Three Policies of the Master’s Program in Public Law (Master of Laws)

Based on Keio University’s Diploma Policy, the Master’s Program in Public Law, Graduate School of Law aims to cultivate the ability to identify issues in one’s specialized field and in society, examine them from an independent perspective, and draw logical conclusions. 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 Law 

Students will be able to explore legal studies in their specialized field while acquiring broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge of the fundamental legal theories and legal reasoning that underpin various legal systems.  

  (2) Acquisition of the Ability to Analyze Problems Logically and Express Conclusions Persuasively 

Students will be able to objectively organize and examine existing arguments on various societal issues, analyze them from a legal perspective, and make independent judgments based on legal reasoning.  

  (3) Contribution to Social Progress from a Legal Standpoint 

Students will be able to contribute to social progress by identifying and analyzing various social phenomena and issues from a legal standpoint and proposing approaches to their resolution.  

To cultivate the qualities and abilities outlined in the Diploma Policy, the Master’s Program in Public Law, Graduate School of Law, systematically organizes a curriculum that enables students to study a wide range of subjects, including public law (covering students’ specialized fields) as well as related areas such as civil law and political science.

Under this curriculum design, programs are delivered through a combination of seminar-style classes that are student-centered and feature interactive, multi-directional discussions, and individual supervision on each student’s research theme.

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 legal studies, the program offers a variety of subjects, including “Advanced Lectures” that intensively deepen research in individual specialized fields and “Joint Seminars” in which a specific specialized field is examined from diverse perspectives with the participation of multiple faculty members.

(2) The ability to analyze problems logically and express conclusions persuasively is cultivated through completion of the aforementioned “Advanced Lectures” and “Joint Seminars,” as well as through research supervision for the master’s thesis that each student prepares on their chosen research theme.

(3) Regarding contributions to social progress from a legal perspective, students are expected to acquire the necessary skills and viewpoints not only through the aforementioned “Advanced Lectures,” “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 legal studies 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 critical legal thinking skills, and ability to express ideas clearly required to pursue research in public law. This assessment is conducted through a first-stage written examination (one specialized subject in law 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 legal thinking skills, and ability to express ideas clearly required for research in public law. 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.