Academic Programs | Collese of Asia Pacific Studes - APS - APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

College of Asia Pacific Studies - APS

Study Development and manage change in the Asia Pacific regior

While the world continues to change, international society still faces numerous unresolved issues, such as poverty, ethnic conflict, and environmental destruction. Asia Pacific Studies has been designed to meet the needs of individuals aiming to be active in resolving such problems. It approaches subjects with an emphasis on the Asia Pacific region, which continues to attract attention for its ongoing rapid economic growth. Students are encouraged to take part in various field work opportunities off campus in order to understand these global issues in a real setting.

Environment and Development, Culture, Society and Media, Hospitality and Tourism, International Relations and Peace Studies

Bachelor of Social Science

4 years with normal study mode, 3 or 3.5 years with Accelerated Graduation Program

Students study international relations, international sociology and regional studies as the foundation of their study in this field. On top of that, students take further study in the abovementioned four study areas. Student may study more than one area to meet individual needs and interests.

Seminars are project based classes that allow students to delve more deeply into their topic of interest, which involves lots of research and discussions. Students usually start taking seminar classes from their third year and write their thesis during their fourth year seminar.

The main aim of the Asia Pacific Studies' seminar is to deepen students’ understanding of specific social issues affecting the Asia Pacific region through project based studies involving intensive research and discussions. While developing specialized investigative and literature analysis techniques, students can also participate in surveys, interviews or fieldwork in Japan or overseas.

International Security Issues Facing the Asia Pacific Region; Ethnicity, Education and Migration in Development; Globalization, Governance, Environment and Natural Resources Management- Emerging Trends and Challenges in Asia Pacific; Comparative Musicology; Popular Culture, Consumption and Tourism; Area Analysis using Geographical Information Systems; and many more.

International organizations and aid agencies; international journalism; research institutions; government offices; NPOs and NGOs; education and environment related organizations and industries; companies seeking to expand into new markets in the Asia Pacific region; Continuing studies in a Master's course.

In my county, Nigeria, there are serious environmental problems. My dream is helping my country to have sustainable development by contributing as an environmental researcher. My choice of the College of Asia pacific Studies was based on its approach to global problems highlighted through learning by experience. I participated in fieldwork and visited a town near APU to find out what kind of options are available and how we can use these for the development of local areas with local residents. These practical experiences are really interesting and useful for my future goals, and I appreciate the study environment that APU offers. After graduation, I would like to continue my study in a postgraduate course to make my dream come true.

I am aiming to become a politician or work for an authority able to significantly contribute to the development of Thailand.
I want my home country to be a first-world nation with morality where Thai people, especially the poor, have a higher standard of living, with an excellent education system, modern facilities and infrastructures in an ideal environment. I chose to take International Governance here at APU, and I find the subjects challenging and relevant to achieving my future goals, by understanding other countries' social, political and economic strategies. Also, as an APS student, I debate and discuss academic issues with both international and Japanese students, and through this I have learned how to avoid misunderstandings in international settings, which is very important for work with international people in the real world.