Graduate Education

Doctoral Thesis

Criteria for Examination of Doctoral Thesis

The doctoral thesis review shall evaluate the following, as well as the overall content of the doctoral thesis, and make a comprehensive judgment.

(1)The purpose of the research must be clear and have new academic significance.
(2)The purpose of the research is accomplished.
(3)The method applied is effective and appropriate for the purpose of the research.
(4)The method of handling collected information and materials is appropriate.
(5)The structure and format are in place.
(6)The purpose and method of the research are appropriately based on the previous studies.
(7)Sufficient knowledge in the specialized field is demonstrated.
(8)Logic, terminology, and writing style are appropriate and clear.

Requirements for Graduation

○To be enrolled at the Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies for more than three years* (excluding the period of leave of absence)
○To earn 16 credits, including 12 credits of Dissertation Work in Advanced Studies IIIA through to VB.
○To receive the necessary research guidance and pass an examination for a doctoral thesis
○To make full payment for the tuition fee (excluding students with the exempt of the tuition fee)
*Students who are recognized to have achieved great performance can graduate in a shorter term.

SOKENDAI website

Procedure of doctoral dissertation examination

Colloquium

Before starting your dissertation work, implementation of a colloquium (an informal discussion session for developing the dissertation structure and content) may be carried out to clarify the grand plan and logical structure of your dissertation, and the invitation of external experts for their advice is possible.

Evaluation Procedure

Submission of necessary documents for Preliminary Exam
Evaluation by the Preliminary Evaluation Committee
Completed within 50 days from the application deadline.
Deliberation of examination results by the Program Committee
Notification of Results
Validity period of the results is one year from the date of notification.
Submission of necessary documents for Final Exam
Evaluation Committee
Presentation disclosed to relevant parties, and an oral examination
Deliberation of examination results by the Program Committee
Degree conferment deliberations by Faculty Meeting