September 18, 2020
To all students enrolling in the program for students without a legal background in April 2021
Keio University Graduate School of Law
Starting in the 2023 academic year, third-year law school students are scheduled to be permitted to take the bar examination while still enrolled. Therefore, the Keio University Graduate School of Law is preparing to amend the University Regulations to apply a new curriculum, starting with second-year students in the 2022 academic year, that will accommodate taking the bar examination during their studies. The new curriculum will differ from the current one, with changes such as a reduction in the number of required credits for second- and third-year students, a reduction in the number of credits required for graduation, and a revised course schedule centered on the spring semester for third-year students. Specific details of the curriculum will be announced to you after the formal amendment procedures for the University Regulations are complete.
However, as the purpose of this amendment to the University Regulations is solely to accommodate students taking the bar examination while enrolled, there will be no changes to the curriculum for first-year students without a legal background. Furthermore, the changes for second-year students and beyond, such as the reduction in the number of credits for required courses and for graduation, will not be disadvantageous to you.
Please keep the above points in mind as you prepare for enrollment.