Master's in
International Cooperation Policy (ICP)
MASTER'S PROGRAM OVERVIEW - INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION POLICY (ICP)
The International Cooperation Policy Master's program provides students with policy-oriented and practical advice, drawing on diverse fields to train creative professionals who can understand complex challenges from multiple perspectives and formulate feasible solutions with integrative approaches from global, regional and local perspectives. Such training will improve practical skills and knowledge to plan, implement and evaluate projects and thereby contribute to organizations that work closely with and in developing nations.
As the program attracts students of diverse backgrounds from all over the world, students easily develop extensive personal networks during their course of studies. Such networks serve as valuable assets even after graduation. Graduates of this program work in industries in or dealing with the Asia Pacific region, national and local governments in Japan and around the world, development agencies and other regional and international organizations.
| Degree | Master of Science in International Cooperation Policy |
|---|---|
| Divisions |
International Public Administration (IPA) Development Economics (DE) Sustainability Science (SS) (including IMAT) Tourism and Hospitality (TH) |
| Program Duration | 2 years / 1.5 or one year (accelerated program) |
| Yearly Intake | 45 students |
| Enrollment Semesters | April, September |
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Students can select one of the following five divisions for their specialization: International Public Administration, Sustainability Science, Tourism and Hospitality and Development Economics. They are also required to take analytical foundation, core and seminar courses. Furthermore, current topics are introduced through special study series courses. Some of the subjects are provided jointly with our MBA program for more effective professional development. Students must submit a master's thesis or a research report to complete their degree.
Additionally, numerous seminars and workshops are organized throughout the year. There are many opportunities for students to participate in the exchange of ideas, information and expertise with academics, experts, business executives, policy makers and senior administrators.
DIVISIONS
International Public Administration (IPA)
In our contemporary world, cross-border movement of people, goods, money and information is continuously evolving. With this deepening of mutual dependence, various challenges in public policy cannot be coped with by a state’s local or national government alone. When formulating and implementing domestic public policy, states often find it necessary to consult various international organizations and peer member states facing similar challenges.
The International Public Administration division addresses these topics and explores modalities and alternatives to improve current situations and to cope with future challenges. We welcome students with keen interests in the various issues of the international community and in the interactions between international and domestic administrations.
Ph.D., Associate Professor and Division Head
GOMEZ Oscar A. (Colombia)
- Degree:
- Ph.D. in Environmental Studies (Tohoku University, Japan)
- Research Fields:
- Global Governance, Human Security, Humanitarian Crises (disasters, armed conflicts, displacement, pandemics), International Cooperation
Division Overview
The International Public Administration (IPA) division is aimed at providing knowledge and skills to those who are interested in pursuing an advanced career in national and international governmental organizations. This division enables students to improve professional and practical skills to manage and evaluate administrative operations and policies in national, regional and global settings. The major subjects in this division relate to international organizations, international cooperation policy and public administration and form the foundation on which each student can further build a more focused study depending on their intended policy field.
Major Subjects
- Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation
- International Public Administration
- International Organizations
- Project Management
- Planning and Evaluation
- Community Development
- Special Studies
Recommended Elective Subjects
- International Law
- Comparative Politics and Government
- Conflict Resolution
- Environmental Policy, Law and Administration
- Development Finance
- Comparative Economic Development
Sample Research Topics
- Tourism and Colonization: Establishment of French Indochina Tourism in the Early 20th Century
- Main Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of the Dual Vocational Education and Training System in Vietnam in terms of Business Association
- How the Terms Used for Describing Tidal Flats Influence their Image: Case Study of the Students from Two High Schools in Vietnam
- Workshop on Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in Public Service (ITAPS) as an Anti-Corruption Tool for the Philippine National Police
Sample Career
Academic Career
- University lecturer
- Doctoral program
Government Offices
- Kudus Local Government, Indonesia
- National Bureau of Statistics, China
- Noawi Local Government, Indonesia
Nguyen Quynh Hoa (Viet Nam, Graduated in 2020)
Lecturer
Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
“Becoming a graduate student at APU has been one of my best life decisions so far. Supportive faculty and in-depth academics provide me with knowledge and skills necessary for my future career in international public administration. With students from all over the world, the lectures and discussions involve interesting, real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. In addition to studying, APU’s international cultural events, field trips, and social events bring me a sense of community and understanding that makes me more confident to pursue my dreams.”
Sustainability Science (SS)
Includes Dual Degree International Material Flow Management (IMAT) Program
Over the past two centuries, rapid population increase, industrialization/urbanization, and excessive use of fossil fuels has led to environmental and development issues such as climate change, urban sprawl, loss of natural resources, congestion, pollution, energy shortage, and waste. The impact of these issues is threatening the future of our human society. We now need to accelerate the transitions to sustainable development, which will bring both challenges and chances to all our environmental, social, and economic systems.
The faculty members in the Sustainability Science division have profound knowledge and experience in environment and development studies, and are fully committed to assisting students in research projects that pursue sustainable solutions. Students in the division, coming from all over the world, study sustainable cities, climate change, renewable energy, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment, waste recycling, urban and regional planning, disaster management, poverty reduction, etc. Talking and discussing in such a diverse research group is both fun and inspiring. The Sustainability Science division provides students with a chance to develop outstanding research and problem-solving skills that will contribute to their future careers involving transitions towards sustainability.
Ph.D., Associate Professor and Division Head
OHASHI Hiroaki (Japan)
- Degree:
- PhD in Urban and Regional Planning (University College London [UCL], UK), MArch in Architectural Design (University of London [UCL], UK), MSc with Distinction in Built Environment: Advanced Architectural Studies (University of London [UCL], UK), MEng in Civil Engineering (The University of Tokyo, Japan)
- Research Fields:
- Urban and Regional Planning, Spatial Planning and Policy, Comprehensive Planning, Urban (Re)development, Real Estate Development, Urban Design, Development and Environment, International Cooperation
“We are now in an era where sustainability is one of the most important issues for the global society and the relationship between natural and man-made capital needs to be reconsidered. Diverse faculty members in our division, each with strong specialization related to sustainability, are fully committed to helping students acquire skills and knowledge required to work for sustainable development in the government, academic, private, or community sector.”
Division Overview
The Sustainability Science (SS) division focuses on the application of science for achieving the goals of sustainable development. This division analyzes the planning and implementation of policies and actions that deal with the relationship between society and nature with the ultimate goal to create a sustainable future for all. Study involves the scientific understanding of society-nature interactions; linking research with policy and actions; generating new knowledge, tools and techniques; and enhancing scientific and institutional capability for promoting sustainability and resilience. Students are expected to gain a holistic perspective, integrative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge as they engage in analyzing and managing particular problems and issues of population-resource-technology-institution interactions.
(Includes Dual Degree International Material Flow Management (IMAT) Program)
Major Subjects
- Environment and Natural Resources Conservation
- Advanced Environmental Geosciences
- Environmental Policy, Law and Administration
- Environmental Economics
- Urban Sustainability
- Industrial Ecology
- Special Studies
Recommended Elective Subjects
- Conflict Resolution
- Cultural Change
- Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation
- Planning and Evaluation
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Tourism
Sample Research Topics
- Solid Waste Management in Negombo Municipal Council: Evaluating Current Demand to Expand the Future Composting Capacity
- Biomass Waste to Energy Utilisation in Cameroon; An Analysis of Its Potential
- Cost Recovery Mechanisms for Human Waste Management at Mount Fuji: A Study on International Climbers' Compliance
- Human and Structural Trade-offs in Sustainable Irrigation Management: Case Study of Karangasem, Bali and Kunisaki, Japan
Sample Career
Academic Career
- University lecturer
- Doctoral program
Government Offices
- Ministry of Agriculture, Kyrgyz Republic
- Texas Public Service, Energy Storage and Solar PV, USA
Companies and Organizations
- Solar Company, Business Development and Sales, USA
- Cotopaxi Energy Limited, India
Limin Qiu (China, Graduated in 2014)
Principal Staff Member, Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau, China
Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Recipient
“During the master’s program at APU, I met students from dozens of different countries with different religions, cultures, and perspectives. We all dreamed of fulfilling our personal goals and making a difference in our home countries. My professors helped me to comprehensively understand Japan’s urban management policies, and as a result I am optimistic and firmly believe that I can make a great contribution to the improvement of Shanghai’s environment.”
Tourism and Hospitality (TH)
Tourism and Hospitality Division is outstanding in its diversity and internationalization in the field of research and teaching. Our faculty come from various regions of the world, with educational backgrounds and experiences from Europe, Oceania, North America, and Asia. Our international experience and expertise have enriched the research and educational outputs of the Tourism and Hospitality division, making it one of the most popular disciplines for students.
Taking advantage of the location of APU in the hot spring capital of Beppu, the Tourism and Hospitality division and its faculty have actively contributed to the local revitalization through tourism. Linking local resources and uniqueness to global developmental theories and practices, the Tourism and Hospitality Division has crafted its curriculum, field studies, and research towards long-term success and sustainability.
Ph.D., Associate Professor and Division Head
SUN Yiyang (Sunny) (Hong Kong)
- Degree:
- PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong), MSc in International Tourism & Convention Management (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong)
- Research Fields:
- Information Network, Web Informatics, Service Informatics, Management, Commerce
“Tourism is the interdisciplinary crossing and integration of knowledge in geography, sociology, anthropology, development, governance, environment, economics, and management. Being one of the world’s largest industries, tourism has contributed significantly to the global economy, along with considerable environmental and socio-cultural impacts on local communities. Comprehensive understanding of the discipline from both theoretical and practical perspectives, from global to local scales, thus demands a holistic approach to learning and research.”
Division Overview
Tourism is a fast growing economic sector that transforms societies and communities in the Asia Pacific region. The Tourism and Hospitality (TH) division looks at various aspects of mass tourism and alternative tourism and the economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts on societies and communities. The division also studies the theory and practice of hospitality management as it relates to the tourism, service, health and welfare industries. The knowledge and academic/professional skills that students obtain are useful for a wide variety of employment opportunities in government service, international organizations and private corporations, as well as to further study.
Major Subjects
- Tourism Economics
- Cultural and Heritage Tourism
- Environmental Tourism
- Community Based Tourism
- Health and Wellness Tourism
- Tourism Policy and Planning
- Special Studies
Recommended Elective Subjects
- Project Management
- Environmental Health
- Product Development Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Research
- Hospitality Management
Sample Research Topics
- Toward a Comprehensive Analysis of Asian Budget Destination Competitiveness and Backpackers: Netnography and Autoethnography Approach
- Attracting International Tourists through Mascot Awareness
- Zero-dollar Tours in Bali: Understanding Chinese Bamboo Networks in Tourism
- Tourism Management and Development in Xixi Urban Wetland Park
Sample Career
Academic Career
- University lecturer
- Doctoral program
Government Offices
- Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius, Tokyo
- Government Office, Vietnam
Companies and Organizations
- Resort Complex, Japan
- Japan Tourism Marketing Co., Japan
- National Park Resort Villages of Japan
Ella Lynthia Simata (Solomon Islands, Graduated 2019)
Deputy Provincial Secretary (Isabel Province), Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Islands
Pacific Leaders’ Educational Assistance for Development of State (Pacific LEADS) Scholarship Recipient
“Joining the Tourism and Hospitality division at APU was a significant milestone in my career which created immense opportunities to learn and interact with different cultures and environments, while developing social interaction and international communication skills. The courses, field studies, and internships the program provided enhanced my knowledge and skills in developing policy, and helped me gain the abilities that I know I'll need to contribute to developing sustainable tourism in my country.”
Development Economics (DE)
The Development Economics division invites students to explore the aspects of economic growth in developing countries. Our division not only emphasizes researching such topics but also emphasizes the study of policies and practices that improve the living standard of the populations through public or private channels.
Our faculty members have experience working with various international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Asian Productivity Organization. They also continue to hone their expertise by actively researching development economics and publishing their work in international academic journals.
Many of our students represent various developing regions and are working on different issues of development economics in their own countries. As a DE student, you will interact with other students who have various job experiences in their home countries, to prepare yourself for a career in international development on the world stage. We look forward to welcoming you as a new member of our excellent division.
Ph.D., Professor and Division Head
Shimomura Ken-Ichi (Japan)
- Degree:
- Ph.D. in Economics (University of Rochester, USA)
- Research Fields:
- Economic Theory
“Most of our faculty members have experience working not only at universities but also with international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and Asian Productivity Organization. Many of our students come from various developing regions and have been working on different issues of development economics in their own countries. We hope that, as a new DE student of APU, you will study and interact with other students who have a range of job experiences in their home countries so that you can prepare yourself for a career in international development on the world stage.”
Division Overview
The Development Economics (DE) division is aimed at those who are interested in the socio-economic issues of the developing world. Study in this division enables students to improve their critical and analytical skills in many areas of development economics, including industrial development, social development, political development, rural development and poverty alleviation. Students are also able to enhance their professional, practical, and research skills related to international development. The knowledge and skills that students obtain provide a wide variety of employment opportunities in international organizations, national and local governments, international development agencies, NGOs and development consultancy firms.
Major Subjects
- Development Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Development Finance
- Comparative Economic Development
- Microeconomics
- Community Development
- Special Studies
Recommended Elective Subjects
- International Political Economy
- International Public Administration
- International Organizations
- Project Management
- Planning and Evaluation
- Environmental Economics
Sample Research Topics
- The Banking System in Tajikistan: the Ways and Measures for Increasing its Credibility and Decreasing Non-Performing Loans
- Trade Effect of Export Taxes: Empirical Evidence of Indonesia Mineral Sector
- The Impact of Inflation Targeting on Inflation Volatility
- Dark Tourism in Vietnam’s Former DMZ: An Analysis of Characteristics and Structure
Sample Career
Academic Career
- University lecturer
- Doctoral program
Government Offices
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Canada
Mirna G. De La Portilla F. (Mexico, Graduated in 2013)
Consultant at Servicios, Productos Industriales y Construcción, Mexico
“At APU I was given the opportunity to experience the intricacies of enriching cultures with unique people from all parts of the world. The knowledge and skills I gained from interacting with many different people allowed me to expand my own range of thought. As a result, I was I able to work more effectively as I organized and implemented social programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns through my local government after graduating.”
“Our global society is changing rapidly and drastically. While conflict and friction are bound to occur, we are living in a mutually-dependent society where people, goods, money, and information move freely beyond borders. We must tackle global issues to achieve sustainable development. Under such circumstances, domestic public policy may affect and/or be affected by the public policies of other countries. In this sense, collaborative action among the various societies is a key to solving issues. The International Public Administration Division addresses these topics and explores various solutions and measures to improve our society and future.”