology.

(2) Students who have a clear awareness of research questions and strong motivation.

(3) Students who possess proficiency in Japanese and foreign languages suitable for conducting academic research.

(4) Students who are motivated to engage in research activities as professionals.

(5) Students who are motivated to contribute the results of their academic research back to society at large as researchers and through professions that require a high degree of expertise.

To admit a wide range of such applicants, we conduct selection through (1) the General Entrance Examination.

(1) General Entrance Examination

We assess the language proficiency (English) and fundamental knowledge of psychology appropriate for conducting research in our Psychology Program, which is characterized by its interdisciplinary and international focus. A written examination is conducted as the first stage for this purpose. An oral examination is conducted as the second stage to ascertain the applicant's awareness of research questions, research plan, and ability to conduct research for their master's program.

Based on the policy for degree conferral and degree conferral (diploma policy) of Keio University University, the objective is to cultivate independent researchers, educators, and professionals who can acquire and utilize highly specialized knowledge and techniques in psychology as an empirical science in an interdisciplinary and international manner, write a dissertation based on this foundation, and possess outstanding expertise, interdisciplinarity, and internationality in psychology. In addition, a Ph.D. in Psychology [Ph.D. (Psychology)] degree will be conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

(1) Acquisition of highly advanced and practical specialized knowledge in psychology

(2) Acquisition of advanced specialized techniques that enable the implementation of experimental and applied research in psychology

(3) Acquisition of the ability to apply a wide range of knowledge that can be connected to peripheral fields in an interdisciplinary manner, as well as flexible thinking and originality

(4) Acquisition of advanced expertise and versatile skills that can contribute socially and internationally in the future

(5) Acquisition of skills in problem identification, research planning, and research execution to conduct advanced academic research as an independent researcher

(6) Acquisition of advanced and specialized qualities for training and mentoring junior researchers and highly skilled professionals

To cultivate the qualities and competencies set forth in the "Policy for Degree Conferral and degree conferral (Diploma Policy)," the Graduate School of Human Relations in Psychology (Ph.D. program) systematically organizes a curriculum composed of: specialized seminar courses in the fields of perception, development, learning, cognition, physiology/neuroscience, and clinical development; specialized research and lecture courses in psychology, biology, neuroscience, psychiatric medical sciences, developmental science, and applied psychology; and specialized practical course in developmental clinical practice and psychology.

Under this curriculum structure, education is provided by combining various methods, such as active learning centered on specialized seminars and practical course, fieldwork including on-site visits, surveys, and experiments, PBL (Project-Based Learning) in specialized research courses, and internships in specialized practical course.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the goals of qualities and competencies to be acquired through the curriculum of this graduate program in psychology is based on the concept of an assessment plan for the entire Juku. It is conducted not only through direct indicators based on the grading criteria established for each course but also by using a combination of quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys.

(1) Acquisition of highly advanced and practical specialized knowledge in psychology

In specialized research and lecture courses, students aim to acquire advanced specialized knowledge, ranging from fundamental knowledge and techniques in various fields of psychology to the latest research trends. To cover the latest topics and the current state of related academic fields, several renowned researchers from Japan and abroad are invited each year as part-time lecturers and Guest Professor (Part-time), with a focus on transmitting specialized knowledge.

(2) Acquisition of advanced specialized techniques to enable the implementation of experimental and applied research as an independent researcher.

Specialized seminars are offered in each field, where students learn experimental and applied techniques while reading and comprehending related specialized papers. Similarly, in "Advanced Experiments in Psychology," students provide experimental instruction to undergraduate students taking laboratory courses, alongside faculty members, and review their fundamental knowledge through this practical experience.

(3) Acquisition of the ability to apply a wide range of knowledge that can be connected to related fields in an interdisciplinary manner, as well as flexible thinking and originality.

Through courses such as "Advanced Research in Applied Psychology," "Advanced Research in Developmental Science," and "Advanced Practicum in Developmental Clinical Support," as well as special lectures and courses by renowned researchers from Japan and abroad, students aim to acquire a broad range of knowledge applicable to related fields, flexible and original thinking and ideation based on that knowledge, and the qualities to contribute to society.

(4) Acquisition of advanced expertise and versatile skills to contribute socially and internationally in the future.

In "Advanced Experiments in Psychology," students provide experimental instruction to undergraduate students in laboratory courses alongside faculty, which functions as a form of "teaching practicum" to cultivate their ability to contribute to society. By inviting researchers from overseas who are recognized for their high international standards as part-time lecturers and Guest Professor (Part-time), we aim for students to acquire specialized knowledge and communication methods such as presentations and discussions in research. We encourage participation and presentation at international academic conferences and promote interaction with researchers in their specialized fields through academic advisor.

(5) Acquisition of the ability to define research questions, formulate research plans, and conduct research to carry out advanced academic research as an independent researcher.

In specialized seminar courses, students actively discuss not only their own academic research but also the research topics, experimental designs, and execution of other participating students, thereby developing their ability to conduct empirical psychological research. We provide guidance aimed at participation and presentation at domestic and international workshops and academic conferences, including those within the university, to help students refine their own research and acquire the latest experimental techniques.

(6) Acquisition of advanced and specialized qualities for training and mentoring future generations of researchers and highly skilled professionals.

In specialized seminar courses, through mutual and active discussions on research plans, academic papers, and research presentations by students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including master's students, participants not only acquire their own specialized abilities but also develop the ability to appropriately understand and critique the research of others. Through this process, we aim for students to acquire the advanced and specialized abilities necessary to provide appropriate guidance to future researchers.

(1) Students who possess fundamental specialized academic skills in psychology and the professional ability to conduct research.

(2) Students who have a clear sense of purpose and motivation.

(3) Students who possess Japanese and foreign language skills suitable for conducting academic research.

(4) Students who are motivated to engage in research activities as specialized professionals.

(5) Students who are motivated to contribute the results of their academic research back to the international community as researchers and through professions that require a high degree of expertise.

To admit a wide range of such applicants, we conduct a selection process through (1) a General Entrance Examination.

(1) General Entrance Examination

The first-stage examination consists of a written examination to assess language proficiency (English) appropriate for conducting research in our interdisciplinary and international Psychology Program, and an essay examination to assess specialized knowledge in psychology. (Those who have completed or are expected to complete the master's program in Graduate School of Human Relations at this university's graduate school are exempt from the English examination.)

The second-stage examination is an oral examination to confirm the applicant's awareness of research issues, research plan, and ability to conduct research in Doctoral Programs.