Curriculum Information
Inside the Central Library
1. Academic year
At the University of Tsukuba, one academic year is divided into two 15-week semesters: Spring and Fall Semesters. Each semester is further divided into three modules: Modules A, B, and C (five weeks each).
The academic/fiscal year officially begins in April 1 and ends in March 31 although the admission of students can be arranged in both April and October. For more information about academic calendar, click here.
All students are encouraged to register courses online. Please observe the deadline of online registration at our “TWINS” system. This TWINS system operates in English and Japanese. To go to the English website in the TWINS system, click here.
3. Degree requirement
The requirement for acquiring master's degree in environmental sciences is based on the number of credits and original research work. Successful person earns at least 30 credits from both compulsory and elective courses that are offered by the Master's Program in Environmental Sciences. In addition, each student submits original research work as master's thesis.
All students, including JDS fellows, can also take courses in other programs, graduate schools, and the “Graduate General Education” courses at the University of Tsukuba. Among credits you may obtain from these courses, the maximum of 10 credits can be recognized as part of the above 30-credit requirement for graduation from the Master's Program in Environmental Sciences. For this process, students are required to submit an application for approval by the Master's Program in Environmental Sciences. For more information, please ask your academic supervisor.
4. Course orientation
After coming to Tsukuba, all JDS fellows receive course orientation in mid-September. This orientation provides information about campus living, course registration, and research supervision.
