M.A./Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education
The Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research has been in existence since 2002. It is the first graduate school of its kind in the nation. The school accepts 25 students a year into its M.A. program and 3 students a year into its Ph.D. program.
The M.A. program as well as the Ph.D. program offers three particular areas of specialization: Language Teaching Methodology, Materials Development/Educational Technology, and Linguistic Analysis.
The Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research is an independent school without an undergraduate program. It accepts students from all fields who are interested in language teaching. Since its founding, the school has attracted students from Kansai University, universities across the nation as well as international students.
Recurrent Education
Many of our students are junior and senior high school teachers who are studying to improve their teaching skills. We place a particular emphasis on recurrent education and for those who want to study while continuing their day-time jobs, we offer evening classes as well as a three year M.A. in addition to the normal two year M.A.. Those with extensive teaching experience may also be accepted into our special one year M.A. program for teachers.
Intensive courses are also offered during summer and winter vacation to make it easier for our working students to attend classes. Selection of students is based on a paper test and an interview, with greater emphasis placed on the latter. Those with certificates proving their high foreign language proficiency may be exempt from taking the foreign language test.
M.A. Courses
The M.A. program strives to maintain a balance between theoretical and practical concerns by requiring students to choose courses from a group of theoretically oriented courses as well as from a group of methodologically and practically oriented courses. In addition, all students must take one seminar course according to specific areas of specialization.
Ph.D. Courses
The goal of the program is to produce researchers and leaders in the field of foreign language teaching. Ph.D. students work closely with their advisers in the seminar course where they will get help in defining their individual research. Students are also required to take Ph.D. level courses to gain a deeper understanding of their areas of specialization.
back to topAdmission
Applications for the Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research are accepted several times a year. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the admission office
(grd-adm@jm.kansai-u.ac.jp) to get information on examination dates, application instructions and application forms.The entrance examination normally consists of a written language test and an interview.
Plans of Study in the M.A. Program
The Graduate School of Foreign Language Education and Research offers three study plans:
THESIS PLAN: This is recommended for research oriented students and it consists of writing a thesis on your chosen area of study.
TEACHING MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: This is recommended for students who want to focus more on the practical aspect of language teaching and it consists of developing teaching materials accompanied by a commentary.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION PLAN: This option is available only for students who are admitted under the Experienced Teachers’One Year M.A. Program and consists of taking a comprehensive examination at the end of your studies.