Doctoral Program (English-based Degree Program)

Waseda University's Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of International Culture and Communication Studies (GSICCS) is an English-based degree completed over three years, with entry available in April or September, at the university's Tokyo campus. The program is offered within a private university enrolling more than 47,000 students across 13 undergraduate and 20 graduate schools, making Waseda the second largest university in Japan. Doctoral study in international culture and communication typically draws on media studies, cultural studies, communication theory, and international relations, with candidates completing an original dissertation under faculty supervision. Research at this level often examines topics such as cross-cultural communication, global media, cultural policy, and the intersection of culture with politics and society, supported by coursework, research seminars, and academic writing training. Candidates generally progress through coursework, a research proposal stage, data collection or textual analysis, and a final dissertation defense evaluated by a faculty committee. Career paths for graduates with a doctorate in this field include academic positions, research roles in media and cultural organizations, international communications and public diplomacy work, and policy or research positions within government or international organizations. Being based in Tokyo places candidates close to Japanese media companies, cultural institutions, and international organizations relevant to their research, along with opportunities to study Japan's own media and cultural environment directly. Because the admissions process bases English requirements on published guidelines rather than a strict cutoff, and allows applicants to apply even without a fully matching score, the program is designed to accommodate researchers from varied academic backgrounds who want to pursue doctoral-level study in English within a Japanese university.