ABOUT APS | APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University College of
Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES (APS)

  • Interdisciplinary learning focused on the Asia-Pacific region
  • Gain practical skills to tackle global challenges
  • Explore the world every day on our multicultural campus

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT APS?

Tap the buttons below to find the information you need.

What is APS?

APS is a global learning community that equips you with the skills to understand and find solutions to the world’s complex, interconnected problems. Our three interdisciplinary areas—International Relations; Culture, Society, and Media; and Global Economy—explore the political science, sociology, and economics of the Asia Pacific region.

What is takeaway from APS?

Through interactive and hands-on learning—such as intensive discussions and field research—you will develop critical thinking skills, learn to view issues from multiple perspectives, and enhance your communication skills to effectively share your voice. In APS, these practical tools will support you as you turn insights into action and become a leader on the global stage.

AREAS OF STUDY

APS offers the following three areas of study. With a solid foundation in language proficiency and understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, societies, natural environments of the Asia Pacific region, students can develop comprehensive problem solving skills and expertise related to various issues in the region through these study areas.

  • INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

    INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

    Examine the reality of global tensions—from rivalries between major powers to new threats facing our world. You will learn to look beyond the news, using tools from politics and law to understand why conflicts happen and how to solve them. This area prepares you with the skills and practical knowledge to take action toward peace and stability for our global society.

  • CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND MEDIA

    CULTURE, SOCIETY, AND MEDIA

    Explore new ways of coexistence within our diverse global society. By bridging theories of culture, society, and media with hands-on learning, you will learn to look beyond the surface and analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. Through this process, you will develop the creativity and critical insights needed to address societal problems and propose relevant solutions for a better world.

  • GLOBAL ECONOMY

    GLOBAL ECONOMY

    From resource distribution and ecology to inequality and digitalization—economic knowledge is essential for building a sustainable future. By analyzing the behaviors of consumers, corporations, and governments, you will gain the skills and expertise to enhance social well-being and create a more prosperous world for future generations.

APS IN 90 SECONDS

HOW A STUDENT STUDIES IN APS?

In your first year, you will build a solid foundation by studying the core social sciences of our three fields: CSM, IR, and GE. From your second year, you will dive deeper into the subjects that spark your interest, leveraging the flexible curriculum to create your own unique path. By your third year, you will join a specialized seminar to sharpen your expertise, leading to a final research project in your fourth year—the culmination of your four-year journey at APS.

Tap the buttons below to find the information you need.

  • International Relations (IR)
  • Culture, Society, and Media (CSM)
  • Global Economy (GE)
  1. First Year Students
  2. Second Year Students
  3. Third Year Students
    Major Seminar
  4. Fourth Year Students
    Research Seminar

International Relations (IR)

Master the Essentials: Building a Strong Social Science Foundation

required
New Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Politics
  • Economics

Explore the shifting power dynamics of the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. As economic growth and political tensions fluctuate, you will analyze the real-world conflicts between major powers and the emerging threats that challenge our global stability. In this area, you will move beyond textbooks to understand the reality of global anxieties and develop the practical insights needed to navigate a world of constant change.

Turning Your Interests into Expertise

After two years of foundation learning, you will join a seminar class that matches your academic interests.
It’s the perfect class to further customize your education and complete a graduation research project representing your entire APS journey.

What is a seminar class?
A seminar is a special type of interactive, small-group class (under 20 students). This class allows you to do research and work directly with professors and peers who share your same interests.
Here, you'll have the chance to dive deeper into academic topics of your choosing.

Dive Deeper into Your Chosen Field through a Seminar Class

The Culmination of Four Years’ Study

required
Research Seminar II
Graduation Thesis · Graduation Report
  1. First Year Students
  2. Second Year Students
  3. Third Year Students
    Major Seminar
  4. Fourth Year Students
    Research Seminar

Culture, Society, and Media (CSM)

Master the Essentials: Building a Strong Social Science Foundation

required
New Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Politics
  • Economics

Connecting with others brings both joy and challenges. In our globalized world, its is essential to explore new ways to live alongside each other amid changing values and emerging technologies. In this area, you will explore how to build a more inclusive society by studying everything from the daily life of individuals to large-scale social trends. By combining theory with hands-on learning, you will gain the skills to solve social problems and propose creative ideas for a better future.

Turning Your Interests into Expertise

After two years of foundation learning, you will join a seminar class that matches your academic interests.
It’s the perfect class to further customize your education and complete a graduation research project representing your entire APS journey.

What is a seminar class?
A seminar is a special type of interactive, small-group class (under 20 students). This class allows you to do research and work directly with professors and peers who share your same interests.
Here, you'll have the chance to dive deeper into academic topics of your choosing.

Dive Deeper into Your Chosen Field through a Seminar Class

The Culmination of Four Years’ Study

required
Research Seminar II
Graduation Thesis · Graduation Report
  1. First Year Students
  2. Second Year Students
  3. Third Year Students
    Major Seminar
  4. Fourth Year Students
    Research Seminar

Global Economy (GE)

Master the Essentials: Building a Strong Social Science Foundation

required
New Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Politics
  • Economics

To build a world where societies can truly thrive across generations, we must understand how natural resources and ecology form the very foundation of our economy. You will explore how individual and business choices, as well as government policies, shape the quality of our lives. By connecting these different levels, you will develop the insight to turn global challenges into opportunities for a more prosperous and balanced future.

Turning Your Interests into Expertise

After two years of foundation learning, you will join a seminar class that matches your academic interests.
It’s the perfect class to further customize your education and complete a graduation research project representing your entire APS journey.

What is a seminar class?
A seminar is a special type of interactive, small-group class (under 20 students). This class allows you to do research and work directly with professors and peers who share your same interests.
Here, you'll have the chance to dive deeper into academic topics of your choosing.

Dive Deeper into Your Chosen Field through a Seminar Class

The Culmination of Four Years’ Study

required
Research Seminar II
Graduation Thesis · Graduation Report

APS VIDEOS

  • What Should You Study in Japan? Culture, Society, and Media
    March 24, 2023

    What Should You Study in Japan? Culture, Society, and Media

    APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ritsumeikan APU International Admissions (Japan)
    PLAY
  • What Should You Study in Japan? International Relations
    March 16, 2023

    What Should You Study in Japan? International Relations

    APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ritsumeikan APU International Admissions (Japan)
    PLAY
  • What should you study in Japan? Global Economy
    May 26, 2023

    What should you study in Japan? Global Economy

    APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University Ritsumeikan APU International Admissions (Japan)
    PLAY

APS SUBJECT LIST

Find a course for you!

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APS MOCK LECTURE

Professor Utpal Vyas

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  • ABOUT APS

    Explore the APS education philosophy and its interdisciplinary curriculum. Learn how this academic framework turns your interests into expertise.

  • HANDS-ON LEARNING

    Dive into practical projects like Model United Nations and mock trials that tackle real-world social challenges. Take a look at the unique opportunities to challenge yourself at APS.

  • STUDENT VOICES

    Real growth, told by current students. Discover how multicultural collaboration and personal reflection has shaped their unique APS journeys.

  • FACULTY & COURSES

    Explore the reality of deep learning through the voices of the professor and students.

  • STUDY AREA BY KEYWORD

    See how different fields connect across your undergraduate studies by a keyword.

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