The United Nations University is offering PhD in Sustainability Science in Tokyo, Japan

The United Nations University is offering PhD in Sustainability Science in Tokyo, Japan

Deadline : 3 March 2024

Location : Tokyo , Japan

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Programme is a three-year programme that takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives.

This programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates.

Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.

Programme Structure & Language

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation.

The language of instruction is English.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

1. A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

OR

Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency.

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

• 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
• 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
• 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

* Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted. UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

• TOEFL: Please order an official score report using the institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit http://www.ets.org/toefl/
• IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit http://www.ielts.org/ 

Applicants who have studied for at least two consecutive years in a degree-granting university programme taught entirely in English may submit a substitute document for the English language proficiency score. 

How to Apply

Please refer to the PhD Application Guidelines for detailed instructions on how to apply. 

Key Dates

• 3 March 2024: Deadline for applications
• Mid-April 2024:Invitation to an interview and requests for submitting supporting documents by email (shortlisted applicants only)
• Mid to late April 2024:Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late May 2024 onwards:Announcement of application results (successful applicants only)

Dates are subject to change.\

Fees

• Application Processing Fee: None
• Tuition Fee: USD 12,000 per year*

To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year (USD 6,000*, non-refundable) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must pay a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.**

The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for three years are approximately USD 84,000, including tuition fees. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.

* The fee is subject to change.

*Applicants can be eligible for scholarship . Visit this link here : https://unitednationcareers.com/apply-for-this-lucrative-japan-foundation-for-unu-jfunu-scholarship-phd-programme/