Overview of JDP

The Graduate School of Medicine at Nagoya University has established International Collaborative Programs (so called Joint Degree Programs: JDP) that allow students to pursue a single project under two supervisors at two collaborative universities. Upon completion, they will receive a joint degree provided by both universities. To complete the program, attending additional years is not required. During the 4 year doctoral degree program, students are guaranteed to study at the partner university for at least for 12 months.This program ensures an international experience with the jointly awarded degree.

By participating in the joint degree program, students are able to receive a fulfilling educational program that emphasizes the strengths of each university and become the next generation of excellent international researches. Students will be able to study and discuss one theme from a different perspective under a different culture, region, and life style environment by enrolling at 2 famous foreign universities and laboratories.They are also expected to learn the problem solving communication skill and gain its management skills.

Joint degree programs with foreign universities are now allowed after the revision of the standards for Establishment of Universities in November, 2014. Therefore, institutionally, Japanese universities have become able to offer a joint degree program with universities in foreign countries. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology in Japan (MEXT) has permitted the establishment of new programs, such as the joint degree program with the University of Adelaide on 15 June 2015.

Nagoya University has been chosen as one of the TOP Global Universities by MEXT. Nagoya University is committed to becoming a world leader in cutting edge research. Thus, the establishment of the joint degree program is expanding the framework of joint education and research. Nagoya University would like to expand its influence in the Asian region and become known as “Asia’s Hub University.”

Difference between Joint Degree and Double Degree

Joint Degree(JD)

A single academic degree jointly conferred on students who have completed a single joint educational program established by universities that jointly set up the said program.
(In Japan, the revision of the standards for Establishment of Universities in November, 2014 made it possible for Japanese universities to confer “joint degrees” in their name and name of partner universities in foreign countries on those who have completed prescribed programs)

Double Degree(DD)

Academic degrees separately conferred on students who have completed a number of educational programs on the same academic degree level, established by universities under a partnership and satisfies the requirements for each university. Such degree will be conferred on qualified students by each university.

Generally, a double degree requires two different theses; however, it is possible to have the same thesis as one’s academic thesis for a joint degree. “International Collaborative Program in Comprehensive Medical Science between Nagoya University and the University of Adelaide,” and “International Collaborative Program in Comprehensive Medical Science between Nagoya University and Lund University” allow students to have the same thesis as their academic thesis. In addition, a single oral defense is scheduled to take place at the principle university using a teleconference system with a partner university, so an oral defense will not be held twice.

Requirements

Adelaide University library

For a joint degree program, students are required to earn fundamental credits that are necessary for the completion of a regular PhD program. However, as the research experiment will be jointly supervised by both universities, less credits are required compared to the cases where students earn credits at the respective universities.

＊Note：the definitions of the “joint degree,” “double degree,” and some other similar degrees are not consistent. Please note that the definition or the way of addressing these degrees may differ based on their countries or institutions.

Double Degree(DD)

Referral
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Working Group on the Internationalization of Universities, Japan“Guidelines for Building International Joint Diploma Programs including Double and Joint Degree Programs.”
http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chukyo/chukyo4/houkoku/1353907.htm

Course Image

・Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (in Medicine)
・Number of Students to be Admitted: 2 students for each course/year (Total 4 students/year)
・Financial Support: Tuition fees are exempted at a partner university. Travel support (up to JPY200,000) as well as a scholarship (JPY 300,000/month) during the stay at the partner university. (scheduled)
・A Joint working committee will assist students to find an appropriate supervisor

Nagoya = Adelaide JDP, Nagoya = Lund JDP