Features of the Graduate School of Letters

The Graduate School of Letters encompasses diverse fields and specializations in philosophy, history, literature, and library and information science, establishing an educational and research framework that is highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Students can cultivate expertise, pursue research driven by their own interests, and develop interdisciplinary thinking within an open research environment. The Graduate School of Letters offers an environment in which students can develop into humanities researchers ready to shape the future.

The Graduate School of Letters is a research and educational institution that encompasses a wide range of humanities disciplines while fostering advanced expertise. Courses are led by faculty who are leading experts in their respective fields, with small-group seminars at the core, ensuring students build advanced expertise in their chosen discipline. Thesis and dissertation supervision for master's and doctoral students alike is conducted systematically under the guidance of faculty supervisors. Each year, approximately 60 graduate students complete high-quality theses and dissertations and are awarded their degrees (master's or doctoral).

The Western Medieval Studies Course enables students to pursue research on interdisciplinary themes that transcend the boundaries of philosophy, history, and literature. Furthermore, students can pursue cross-disciplinary research through dual degree programs with other graduate schools within the university, as well as through collaboration with the Keio Institute of Cultural and Linguistic Studies, the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), the Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies, the Keio University Art Center (KUAC), the Center for Japanese Studies, and Keio Museum Commons (KeMCo). The Graduate School of Letters maintains facilities that include one of Japan's premier libraries—home to an extensive collection of rare Japanese, Chinese, and Western texts and numerous databases offering ready access to the latest research findings—alongside a well-developed research and educational infrastructure.