International Joint Department

A Step Towards the Future of the Earth

A New Department Will Be Established in Kyushu University’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation

International Joint Department (Tentative)University of Glasgow (SES) × Kyushu University (ISI) *As the program is currently under development, details are subject to change.

Overview of the New Department

Date of Establishment：October 2028
Department Name : Kyushu University–University of Glasgow International Joint Department
Enrollment Capacity : 10 students(5 from Kyushu University and 5 from the University of Glasgow)
Degree Awarded : Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Human Resources to Be Cultivated : The program aims to cultivate individuals who can contribute to the realization of social and environmental sustainability, which represents one of the most pressing global challenges. Students will develop the ability to compare field sites across multiple countries, collaborate internationally, and verify and address issues through field-based, practice-oriented research.
Places of Study : Year 1/Home university, Year 2/University of Glasgow, Year 3/Kyushu University, Year 4/Either university, selected by the student according to their research theme.
Program : Joint Degree Program (JDP) Designed and implemented jointly by Kyushu University’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation and the University of Glasgow’s School of Social and Environmental Sustainability. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a single joint degree bearing the names of both universities.

Kyushu University was founded in 1911 as an Imperial University. It currently comprises 12 undergraduate faculties and 20 graduate schools, and hosts some of the largest university-affiliated hospitals and libraries in Japan.
The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI) was established in 2018. Rather than focusing solely on training based on conventional disciplinary methodologies, ISI aims to cultivate a new generation of highly advanced professionals capable of addressing the complex global challenges facing the world today.

The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is a world‑class research university recognized for its excellence on the global stage.
Its Dumfries Campus, which belongs to the College of Social Sciences, is a leading hub for education and research in sustainability-related fields. The campus has received strong international recognition, ranking 12th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 and 27th worldwide in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026.

Mission

Prof. Kunio Araya

Message from the Dean of the Faculty of ISI

Message video here
Our school was established in 2018 as the 12th undergraduate school at the university. In this school, students with diverse backgrounds work together to address complex global challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
To further advance this mission, we will launch a Joint Degree Program in October 2028 with the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions. This will be the first initiative of its kind at a Japanese national university's undergraduate level, and students will have the opportunity to study both in Japan and in the UK.
In this program, students will deepen their understanding of real environmental issues through fieldwork in Asia and Europe.
It offers an exceptional opportunity for those who hope to work internationally in the future—such as serving as staff in the United Nations or other global organizations.
I look forward to meeting students who are ready to take on new challenges and shape the future together.

Prof. Johan Lauwereyns

Message from the Executive Vice President for International Affairs, Kyushu University

Message video here
For the past several years, our School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation has worked closely with the University of Glasgow's School of Social and Environmental Sustainability. We have co-organized COIL courses (Collaborative Online International Learning), we have participated in a field course on the Isle of Harris and have implemented inbound and outbound long-term exchange programs. These efforts have built strong mutual trust and created meaningful connections among faculty, staff, and students across our two institutions. This Joint Degree Program is a natural next step for our powerful partnership—a development that reflects both the depth of our collaboration and the shared vision we have cultivated over time. As someone engaged in international outreach, I am excited to share this massive opportunity with students who are ready to take on important challenges, to experience two academic cultures, and to work together toward global environmental solutions. Thank you.

Professor Konstantinos Kontis

Message from the Dean for Global Engagement (China / East Asia), University of Glasgow

Message video here
We regard the establishment of this Joint Degree Program, together with the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, Kyushu University, as a deeply meaningful milestone for our institution.
The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451 and known for world-leading research, is proud to advance this new collaboration. Built on trust, mutual respect, and a strong collaborative relationship with Kyushu University, it represents the first initiative at an undergraduate level of JDP among Japan’s national universities and marks an important step forward in our international strategy.
At the University of Glasgow, our internationalisation strategy is centred on long-term, high-quality global partnerships that create academic excellence, broaden student opportunity, and contribute to society. The development of this Joint Degree Program is an important example of that approach and contributes directly to our wider global goals.
The environmental field is one of the most critical global challenges we face today. Through this program, the intension is students will study in both Japan and Scotland, developing the capacity to address issues from a truly global perspective. This initiative plays a significant role in advancing our university’s mission to contribute knowledge and solutions back to society.
As we take this important step, we look forward to working together with the view to welcoming students who are ready to learn across cultures, engage with communities in Japan and Scotland, and grow into leaders capable of shaping a more sustainable future.

Professor Fabrice Renaud

Message from the Head of the School of SES, University of Glasgow

Message video here
We are developing a new Joint Degree Program with the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, Kyushu University.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in Environmental Education and Global learning. By studying across two countries, the intention is that students will not only gain academic knowledge, but also develop the ability to address real environmental challenges in the field while considering different cultural and geographical settings. They will experience different ecosystems firsthand, learn contrasting policy approaches to sustainability, and build global networks through collaboration with diverse peers and local institutions and communities.
We are confident this proposed programme will nurture future experts who will be ready to address the most pressing current and future global and local sustainability challenges. We look forward to developing this programme and welcoming students who are ready to make a difference. Thank you very much.

Program

Dr Steven Gillespie

Message from the Program Coordinator at the University of Glasgow

In this proposed Joint Degree Program, the idea is that work directly in the field—both in Scotland and in Japan—engaging with authentic environmental challenges across two distinct cross-cultural contexts. By integrating field-based skills, laboratory experience and academic inquiry, students gain a deeper, multidimensional understanding that neither perspective alone can provide.
We had the privilege of hosting both Kyushu and University of Glasgow students on a residential field course recently which provided an opportunity for all students to exchange ideas while developing skills, cross-cultural understanding and approaches to environmental challenges. The benefits of this exchange reinforced the potential of a joint degree program. Our goal is to create a program that fully nurtures each studentʼs growth and potential and prepares them for current and future sustainability challenges and solutions. The intension is to provide an environment where students can challenge themselves across two academic cultures, gain meaningful field and ideological experience, and prepare students to meaningfully contribute across the globe. We look forward to developing the program and ultimately welcoming students who are ready to explore, engage, and grow beyond borders.

Program Overview: International Joint Department (Tentative Name)

The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI) at Kyushu University offers programs designed to cultivate the ability to identify social challenges and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to develop solutions. In contrast, the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) at the University of Glasgow is characterized by its specialized and systematic approach to the in-depth study of environmental issues and sustainability.
This Joint Degree Program (JDP) builds on the complementary strengths of both universities and leverages the distinct cultural, natural, and social contexts of Japan and Scotland in the United Kingdom. Students will study while moving between the two countries, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of different environmental settings. Through this approach, students will develop a deep understanding of how environmental issues are perceived and addressed in different regions of the world. In addition to learning the fundamental principles of environmental science and sustainability, students will have opportunities to examine how these concepts are translated into policies and practical initiatives within diverse social contexts.
Regarding the places of study, all students will follow a common pathway: during Year 1, they will study at their home institution; in Year 2, all students will study at the University of Glasgow; and in Year 3, all students will study at Kyushu University. In Year 4, students will conduct their graduation research at either university, which they may choose according to their individual research themes.

Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
the university at which the student enrolled	University of Glasgow	Kyushu University	Students will choose either Kyushu University or the University of Glasgow based on their research theme.

After Graduation

Graduate studies at universities in Japan or overseas Think tanks, consulting firms, and financial institutions In addition to the above, careers as professionals engaged in policy development, social implementation, and sustainability-related initiatives in the broad field of environmental issues (e.g. social innovators)

Admissions

The enrollment capacity of the Kyushu University–University of Glasgow International Joint Department (tentative name) is 10 students, consisting of:

5 students admitted through Kyushu University
5 students admitted through the University of Glasgow

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Tuition and fees

Admission Fee: JPY 282,000
Tuition Fee: JPY 535,800 per year（as of March 2026）

*The current proposal is for students to pay tuition only to their home university.

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FAQ

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Inquiries

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