Three Policies of the Master’s Program in Political Science (Master of Laws)

Based on Keio University’s Diploma Policy, the Master’s Program in Political Science, Graduate School of Law, aims to cultivate the ability to identify and analyze various phenomena and issues in a globalizing society from a political science perspective and to propose approaches to their resolution. In addition, the program confers the degree of Master of Laws on students who have fulfilled the prescribed curriculum requirements. In addition, the program confers the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.) on students who have fulfilled the prescribed curriculum requirements.

  (1) Acquisition of Expertise in a Specialized Field and Broad, Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge of Political Science 

Be able to explore political science within a specialized field while acquiring a foundational grounding in theories, ideas, and history related to political science and to sociology more broadly.  

  (2) Acquisition of Problem-Finding and Problem-Solving Abilities Related to Political Phenomena 

While remaining aware of tensions in an ever-changing society, be able to analyze social phenomena related to various political developments in both theoretical and practical terms, and identify problems and work toward their resolution.  

  (3) Contribution to Social Progress from a Political Science Perspective 

Be able to contribute to social progress by identifying and analyzing various social phenomena and issues from a political science perspective and presenting approaches to their resolution.  

To cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the Diploma Policy, the Master’s Program in Political Science, Graduate School of Law, systematically organizes a curriculum composed of five fields: Political Philosophy; Public Policymaking and Society; Japanese Politics; Area Studies and Comparative Government; and International Politics.

The curriculum integrates diverse teaching methodologies, including problem-based learning (PBL), active learning, fieldwork, and internships.

Learning outcomes related to the defined competency objectives are evaluated under the university-wide assessment framework. In addition to course-specific grading standards, evaluations incorporate a mix of quantitative and qualitative indicators—both direct and indirect—such as surveys and questionnaires.

(1) To foster the exploration of students’ specialized fields and cultivate broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge of political science, the program offers a variety of courses, including “Special Seminars” for intensive study in each specialized field; “Advanced Seminars,” which serve as research seminars; and “Joint Seminars,” which are conducted within and across fields with the participation of multiple faculty members.

(2) In addition to completing the aforementioned “Special Seminars,” “Advanced Seminar Seminars,” and “Joint Seminars,” students cultivate the ability to identify and address problems related to political phenomena through research supervision for the master’s thesis prepared on each student’s research theme.

(3) Regarding contributions to social progress from a political science perspective, students are expected to acquire the necessary skills and viewpoints not only through the aforementioned “Special Seminars,“ “Advanced Seminars,” “Joint Seminars,” and supervision for preparing the master’s thesis, but also through “Project Subjects,” which are established to cultivate perspectives for examining contemporary issues from multiple angles.

(1) Understand the founding principles of Keio University and the educational goals of the Graduate School of Law, and engage proactively and independently in research under its curriculum.

(2) Possess deep knowledge of political science and a broad general education, and be equipped with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and communication ability necessary for research.

(3) Have a creative and critical spirit toward various societal issues, and possess the aptitude and motivation to further deepen their specialized knowledge and to proactively learn and explore its practical applications.

In order to admit a wide range of applicants, the screening process will be conducted through (1) a general entrance examination and (2) a specialized entrance examination for international students.

  (1) General Entrance Examination 

The admissions process assesses whether applicants have acquired the fundamental academic knowledge, logical and political-science-based reasoning ability, and ability to express ideas clearly required to pursue research in political science. This assessment is conducted through a first-stage written examination (one specialized subject in political science and one foreign language) and a second-stage examination administered to those who pass the first stage, comprising an oral examination in the applicant’s field of specialization and a comprehensive evaluation of submitted theses/dissertations and other application materials.  

  (2) Entrance Examination for International Students 

The admissions process assesses whether applicants possess the fundamental academic knowledge, logical and critical political-science thinking skills, and capacity for abstract thinking required for research in political science. Assessment is conducted through a first-stage document review (including the applicant information form, undergraduate academic records, and Japanese-language examination results), followed by a second-stage oral examination in the applicant’s field of specialization.