![[Economy] In the Taisho era (1912-1926), manual processes dominated business operations, covering everything from product evaluation to revenue management and international communication. Fast forward to the present, and previously unimaginable advancements have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines—database analytics, self-service payment platforms, and translation applications streamline commercial activities.Today, we are pioneering new frontiers in informatics to reshape our world.](lib/img/slide_economic.png)
![[Education] During the Taisho era (1912-1926), there was a nationwide push for more dynamic and innovative education. However, geographical and familial limitations often prevented many children from attending school. Fast forward 100 years, and what was once unimaginable has become routine—online classes accessible from remote areas and ICT tools enabling personalized, flexible learning are now commonplace.Today, we are pioneering new frontiers in informatics to reshape our world.](lib/img/slide_education.png)
![[Medical Care] In the Taisho era (1912-1926), the medical field grappled with frequent pandemics like the Spanish flu and diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Now, a century later, formerly unimaginable advancements are integrated into our daily lives—vaccine development informed by viral genetic data and infection control strategies leveraging big data analytics.Today, we are pioneering new frontiers in informatics to reshape our world.](lib/img/slide_medical.png)
![[Agriculture] During the Taisho era (1912-1926), the agricultural sector embraced emerging machinery fueled by electricity and petroleum. Despite these advancements, farming remained labor-intensive, influenced by factors such as weather changes, escalating labor expenses, and fluctuations in rice prices, which significantly impacted people's lives. Now, a century later, once-inconceivable innovations have become standard practice—autonomous agricultural robots, drones, and AI-powered big data analysis redefine farming methods, enhancing harvest timing and yield forecasts.Today, we are pioneering new frontiers in informatics to reshape our world.](lib/img/slide_agriculture.png)
In the Taisho era (1912-1926), manual processes dominated business operations, covering everything from product evaluation to revenue management and international communication.
Fast forward to the present, and previously unimaginable advancements have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines—database analytics, self-service payment platforms, and translation applications streamline commercial activities.
During the Taisho era (1912-1926), there was a nationwide push for more dynamic and innovative education.
However, geographical and familial limitations often prevented many children from attending school.
Fast forward 100 years, and what was once unimaginable has become routine—online classes accessible rom remote areas and ICT tools enabling personalized, flexible learning are now commonplace.
In the Taisho era (1912-1926), the medical field grappled with frequent pandemics like the Spanish flu and diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
Now, a century later, formerly unimaginable advancements are integrated into our daily lives—vaccine development informed by viral genetic data and infection control strategies leveraging big data analytics.
During the Taisho era (1912-1926), the agricultural sector embraced emerging machinery fueled by electricity and petroleum.
Despite these advancements, farming remained labor-intensive, influenced by factors such as weather changes, escalating labor expenses, and fluctuations in rice prices, which significantly impacted people's lives.
Now, a century later, once-inconceivable innovations have become standard practice—autonomous agricultural robots, drones, and AI-powered big data analysis redefine farming methods, enhancing harvest timing and yield forecasts.
A century ago, what was once extraordinary has now become commonplace, largely due to advancements in informatics. Technologies and services that were once unimaginable are now deeply integrated into our daily lives.
Digital and AI technologies will continue to be crucial in addressing various social issues and shaping the future.
In our newly established Graduate School of Informatics, we offer cutting-edge curricula designed to provide advanced expertise in ICT and its practical application in real-world social and industrial settings. As innovators, we are envisioning the future while also recognizing the untapped potential of society. Just as the futuristic visions of the past have become reality today, we, as the next generation of leaders, are actively shaping the present and future.
Let's take the first step, here and now.
A century ago, what was once extraordinary has now become commonplace, largely due to advancements in informatics. Technologies and services that were once unimaginable are now deeply integrated into our daily lives.
Digital and AI technologies will continue to be crucial in addressing various social issues and shaping the future.
In our newly established Graduate School of Informatics, we offer cutting-edge curricula designed to provide advanced expertise in ICT and its practical application in real-world social and industrial settings. As innovators, we are envisioning the future while also recognizing the untapped potential of society. Just as the futuristic visions of the past have become reality today, we, as the next generation of leaders, are actively shaping the present and future.
Let's take the first step, here and now.
As the working-age population inevitably declines due to aging, the adoption of information and communication technology is anticipated to drive productivity enhancements and generate new value.
From the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research's "Future Estimated Population of Japan"
From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "White Paper on Information and Communications"
In the future, there will be a shortage of IT talent in the order of hundreds of thousands (with an estimated shortage of approximately 790,000 IT professionals by 2030 if demand for IT talent remains high).
Depending on the scenario, there may be an oversupply of traditional IT professionals, while the shortage of advanced IT professionals becomes apparent.
Created based on research from the Mizuho Information & Research Institute’s "Survey on Demand and Supply of IT Talent"
(utilizing figures based on a scenario with median IT demand growth and productivity increase rate of 0.7%, reskilling rate of 1.0%)
As interest in the metaverse and gaming continues to surge, there is a growing demand for professionals skilled in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and design. However, the continued development of Japanese media content remains a challenge.
Labor shortages are driving the need for increased business automation, resulting in a rising demand for IT professionals specializing in machinery-related fields.
With healthcare costs on the rise and labor shortages persisting, there is an urgent need to reevaluate the workload of medical professionals and further leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT).
As demographics shift towards an aging workforce, there is an impending decrease in the labor pool. However, simultaneous advancements in AI, IoT, and the widespread integration of 5G are fueling rapid growth in the IT sector. Various industries, including agriculture and forestry, are also embracing IT tools. This surge in demand across different sectors has led to a scarcity of IT professionals, sought after in diverse fields.
In Japan, IT professionals are predominantly concentrated in vendor companies rather than user companies, such as system users. This creates an imbalance, where user companies struggle to allocate their limited IT resources. Often, these resources are tied up in maintaining existing systems, hampering investment in crucial IT transformations necessary to keep pace with the evolving IT landscape.
The advent of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution," characterized by technologies like Big Data, IoT, and AI, is reshaping lifestyles and industries. There is a growing need for highly skilled IT professionals who can leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive value creation and enhance business efficiency. However, the rapid evolution of the IT field and the continuous influx of new technologies mean there is a perpetual shortage of IT experts capable of navigating advanced technologies.
The Graduate School of Informatics offers a unique curriculum
designed to cultivate advanced
expertise
in the field of information
as well as practical skills.
![Graduates in information-related fields [Undergraduate
Students]](lib/img/feature_img_01.png)
![Graduates in information-related fields [Undergraduate Students]](lib/img/feature_img_01_sp.png)
![Working professionals, such as software engineers (SE) employed in information-related companies [Working Professionals]](lib/img/feature_img_02.png)
![Working professionals, such as software engineers (SE) employed in information-related companies [Working Professionals]](lib/img/feature_img_02_sp.png)
![Individuals interested in formulating and executing strategies utilizing information technology in business companies [Undergraduate Students] [Working Professionals]](lib/img/feature_img_03.png)
![Individuals interested in formulating and executing strategies utilizing information technology in business companies [Undergraduate Students] [Working Professionals]](lib/img/feature_img_03_sp.png)
Our specialized education curriculum covers fundamental areas such as hardware, software, and networks, extending into their practical applications. Students have the opportunity to develop advanced expertise tailored to their interests and challenges. Additionally, our curriculum encompasses emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-physical systems, and computer graphics, which are gaining increasing societal attention and are projected to have a growing demand for knowledge and skills in the future.
We not only focus on enhancing specialized expertise but also emphasize education and research aimed at applying and utilizing these skills in society. The Graduate School of Informatics offers a unique feature with its diverse range of subjects dedicated to acquiring practical skills. These include programming proficiency as a foundational skill, fostering creative thinking for value creation, and teaching project management. These subjects are designed to equip students with the practical capabilities needed to effectively apply their expertise in real-world scenarios.
In many subjects, we offer online classes (on-demand classes) via the Internet alongside traditional in-person classes on campus. This option caters to working professionals who may struggle with commuting to campus. Opting for online classes allows them to advance in their studies at their own pace and in their preferred location and time. These classes primarily focus on lecture-based subjects. For graduation, students can earn a maximum of 22 credits through online classes out of the required 30 credits, with the exception of 8 credits allocated for research guidance subjects*.
*Depending on arrangements with instructors, it may be possible to participate in research guidance subjects via teleconference systems.
| Pattern | Lecture-based Subjects | Exercise-based Subjects |
Research Guidance Subjects |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example of all subjects being attended In-Person |
[Online] None |
[In-Person] 8 subjects (16 credits) |
[In-Person] 3 subjects (6 credits) |
[In-Person] 4 subjects (8 credits) |
| Example of attending some subjects via online classes |
[Online] 5 subjects (10 credits) |
[In-Person] 4 subjects (8 credits) |
[In-Person] 2 subjects (4 credits) |
[In-Person] 4 subjects (8 credits) |
| Example of attending as many subjects as possible via on line classes |
[Online] 11 subjects (22 credits) |
[In-Person] None |
[In-Person] None |
[In-Person](*) 4 subjects (8 credits) |
• Depending on arrangements with instructors, it may be possible to attend research guidance subjects via teleconference systems.
Our curriculum is uniquely structured into three key areas: the "Common Area," the "Specialized Area (comprising Fundamental Information Subjects and Advanced Information Subjects)," and "Research Projects."
In the "Common Area," students delve into subjects focusing on the practical application of specialized knowledge and skills.
In the "Specialized Area," students have the opportunity to explore specific informatics subjects tailored
to their individual interests and concerns.
Moreover, over the duration of the two-year master’s program,
students actively participate in research projects and thesis writing.
Gaining foundational knowledge for graduate school studies and acquiring specialized expertise in information technology for practical application in society.
Emphasis on the
Utilization of
Knowledge and Skills.
Highlighted Subjects
Gain insight into design thinking, a methodology that promotes innovation in society by adopting fresh perspectives on service as value-creating enterprises.
Explore real-world examples of employing ICT technologies to construct smart societies and expand your horizons through discussions with industry-leading guest speakers.
Develop an understanding of project management, covering planning, requirement definition, and development within the context of information system development projects.
Select from a diverse array of fields aligned with your interests and goals.
Foundational Informatics
Highlighted Subjects
Acquire knowledge and skills in "cyber-physical systems," where sensors measure and analyze various real-world objects and events to generate new value.
Explore the fundamental technologies underpinning the ubiquitous network society, where information flows freely, through real-world case studies.
Advanced Informatics… including Deep Learning
Highlighted Subjects
Master the fundamentals of artificial intelligence applications, including knowledge representation and inference/learning methods. Utilize basic tools to tackle real-world problem-solving.
Comprehend and apply cutting-edge theories and methodologies in artificial intelligence. Develop skills to implement deep learning and other advanced techniques for addressing real-world challenges and creating new value in society.
The study of services has evolved beyond traditional business sectors like manufacturing and information technology to encompass all forms of value creation businesses driven by human services. Against this backdrop, there has been a surge in entrepreneurial ventures focusing on new value creation. Additionally, "Mindset-by-Design" is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for societal innovation. In this course, our goal is to explore this fresh perspective on services and delve into the principles of Mindset-by-Design. Initially, we will examine the concept of business through the lens of service science, followed by an exploration of the importance and process of Mindset-by-Design. Through practical exercises, we will deepen our understanding of the design mindset process, which involves both "problem discovery" and "problem-solving" phases.
In recent years, there has been significant advancement in technologies aimed at constructing smart societies through the use of ICT, particularly AI, big data, IoT, robotics, and security technologies. This course is designed to provide insights into the practical applications and potential of informatics by examining real-world challenges and examples of ICT technology across various industries and scenarios. To accomplish this, we will invite active researchers and experts from cutting-edge fields as guest speakers to engage students in discussions about problem-solving and value creation through information technology. Through these discussions and interactions with leading researchers both within and outside the university, our aim is to expand students' perspectives on the applications and possibilities of informatics. Additionally, by facilitating networking opportunities with professionals engaged in advanced research across various domains, we hope to foster the creation of new research ideas and broaden the scope of our own research endeavors.
In companies, a variety of activities such as management, technical development, production, and sales take place, each involving diverse projects tailored to its specific needs. This course primarily centers on information system development projects, aiming to equip students with project management skills spanning from project planning to requirement definition and development processes. Following the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), recognized as the global standard for project management, we will explore the framework and knowledge areas of project management while delving into basic concepts, methods, and tools. Real project examples will illustrate the scope and characteristics of project management. Through practical exercises, we will deepen our understanding of the importance and functions of project management and hone our skills in utilizing tools effectively.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is a technology that generates new value in the real world by utilizing sensors to measure various objects and phenomena in physical spaces. This information is then shared over a network, analyzed as data in cyberspace using AI and large-scale data analysis technologies, and finally utilized to present insights and control processes in the real world. CPS focuses on collectively analyzing and controlling these elements in the Internet of Things (IoT) society, where everything is interconnected via the Internet. It is regarded as a fundamental technology for smart systems proposed in concepts like Society 5.0 and Industry 4.0. This course aims to provide an understanding of the foundational theory of CPS and practical technologies such as sensor networks and data analysis, while also fostering the ability to apply them to individual research tasks.
As technologies like IoT and wireless communication continue to advance, the vision of a ubiquitous network society—where connectivity is seamless and information exchange is unrestricted—has materialized. This course is designed to enhance comprehension of ubiquitous networks through lectures covering essential technologies like advanced network infrastructure, mobile networks, and network security. Additionally, contemporary case studies will be incorporated to illustrate real-world applications and challenges.
The goal of this course is to establish a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) by offering an overview of key AI domains like perception, learning, and reasoning. Students will delve into knowledge representation, inference, and learning methods that underpin these AI fields. Moreover, they will discover how to address real-world challenges using basic tools. The course encompasses diverse domains, including problem-solving, searching, planning, games, constraint satisfaction, knowledge agents, logical reasoning, uncertain reasoning, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and ethical considerations in AI. Through this course, students will grasp fundamental problem-solving techniques in artificial intelligence.
This course emphasizes the acquisition of practical and advanced expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). It encompasses advanced knowledge representation, inference, and learning methods, alongside the application of data mining techniques. Students will gain proficiency in understanding and effectively utilizing tools, as well as developing skills to implement deep learning and other advanced techniques for addressing real-world challenges. The goal of the course is to empower students with the capacity to generate new value in society. Topics covered include decision trees, rule learning, naive Bayes learning, association rules, clustering, neural networks, ensemble learning, inductive logic, and beyond.
Showcase your acquired expertise, critical thinking,
and practical skills through hands-on research projects.
The Common Area is a group of subjects that students are expected to study in common to deepen their expertise following their interests and preferences. In the Common Area, students acquire the ability to implement and practice specialized knowledge and skills. In addition to specialized courses in Informatics, the biggest feature we offer at the Graduate School of Informatics is that subjects with a full range of courses emphasize practical application and implementation in real society.
| Elective/Required | Subjects | Overview & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Required | Advanced Informatics | Specialized faculty members explain each area of informatics, helping students understand the position, issues, and potential applications of each area. |
| Elective | Informatics Practice | Students learn basic skills for implementing knowledge and skills in the field of informatics through practical training in programming. |
| Mindset-by-Design and Project Management |
Acquire the ability to highly implement obtained expertise, such as practical methodologies and thinking methods that serve as the basis for utilization and practice. | |
| Exploring Information Futures and Internship |
Students will gain a concrete perspective on the possibilities of using their skills by understanding the current situation in various industries and by experiencing actual workplaces themselves. |
In the "Specialized Area," students will acquire advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of information technology based on their own preferences and awareness of issues, to apply and practice their specialized skills and technologies in the real world. The Specialized Area consists of “Fundamental Information Subjects” that are related to the essential infrastructure for information networks (hardware, software, networks, etc.), and “Advanced Information Subjects” that implement skills and knowledge toward various issues using information networks (e.g. AI, Intelligent Robotics, Computer Graphics, etc.).
In " Research Projects", under the guidance of research supervisors, students practice the process of research planning, hypothesis development, experimentation, verification, and thesis writing to demonstrate and consolidate the abilities acquired in the "Common Area" and "Specialized Area". In addition to earning the required number of credits, students are eligible to acquire the degree of "Master of Engineering" through a master's thesis based on the research projects.
| Classification | Class Names | Available Classes | Number of credits | Online Classes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 2nd year | Required | Elective | *In-person is also available |
|||||
| First semester |
Second semester |
First semester |
Second semester |
||||||
| Common Area | Advanced Informatics | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Informatics Practice | 〇 | 2 | |||||||
| Mindset-by-Design | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | ||||||
| Exploring Information Futures | 〇 | 2 | |||||||
| Project Management | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | ||||||
| Internship | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | ||||
| Specialized Area |
Fundamental Information Subjects |
Mathematics for Information Science | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||
| Logical Designing Skills | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Fundamental Software | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Parallel Computing | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Ubiquitous Networks | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Cyber-Physical Systems | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Human Interface | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Advanced Information Subjects |
Essential Concepts in AI | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | ||||
| Advanced Application in AI | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Spatial Advanced Informatics | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Intelligent Robotics | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Computer Graphics | 〇 | 〇 | 2 | 〇 | |||||
| Research Projects | Research Projects I | 〇 | 2 | ||||||
| Research Projects II | 〇 | 2 | |||||||
| Research Projects III | 〇 | 2 | |||||||
| Research Projects IV | 〇 | 2 | |||||||
| Total（22 courses） | 10 | 34 | － | ||||||
| Degree | Master of Engineering |
|---|---|
| Graduation Requirements |
The requirements for completion of the master's degree program in the Graduate School of Informatics (master's course) are to acquire a total of 30 credits or more, including those listed below, and to pass the thesis examination and the finals after receiving the necessary research guidance. 【Common Area】 At least six credits including two required credits 【Research Projects】 Required credits: 8 |
| Semester System | Two semesters per year |
| Weeks in Semester | 14 weeks |
| Class Hours per Period | 100 minutes |
Prospective students transitioning from the workforce may not necessarily have backgrounds in information-related fields. For those needing to catch up on information domain knowledge based on their backgrounds and work experiences, we offer pre-enrollment education online.
At the Graduate School of Informatics, we offer a flexible enrollment system that allows you to extend the standard two-year master's program to three years. With this system, working professionals can choose a study duration that suits their needs*1. Please note that regardless of the chosen duration, the total tuition and fees remain the same.
*1 Applications for the extended enrollment system can be submitted either during the admission process or while enrolled (limited to one request).
Comprehensive Communication and Guidance System
for Each Student
Every student is paired with a primary and secondary research supervisor to provide guidance throughout their research journey.
These supervisors are experts in specialized fields aligned with the student's research goals and interests, assisting them through research projects.
Moreover, they offer advice on course selection tailored to the students' research plans and advancements.
In an effort to cultivate a strong bond, each student receives thorough communication and support from their supervisors, ensuring comprehensive guidance on both research and coursework.
Striving to nurture forward-thinking IT professionals sought after by the rapidly evolving information society.
The rapid evolution of IT, exemplified by innovations like Deep Learning and ChatGPT, is poised to bring about significant societal changes. However, amidst the escalating competition in the information age, there exists a critical shortage of IT professionals, especially those proficient in leveraging advanced knowledge and skills related to information.
In April 2021, Kyoto Tachibana University established the Faculty of Engineering, which includes the Departments of Information Engineering and Architectural Design. Now, we are preparing to launch the master's program in Information Studies within the Graduate School of Information Studies by April 2024.
Our research department is dedicated to educational research focused on specialized knowledge and skills in information communication. Our aim is to contribute to problem-solving and value creation in society while producing leading IT professionals who will drive transformations across various industries in products, services, and business models.
To achieve this objective, we are committed to the following initiatives:
1.Conduct advanced educational research in various fields such as AI, software, networks, and computer graphics.
2.Provide education on thinking methods and project management necessary for identifying and creating value in real-world scenarios.
3.Collaborate with other fields such as healthcare and education to enhance understanding of the structure of industries and real-world problems.
4.Collaborate with companies to set practical research topics (including the possibility for working professionals to bring their own research topics from their industries) and actively pursue them.
Through these efforts, we aim to cultivate IT professionals who can create new value in society and lead the way in utilizing the latest technologies.
In our research department's courses, we provide both Common and Specialized Areas of study (Fundamental Information Subjects and Advanced Information Subjects). In the Common Area, students delve into topics related to applying specialized knowledge and techniques, including honing skills for thesis writing. Within the Specialized Area—Fundamental Information Subjects—students acquire essential knowledge and techniques for building information communication systems (hardware, software, networks, etc.). In the Advanced Information Subjects, students learn how to tackle real-world problems across various domains by applying foundational knowledge and techniques (such as AI, spatial information processing, computer graphics, robotics, etc.). They then put their expertise, critical thinking, and practical skills to use in research projects and thesis writing.
Moreover, our research department warmly welcomes not only graduates from information engineering departments at other universities but also professionals like systems engineers from information-related companies and individuals interested in utilizing information technology for strategic planning and execution. We offer tailored media classes for working professionals and provide diverse and adaptable teaching methods. Additionally, we offer pre-admission education for those seeking to enhance their knowledge at the undergraduate level of information engineering.
Our goal is to foster digital transformation (DX) across various fields in collaboration with students and professionals eager to leverage IT's potential.
| Name of Graduate School/Major | Graduate School of Informatics Master’s Degree in Informatics |
|---|---|
| Admission Capacity Per Year /Maximum Capacity |
10 / 20 |
| Degree | Master of Engineering |
*The following summaries are for the 2024 entrance examination and are provided for reference purposes only.
| Classification | Application Acceptance Period |
Examination Date | Acceptance Announcement |
Deadline for Admission Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Term | January 5 (Fri.) – January 12 (Fri.), 2024 | February 17 (Sat.) | February 22 (Thur.) | March 1 (Fri.) |
| Application Period | Screening Result Announcement |
|---|---|
| November 22 (Wed.) – November 29 (Wed.), 2023 | December 8 (Fri.) |
| Application Period | November 22 (Wed.) – November 29 (Wed.), 2023 |
|---|---|
| Screening Result Announcement |
December 8 (Fri.) |
| Graduate School |
Major | Course of Study |
Selection Category | Examination Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Informatics | Informatics | Master’s Degree |
General Entrance Examination |
English (TOEIC®), Expertise Subjects, Interview |
| Skipped Entrance Examination *1 |
English (TOEIC®), Expertise Subjects, Interview |
|||
| Entrance Examination for working professionals |
Interview |
For details on the Entrance Examination (eligibility etc.),
please refer to our admissions webpage. ▶︎