master thesis in japan

Master's Programs

The Graduate School of Global Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is one of the few educational institutions in Japan engaged primarily in specific and integrated research on the languages, cultures, and societies of the world. The Graduate School’s mission is to be a core institution for research in this field internationally. We are proud of our century-old traditions of research and education on the languages, cultures, and societies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, areas with which Japan has long been deeply engaged. Over time, the scope of education and research at our university has expanded to encompass other parts of the world, and we have now become an international hub for research and education on the languages, cultures, and societies of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe as well. We also serve as an international hub in the fields of Japan studies and Japanese language education. Under this profile, our Graduate School seeks to foster high-level professionals, including academic researchers. Making a genuine contribution to today’s increasingly globalized society requires in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in specialized fields. Our Graduate School welcomes ambitious students who aspire to active, global careers both within and beyond Japan having acquired not only research expertise, but also the integrative, practical capabilities and Japan literacy necessary for international engagement.

We offer two Master’s Programs: Global Studies and Japan Studies.

Master's Program in Global Studies

Master's program in japan studies, studying in the master’s program (curriculum), policies (in jp), list of master's program researchers.

• Credit Transfer / Partnerships / Non-Degree Students (in JP)

The Global Studies program involves research on the languages, cultures, and societies of the world’s various regions and the international community as a whole from multiple and integrated perspectives. It trains multi-lingual, internationally-minded experts attuned to the development of a truly global society.

Language and Culture Studies Course

This course involves specialized education and research on the languages and cultures of the various regions of the world, in order to cultivate experts with advanced linguistic knowledge and integrated perspectives on the regions they study. Areas of specialization: English and English Language Pedagogic Studies, European and American Languages Studies, Asian and African Languages Studies, Linguistic Studies, Phonetics Studies, Linguistics and Information Science Studies, Cognitive Science Studies, Applied Translation and Interpreting Studies, European and American Cultural Studies, Asian and African Cultural Studies, Classical Literature and Cultural Studies, Human Cultural Studies

Area and International Studies Course

This course involves specialized education and research on the societies of the various regions of the world and international society as a whole, in order to cultivate experts equipped with coordinating skills and resilience toward conflict. The areas the course covers are as follows. Areas of specialization: European and American Area Studies, Asia, African and Oceanian Area Studies, Contemporary World Studies, International Relations Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies Course (October Admission)

Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) is an interdisciplinary research and educational program launched in 2004. It aims to fulfill the recognized need in many parts of the world for professionals with expertise in peace and conflict, violence, peacebuilding, and other related global and transnational issues. Each year the program admits a small but diverse group of individuals from all over the globe and provides them with unique opportunities to learn critical approaches to the issues of utmost importance to many people in today’s conflict-laden world. All courses are held in English.

• For more details: Peace and Conflict Studies (PCS) website

Asian and African Field Science Program

Students can also take the Asian and African Field Science Program, which extends beyond the three courses listed above and is taught by faculty members of our university’s Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa.

The Asian and African Field Science Program is an add-on program extending beyond the three courses in the Global Studies program and taught by faculty members of our university’s Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa. “Field science” is a research method offering a theoretically and practically enhanced approach to fieldwork. The program uses this method to investigate the various regions of Asia and Africa.

Double-Degree Master’s Program “History in the Public Sphere”

History in the Public Sphere (HIPS) is a double-degree Master’s program that has been jointly developed by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and the Central European University (Hungary/Austria).

Participating students have the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and several other partner universities within Europe throughout the two-and-a-half-year period. Through this study system of mobility tracks among multiple universities, students are engaged in basic learning, research, internships, and a final Thesis/Capstone Project. After successfully defending the final project, students are awarded two Master’s degrees: a Master of Arts (Humanities) from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and a Master of Arts in History from the Central European University.

URL: http://www.tufs.ac.jp/hips/en/

The Japan Studies program trains individuals to have an objective outlook on Japan and a capacity to employ comparative perspectives to study the Japanese language and Japanese language education in the context of languages across the world, and Japanese culture and society in global contexts. In the field of Japanese language education, in addition to the regular two-year course we are preparing to establish a course for practitioners that can be completed in one year.

◆Features of the Master’s Program in Japan Studies◆ Educational staff with international, cutting-edge research profiles Education and research in the Japan Studies program is undertaken not only by full-time faculty members of our university, but also faculty members from member institutions of the Consortium for Asian and African Studies (CAAS) and the National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics. The member institutions of CAAS are the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO; France), Leiden University (Netherlands), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (South Korea), National University of Singapore, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London (United Kingdom), Colombia University (United States), and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

Japan Studies Course

The Japan Studies Course involves research on Japan from four angles:

Japanese language

Areas of study include contemporary Japanese, Japanese linguistic history, and comparative studies of the Japanese language. [Subjects]: Japanese Language Studies, Comparative Japanese Studies

Japanese language education

Students acquire multi-faceted approaches to Japanese language education through classes on such subjects as lexical semantics, pragmatics, grammar, theoretical linguistics, cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, teaching methods, course design, educational materials, assessment methods, discourse analysis, and intercultural communication. [Subjects]: Japanese Language Teaching Studies, Japanese Language Teaching Applied Studies

Japanese literature and culture

Areas of study include classical literature, contemporary literature, and cultural studies. [Subjects]: Japanese Literature and Cultural Studies, Japanese Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

Japanese society

Areas of study include traditional Japanese society, contemporary Japanese social problems, and Japanese history. [Subjects]: Japanese Societal Studies, International Cultural Exchange Studies

To enlarge image,please click here .

Fundamentals of Global Studies

Acquire fundamental research capabilities This class, offered in the spring quarter of year one when students begin their graduate studies, is designed to cultivate fundamental research capabilities by equipping students with the skills of researching, presenting, and debating essential for academic research. It includes both lectures on such topics as research design and statistical methods, and opportunities for students to present their research proposals in Japanese and English. (Mandatory / 2 credits)

Specialized Subjects

Diverse, focused classes in your program/course Taking specialized subjects is the core component of learning in graduate school. Students take classes taught by their academic advisors, associate advisors , and faculty members in related areas. This is where students pursue their Master’s research projects under supervision. In year two, students take the Master’s Thesis/Research Seminar and produce their Master’s Thesis.

Cross-Disciplinary Seminar

A forum for lively discussion beyond scholarly and regional boundaries In this seminar, groups comprising several students interact beyond the boundaries of research field and region. The aim is for students pursuing topics in different directions to come together and gain insights to inform their own research through discussion with others. Students also find it exciting and useful to receive and apply feedback from “invited” faculty members whose areas of specialization relate to the topics discussed. (Mandatory / 2 credits)

Short-Term Study Abroad

Joint Education Programs enabling short-term study abroad Our university offers Joint Education Programs together with our partner institutions outside Japan. There is a wide variety of short-term study abroad choices, mainly in the summer and winter terms, including opportunities to receive guidance from faculty members at partner institutions, collect materials, and undertake field research. Students can also choose from a wealth of summer courses offered at universities outside Japan.

Academic Language Seminar

Reading and presenting academic work Seminars are offered in the following languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Uzbek, Polish, Czech, Chinese, Korean, Mongolian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Thai, Laotian, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Burmese, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Arabian, Persian, Turkish

TUFS Quarter System

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies operates the TUFS Quarter System in which the academic year is divided into the Spring Quarter (April to early July), Summer Quarter (mid-July to September), Fall Quarter (October to mid-January), and Winter Quarter (late January to March). No mandatory classes are scheduled in the Summer or Winter Quarters, enabling extended survey and research activities to be undertaken overseas in these periods. A Summer School operated by graduate students is also offered in the Summer Quarter.

• Admission Policy
• Curriculum Policy
• Diploma Policy

Credit Transfer / Partnerships / Non-Degree Program (in JP)

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• Masters Study in Japan – A Guide for 2024

Written by Chantelle Francis

Studying a Masters in Japan can be an excellent choice for postgraduates seeking a high-quality study abroad experience with unique opportunities. An emerging study abroad destination, Japan has a lot to offer when it comes to postgraduate studies.

Whether you’re interested in exploring Japan’s ultra-modern cities or its stunning heritage sites, you’ll find yourself well-positioned to take advantage of its expertise in a number of high-tech fields of study.

On this page

Postgraduate opportunities in japan – what’s on offer for 2024.

Teaching and research in Japan has never been lacking with education being at the heart of modern Japanese society, and academic freedom protected by the Constitution of Japan.

The Japanese government is also pushing an internationalisation agenda in higher education with its “Top Global University Project”. This project gives extra state funding to 37 Japanese universities that have been singled out for their work in globalization, aiming to help them build relationships with foreign universities and attract international academic talent.

As such, there’s never been a better time to study a Masters in Japan! Here are a few reasons why you should consider postgraduate study in Japan this year:

• Academic excellence – Japanese universities enjoy a world-class reputation for their research and are keen to attract more international postgraduates.
• Quality of life – Japan is one of the world’s safest countries, offering a welcoming environment for foreign students.
• Scholarship opportunities – There are plenty of funding programmes available for international students in Japan – find out more .
• Learn a new language – Although there are increasing numbers of Masters programmes in Japan taught entirely in English, studying there represents a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn some Japanese.

Coronavirus updates for international students at Japanese universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a Masters in Japan, please check the official Study in Japan website for updates.

Japanese universities

There are currently over 600 graduate schools in Japan, around 74% of which are private universities.

As a rule, Japanese universities can be divided into three different types: private universities, national universities and public local universities. They all can offer postgraduate degrees.

• National universities – These have been established in all local “prefectures” (the equivalent of local councils in the UK) to ensure that there’s no regional imbalance in terms of the provision of higher education.
• Public local universities – Local public entities and public university corporations establish and manage these institutions. They play important roles in providing higher education opportunities to local people and in acting as intellectual and cultural centres.
• Private universities – These are established by independent organisations, rather than by local or national government. Each promotes its own unique education and research strengths. Over the years, they have greatly contributed to the development of Japanese higher education.

Graduate schools

Since their creation in the mid-70s, graduate schools have been one of the pillars of Japan’s internationalisation strategy. With a relatively small proportion of the student population currently engaging in postgraduate study, the professional and personal development of students has become central to graduate schools.

These institutions not only train researchers, but also offer skills training as part of a well-rounded education for the future generation of teaching and research staff.

University rankings

If you want to study a Masters in Japan then you'll be glad to know that Japanese universities perform well in global rankings, with several institutions featuring in the top 300 of the main league tables.

For more information, take a look at our guide to Japanese postgraduate rankings .

Course types

Masters degrees in Japan are two years long. Students gain a set number of credits from core courses (which are delivered through lectures, tutorials, group work and practicals, if applicable), research courses and elective courses. Normally, the minimum number of credits to achieve is 30 (with two credits per course usually available) from a total of 31, leaving little room for error.

The first three semesters are dedicated to courses and the final semester to your Masters dissertation (as well as taking a smaller number of compulsory courses).

In addition to passing final exams, you will submit a Masters thesis or present your research results if you decided to conduct a Masters research project. You will be allocated a supervisor for your final semester but there is no harm in starting to discuss your dissertation plans early.

While you study your Masters in Japan, you can take advantage of the Japanese language classes offered by the graduate schools. They don’t count towards your course credits but are often free of charge.

Academic calendar

This is an area that hasn’t been addressed by the Japanese higher education sector’s internationalisation agenda, and there is no consistency with the semester system of countries such as Germany in the EU or the USA and Singapore further afield. Japan’s academic year starts in April with the second semester starting in October. Some, but not all, universities may offer Masters programmes with a start date in the second semester.

Fees and funding for Masters degrees in Japan

Students in Japan are required to pay an admissions fee in addition to tuition fees. On average, the combined total of these two fees is ¥820,000 (USD $5,508) at national universities and ¥900,000 (USD $6,043) at local public universities. At private institutions, average fees vary between ¥850,000 (USD $5,708) and ¥1,000,000 (USD $6,715).

Additional expenses

All international students are required to enrol in the National Health Insurance system. This is done through the office that processes your residence registration. The annual premium varies depending on where in Japan you live and will cover 70% of the cost of your medical bills, you will need to pay the remaining 30%.

Optional expenses include:

• University student health insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Personal liability insurance

Scholarships

There are several scholarships available to international Masters students. The most prestigious scholarships are those awarded by MEXT.

Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships

Applied through the Japanese embassy in your home country, these highly selective scholarships provide return air fare, university fees, a monthly grant of ¥143,000 (USD $960), an optional six-month course in Japanese and help finding accommodation. The scholarships are tenable at selected institutions but in all subject areas.

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students

These scholarships provide a monthly allowance of ¥48,000 (USD $322) for graduate students who do not hold a scholarship (from any source).

Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship

A Masters scholarship available to students from Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

The scholarships are tenable at selected universities and provide tuition fees, admission fees, travelling and seminar allowance, book allowance, arrival allowance, accommodation allowance, stipend and shipping allowance.

Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Programme

These scholarships are available to people from borrowing member countries of the ADB who want to study Economics, Management, Science or Technology. Full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence and housing allowance, an allowance for books and instructional materials, medical insurance, and travel expenses are provided for one year, renewable for a second year.

Scholarships provided by JASSO

JASSO is the Japan Student Services Organization is an independent administrative institution established under MEXT and which also runs the undergraduate university entrance examination EJU. It maintains a useful list of scholarships for international students offered by local authorities and private foundations.

Applying for a Masters in Japan

Entry requirements.

Applicants for a Masters in Japan should have a Bachelors degree or an international equivalent. You may have to sit an entrance examination in your subject area or provide a graduate entry test score such as GRE, so check the exact requirements at your chosen university.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide an English language certificate, such as TOEFL or IELTS (unless you studied your undergraduate degree in a country where English is the official language).

If you want to join a course delivered in Japanese, then you will have to demonstrate proficiency, most likely through the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) .

Documents to supply

The application process at most Japanese universities involves a similar set of documents and forms that you’ll need to submit. They include:

• The application form, normally available online or as a downloadable document
• Personal statement, sometimes called the “academic essay”
• Bachelor diploma (if you have already graduated) and transcripts
• References/letters of recommendation (most often two)
• English-proficiency test scores and certificates (and Japanese equivalent if required)
• Application fee certificate or receipt

Selection process

In Japan, the selection process for a Masters programme shares similarities with that of a PhD. It’s a good idea to look for a potential supervisor for your dissertation project in advanced of submitting your application.

Having an academic who is willing to supervise you in the later stages of your Masters carries a lot of weight and will show that you’re serious about your long-term goals and aspirations.

Another thing to consider when looking for a suitable programme and supervisor is the teaching staff and whether they have a good level of English (for example, will their language skills be sufficient to read your dissertation should they become your thesis advisor?). Your e-mail conversations will tell you a lot but research publications in English are a definitive way to find out. You should look into their research expertise anyway and, if you’re not really proficient in Japanese, then articles in English-language journals will be your best chance of exploring their topic of interest.

Public universities in Japan commonly operate a two-step selection process. Candidates who are successful at the document screening stage will be interviewed. Applicants who live in Japan will be invited to the university for an interview while applicants outside Japan will have the option of being interviewed via video conferencing.

Visas and immigration for Masters students in Japan

Once you have accepted an offer of admission, your university (as your proxy) can apply on your behalf for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence , issued by a Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan. The university will send you this document, which you can present to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence when you apply for your visa.

When you arrive in Japan, you will be granted “College Student” status by the immigration authorities (and this process is easier at the large Japanese airports). There are two periods of stay for Masters students (depending on what information your university provides in the Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence ), either two years or two years + three months.

There is also the option to apply for your visa personally (without a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence ) at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. However, there is a longer processing time because documents have to be sent back and forth between your home country and Japan.

You’ll be given a Resident Card by your Regional Immigration Bureau, which you must carry at all times. If your circumstances change, such as a switch in course, institution or withdrawal from studies, you must inform a Regional Immigration Bureau.

If you leave Japan temporarily (for example, to go on holiday or attend a conference), you don’t have to apply for a re-entry permit, as long as you indicate that you intend to come back when you are at the airport.

With the third largest economy in the world, there are ample employment opportunities for international postgraduates in Japan.

Before finding work, however, you’ll need to change your visa status from “College Student” to one that reflects your desired career path, for example “Specialist in the Humanities/International Services” or “Engineer”. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website for more information on this process.

Of course, a Masters is also perfect preparation for further study, so you might want to investigate PhD programmes in Japan .

Search for a Masters in Japan

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Japan on FindAMasters.com

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Chantelle francis.

Chantelle was the first person to join Mark on the FindAMasters content team, way back in 2016. Arriving with an MA in Public Humanities from the University of Sheffield, she played a key role in getting the FindAMasters blog section off the ground whilst offering a range of advice on postgraduate funding and applications.

What's it like to live in Japan as a Masters student? Read a detailed guide to postgraduate accommodation, living costs and working whilst studying.

What are the best universities for Masters study in Japan? Our guide looks at the latest global league tables to identify top-ranked Japanese institutions and help you discover the best postgraduate opportunities.

A useful article on the various Japanese language tests approved by universities for international students entering postgraduate education in Japan.

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M.A. in Japanese Literature and Culture

The M.A. program is designed to prepare students for a master's degree in Chinese literature and culture.

The M.A. program in Japanese literature and culture is designed for students with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing postgraduate research in Japanese literature, cultural history, or linguistics, but who have not yet acquired the language skills or disciplinary foundation necessary to enter a Ph.D. program. (Note: Students who wish to pursue advanced language training in preparation for postgraduate research in other fields of Japanese studies are referred to the interdisciplinary M.A. program in the Center for East Asian Studies .)

Students should always consult the most up-to-date version of the degree plan on the  Stanford Bulletin  as well as the  EALC Graduate Handbook . Each student should meet with their faculty advisor at least once per quarter to discuss the degree requirements and their progress.

Demonstrate proficiency in modern and classical Japanese by completing the following courses or by demonstrating an equivalent level of linguistic attainment by passing the appropriate certifying examinations.

• JAPANLNG 213  - Fourth-Year Japanese, Third Quarter (2-4 units)
• JAPAN 264  - Introduction to Premodern Japanese (3-5 units)
• JAPAN 265  - Readings in Premodern Japanese (2-5 units)
• EALC 201  - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities I: Skills and Methodologies (3 units) - required for all students
• EALC 202  - Proseminar in East Asian Humanities II: Current Scholarship (1 unit) - required for literature students, optional for linguistics students

Four advisor-approved courses in Japanese literature, culture, or linguistics from among the offerings of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, not including courses taken to fulfill the language requirement.

Two upper-division or graduate-level courses in fields such as Japanese anthropology, art history, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, or another field, as approved by the student’s advisor.

A master's thesis; enroll in  EALC 299 - Master's Thesis or Qualifying Paper (1-5 units).

First Year: Autumn Quarter

• EALC Emergency Contact Information
• EALC Information Consent Waiver Form
• For International Students:  if you are an international student whose native language is not English, you may be required to take the English Placement Test upon arrival. Students who accept an offer of admission and who Graduate Admissions requires to take the test will find it as a To-Do list item in their Axess account. For more information, please  visit the English Placement Test page on the Language Center website .
• Students may also attend the  New Graduate Student Orientation , hosted by the Graduate Life Office. Every year, the Graduate Life Office works with student volunteers to coordinate the New Graduate Student Orientation, or NGSO. In hopes to orient Stanford's new graduate students to the campus and ease their transitions here, it occurs the week prior to the start of classes. The programs are open to all incoming graduate students, both new and transfer students.  For International Students:  whether you arrive before orientation or during orientation, be sure to visit  Stanford's Bechtel International Center  (I-Center) website for full details of the Graduate International Student Orientation.

First Year: Spring Quarter

• At the beginning of the spring quarter, all graduate students must complete the Department's Annual Review Progress Report. Department faculty will use the information to evaluate student progress, and provide students with feedback.
• Towards the end of the spring quarter, students should at this point identify potential department faculty members who could serve as their thesis advisor(s). Once the faculty member has agreed to be their thesis advisor, students should work with the professor for the remainder of their time at Stanford to complete their thesis, while taking courses to complete the 45-unit minimum requirement and requirements specific to the M.A. in Japanese Literature and Culture.

Second Year: Autumn Quarter

• If the M.A. student has not done so already, they should find a faculty member who will be their thesis advisor, and begin working with the thesis advisor to complete the M.A. thesis, while taking courses to complete the 45-unit minimum requirement and requirements specific to the M.A. in Japanese Literature and Culture.

Second Year: Spring Quarter

• At the beginning of the spring quarter, all graduate students must complete the Department's Annual Review Progress Report. Department faculty will use the information to evaluate student progress, and provide students with feedback.
• Apply to graduate by the spring quarter deadline. For dates specific to your year, please check the  Stanford Academic Calendar .
• Submit the M.A. thesis by the spring quarter deadline. For dates specific to your year, and instruction on submitting your thesis, please  visit the Dissertation and Thesis Submission page on the Office of the Registrar's website .
• Complete the Department's Diploma Ceremony RSVP, which will be emailed to the graduate student mailing list.
• For more information on graduation and commencement, please  visit the Graduation page on the Office of the Registrar's website .
• Second-year students who will  not  be graduating in the spring, please make an appointment to talk to the Assistant Director of Student Services no later than two weeks  before  the Apply to Graduate deadline for spring quarter.

Note: As a general rule of thumb, students should check the Stanford Bulletin Archives to make sure that they complete requirements for the year that they were matriculated.

JAP4691 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan

Course description, course content, learning outcome, admission to the course, examination, schedule, syllabus and examination date.

• Spring 2022
• Spring 2021 - Term 1
• Spring 2021 - Term 2
• Spring 2020 - Term 1
• Spring 2020 - Term 2
• Spring 2019 - Term 1
• Spring 2019 - Term 2
• Spring 2018 - Term 1
• Spring 2018 - Term 2

The Master’s thesis represents an independent piece of research, carried out under supervision. The research question should be precisely defined, the method well founded and the argumentation systematically presented. The subject and research topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with modern and/or contemporary Japanese culture, history, international relations, politics, religion, society, literature, and language, and are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor.

The thesis should be between 70 to 100 pages (approx. 2300 characters per page) and should include Japanese sources.

• The writing of the thesis provides students with training in developing research projects from original idea to fully completed research report in the form of a Master’s thesis.
• An aim of the thesis work is also to develop the students’ ability to critically and independently assess source material in accordance with relevant theories.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb .

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures .

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Admission to the programme option Modern Japan under the Programme for Asia and Middle East Studies.

JAP4010 – Theory and Method in Japanese Studies

Academic supervision of the Master’s thesis is compulsory. Up to 15 hours of individual supervision will be given. Supervisors will be assigned by the department.

Compulsory activities

• In order to hand in your thesis, you must give a presentation about your thesis at a thesis seminar. Such seminars take place 1-3 times per semester and are led by a member of the academic staff.

An approved oral presentation is valid on a permanent basis.

The Master`s thesis is to be handed in by 1 December in the Autumn semester and 1 June in the Spring semester.

Guidelines for submission of a Master`s thesis at IKOS.

Language of examination

You can write your thesis in English (recommended) or a Scandinavian language.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system .

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO .

Facts about this course

The course is last held autumn 2019

Examination is last held autumn 2019

Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages

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Guide to Studying PhD in Japan for International Students

Want to study for a PhD in Japan but not sure where to start? This article introduces all you need to know about PhD in Japan, from what programs are like, admission requirements, and what English PhD programs in Japan there are. 

First Published: 2021-05-17 Updated: 2024-05-31

Table of Contents

Why should you study for a PhD in Japan?

• Program Types, Durations, and Admission Requirements

PhD in Japan for International Students

Phd programs in japan in english, what is the applicable visa to study in japan, what is the cost to study for a phd in japan, are there scholarships for phds in japan.

Japanese graduate schools are called 大学院 (Daigakuin) . They consists of Master’s courses, 修士 (Shuushi Katei), to obtain a Master’s Degree, “修士号 (Shuushigo)” and PhD courses, 博士課程 (Hakushi Katei) to obtain a PhD, 博士号 (Hakushigo) . 

In this article, we will focus on PhD Programs in Japan, what they are like, and what English PhD programs are there for international students. A person who has graduated from a PhD course is called 先生 (Sensei) or 博士 (Hakase) - Dr. in Japan. 

The reasons for why you should study for a PhD in Japan are pretty much the same reasons for choosing Japan to study abroad , whether it’s for undergraduate studies, Japanese language studies, or graduate school studies. The reasons include:

• World-Ranked Universities in Japan like University of Tokyo and Kyoto University and Nagoya University that rank among the Top 100 globally.
• Japanese universities excel at research and technology. Many universities are research-intensive which makes for a great study environment, especially for post-graduate education and post-doc. 
• There are Japanese graduate schools offering English PhD programs. Many universities offer Japanese classes (in many cases mandatory, but higher levels optional) to help international students integrate into life in Japan. 
• Scholarships for international students, including for PhD courses.
• Helpful if you are planning to continue working in Japan after completing your PhD. Also good for career prospects outside Japan.
• Endless opportunities to expose yourself to Japanese culture and tradition. There’s no better way to learn about Japan than being at the source. On weekends and holidays, take the chance to explore. 

Are you convinced to study for a PhD in Japan yet? From hereon, we will introduce in detail PhD programs in Japan. 

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What are phd programs in japan like .

The doctoral program, better known as PhD, is the highest level of education to exist. A PhD is an advanced degree earned in various fields after successfully completing a research thesis. An individual can generally opt to study for a PhD after completion of a Master’s program. 

In Japan, PhD is called 博士号 (Hakushigo) . PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, and graduates are bestowed the title of “Doctor (Dr.)”. In Japan, Doctor (Dr.) is called 博士 (Hakase), though most people go by 先生 (Sensei) . 

Program Types, Their Durations, and Admission Requirements

The duration of a PhD program depends on your choice of subject and research thesis. Typically, a PhD program takes around 5 years to complete for those who graduated from a 4 years long undergraduate program. Specialized fields like medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental have 6 years long Bachelor’s degree programs and no Master’s program, and therefore their PhD programs are 4 years long. 

In Japan, PhD programs are commonly split into 2 phases. Depending on their highest level of education (Master’s or Bachelor’s), students have an option of starting from the first phase or skipping to the second phase. 

First Phase is called First Half of a PhD Program (2 Years)

Called 博士前期課程 (Hakushi Zenki Katei) , the first phase’s curriculum includes studies to obtain a Master’s degree , which is a prerequisite requirement for most PhD programs. The first phase is a 2 Years long program.

According to JASSO , one of the following admission requirements must be satisfied to be eligible to join this program:

• Graduates from 4 Years long university program (Japanese university)
• Graduates with Bachelor’s degree from at least 3 Years long foreign university program; 5 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Graduates of Bachelor’s degree from the National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education
• Graduates from National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan Coast Guard Academy, Meteorological College, or any ministry or agency established academy or college
• Graduates from international schools in Japan that are officially recognised as being equivalent to an overseas university
• Those who have completed specialized coursework at designated vocational schools
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in their home country; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed 16 Years of formal study in Japan via online curriculum offered by an overseas institution; 18 Years for medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary 
• Those who have completed studies at school under Japan’s old education system
• Those aged above 22 who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Second Phase is called Second Half of a PhD Program

Master’s degree holders can skip the first phase to join the second phase. Called 博士後期課程 (Hakushi Kouki Katei) , the second phase is typically 3 Years long , but 4 Years for medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical and dental fields. 

• Graduates with a Master’s, professional degree, or equivalent foreign degree
• Graduates with a Master’s or professional degree from an overseas institution done via online curriculum while living in Japan
• Graduates with degrees equivalent to a Master’s or professional degree from international schools in Japan recognised as being equivalent to an overseas graduate school
• Graduates with Bachelor’s or equivalent degree who have completed minimum 2 Years research at university or research facility having the same academic prowess as a Master’s degree holder
• Those with a degree equivalent to a Master’s degree from United Nations University 
• Those aged 24 or above who are admitted based on individual admission qualification selection

Most graduate school programs in Japan are taught entirely in Japanese. For international students seeking to join these programs, demonstration of a high level of Japanese proficiency, at least N1, is required. This is to ensure that you are able to understand the curriculum in order to complete the course. 

Fortunately, with the increasing number of international students in Japan, many universities have started internationalizing their programs with English-taught courses , including for PhD. There are programs taught mostly in English with supplementary Japanese, as well as programs taught completely in English. 

For English-taught PhD programs, students may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency with English proficiency certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC. This requirement may be exempt for individuals whose undergraduate or Master’s degree shows high mastery in English.

Different universities offer PhD programs in different fields of study, so you will need to do a thorough search to find one that matches your interest. JASSO’s Search for Schools tool is incredibly helpful for this. You can search for educational institutions that accept international students by degree (undergraduate, Master’s, PhD), school type (public, national, private), school location, field of study, medium of instruction, etc. 

To further help you, we have curated a list of 6 PhD programs in Japan which are popular, along with the names of universities offering these programs. 

Visa, Tuition Fees and Scholarships for PhD in Japan

The applicable status of residence for international students in Japan is 留学 (Ryuugaku), aka “Study Abroad”. 

Coming from Overseas

If you are coming from overseas to study for a PhD in Japan, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your university in order to obtain a Visa to enter the country. Upon entering Japan, you will be bestowed a status of residence and a residence card, which acts as your identity card.

Read more about Japan Visa, Status of Residence, and Residence Card here .

Existing Resident in Japan

If you are an existing resident in Japan, you will not need a Visa or a Certificate of Eligibility, which are required for first entry into Japan. 

If you are already an international student in Japan, and planning to advance your studies to Master’s or PhD, then you may need to apply for “Extension of Period of Stay”, which can be done easily online now. Learn how to do it step by step here .

If you are a resident in Japan, but on a different type of status of residence, say the most common “Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services” or some other type of work visa, then you will need to apply for a “Change of Status of Residence”. This can also be done online now with a My Number Card and IC card reader. 

In Japan, universities and graduate schools can be divided into 3 types of institutions - national, public and private. The admission and tuition fees for each type of institution is different with national schools having the lowest cost. 

In Japan, the first year’s cost for university and graduate schools is higher than the subsequent years. This is because applicants need to pay an admission fee in addition to the year’s tuition fee. 

The first year, aka admission year, cost for PhD that consists of that year’s tuition fee and an admission fee is:

• Approx. 820,000 Yen for National Institution
• Approx. 900,000 Yen for Public Institution
• Approx. 850,000 Yen (medical studies) or 1,100,000 Yen (non-medical studies for Private Institutions

Tuition fees will vary between universities so be sure to check the particulars when applying. 

【Helpful Reading】

• For differences between national, public and private universities in Japan.
• For the cost breakdown of studying abroad in Japan, including tuition fees and living costs.

Yes, there are scholarships for PhDs in Japan. According to JASSO , there are altogether 119 PhD program scholarships for international students for 2023 - 2024. Among the 119, 12 are available to apply before coming to Japan, and the remaining 107 can only be applied for after coming to Japan. 

Read more about Japanese scholarships and how to apply for them here . 

Education plays a crucial role in personal, social, and economic development. Achieving a PhD is sure to improve your confidence, greatly enhance your knowledge, and will make some higher level jobs available to you. After obtaining a PhD, many people choose to continue their research in universities or research centers as post-doc researchers. There are also many other consultation jobs available that requires your expertise. 

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• The Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 - Prize announcement
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Master thesis, green ai: reducing the carbon footprint of automated testing, job description.

Job ID: R0009305

Date posted: 07/10/2024

IKEA is a globally renowned leader in the retail industry, known for its dedication to engineering excellence and innovation.  With a mission to enhance the world of automation and artificial intelligence, Inter IKEA offers an inspiring and dynamic environment for individuals seeking to make a significant impact in this field. As a master's Thesis Student at Inter IKEA, you will have the opportunity  to work alongside industry experts and contribute to groundbreaking research that shapes the future of AI. 

Right now, we are looking for one or two master’s students for a thesis project in Spring 2025.  This opportunity offers an inspiring environment to work with Inter IKEA, one of the industry leaders in the global supply chain and logistics sector. 

As a master’s Thesis Student, you will engage in pioneering research, experiment with state-of-the-art technologies, and explore the dynamic field of AI-driven test automation with a focus on sustainability. 

Our mission is to develop innovative methods for reducing the carbon footprint of AI-driven test automation tools.  This research aims to identify best practices, robust methodologies, and effective strategies that can help organizations leverage AI for automation while minimizing their environmental impact.   

If you are a master's student in a specialized field of Computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, or a related area it can be advantageous. If you are eager to gain a deep understanding of AI and are committed to improving efficiency and reducing the overall carbon footprint, this thesis opportunity is perfect for you. 

In this project, you will have 20 weeks with a planned starting date of January 2025.  Throughout your thesis, you will be supported by a dedicated IKEA Supervisor. 

If you have any inquiries regarding the hiring process, kindly reach out to the IKEA Manager, [email protected].  For questions related to thesis details, please contact IKEA Supervisor, [email protected]. 

 Please submit both your CV and motivational letter in English latest 20th Oct 2024.  We are reviewing applications as they come through so don’t wait to apply!     Let's Start Our Journey Together! 

To take part of the Thesis work, you must be enrolled in a thesis course provided at university level/Thesis agreement with a university in Sweden. 

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Thesis topic proposals 2024-2025

Thesis information form.

Below you can see the thesis topics for 2024-2025. We offer 3 different thesis formats: - Format 1 : Regular thesis (fully supervised by KU Leuven) - Format 2 : Thesis in cooperation with a company (supervised by KU Leuven and the company) - Format 3 : Thesis with a company project within a company (supervised by the company)

NOTE: Additional late proposals are still added in October. Please regularly check this page for updates.

  X  = Thesis topic is taken

[NEW] = added less than a week ago

Company projects (format 3) for ECS or BDA

• Enhancing Data Management Plan Review with AI tools
• Artificial Intelligence as a supportive tool throughout the entire operational case management of Grondbank
• Prediction of crypto market developments on time series data and signals from classical markets
• Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) based 3D Reconstuction for Enhanced Greenhouse Robotics
• GenAI Vision
• Digital Twins
• Hybrid Solutions 
• Ethics & AI 

Note that when choosing one of these topics, the proposal and title still need to be decided in detail and approved by the program ([email protected])

• Scalable Audio Database Management System
• DeepBreathNet: Audio-based Smart Inhaler
• Emerging neural network architectures for speech and audio applications
• Explainable AI for speech and audio applications
• Assessing Remote Sensing Foundation Models for Global Land Cover Mapping
• Exploring Deep Learning-Based Representations for Multispectral and Hyperspectral Earth Observation Data using the CORSA model
• Towards AI-agents self-healing supply chain
• Monitoring of road quality in aerial imagery
• Vectorized knowledge graphs for retrieval augmented generation (RAG)
• Keyboard-less working : how far can we automate?
• Computer Vision : damage detection
• Multi-linguistic questions and answers, non-native language usage in LLM’s
• Detecting camera problems while not hampering the actual application: dirt detection, blockage detection …
• Vision transformers for monitoring the processing quality of corn kernels by forage harvesters
• Detecting SPFH feeder blockages via time series analysis
• Generating artificial images to augment an existing dataset with custom scenarios
• Efficiently generate scenarios for which a path-planning algorithm fails
• Physics informed anomaly detection using wavelet scattering networks
• Detecting knife sharpness on pictures of a rotating knife
• Using remote sensing and sensor fusion to predict geospatial yield prior to harvest.
• Cross-modal 3D Perception with Neural Radiance Fields
• Demosaicking Neural Networks for High Quality RGB-W Imaging
• Improving Hand Pose Estimation Models with Real-world Constraints
• Modeling availability of residential flexible electrical resources
• Forecasting digitally connected households
• Federated Learning: What are the key challenges and solutions for implementing MLOps in federated learning systems?
• In Silico Testing: How can machine learning enhance the accuracy and predictive capabilities of digital twins in In Silico testing?
• LLMOps: How can guardrails be designed to govern the behavior of large language models and prevent undesirable or incorrect outputs?
• Model fraud monitoring: What are the most effective techniques for securing AI models against tampering and malicious behavior in critical systems?
• Optimization: How can machine learning models be used to reduce the computational complexity of solving constrained optimization problems in real-world scenarios?
• Quantum computing: How can quantum computing be leveraged to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of kernel methods in machine learning?
• Sustainable AI: How can energy-efficient AI algorithms be developed and optimized to minimize environmental impact while maintaining performance?
• [NEW]   Structured Summarization from Free-Text Medical Records: A Comparative Study of Domain-specific LLM and General LLM

Theses proposed by the  Department of Computer Science

• Analysis of the effect of the context window on contextual anomaly detection in time series
• Data augmentation for time series anomaly detection
• Feature selection for time series anomaly detection
• Analysis of large pretrained time series models for time series anomaly detection
• Implementing and extending a state-of-the art MUS-extractor for Pseudo-Boolean constraints.
• Automatically detecting and breaking symmetries in CPMpy
• Enhancing Quality Prediction in Injection Molding: Integrating Geometrical Part Information using Neural Networks Models
• Navigating Safely: Towards Video Object Detection Corruption Robustness for Autonomous Surface Vehicles
• Risk assessment modelling for fleets of industrial assets
• Early fault detection in wind turbines: scaling the same type of models to 100’s of wind turbines
• Early fault detection in energy generation equipment: semi or unsupervised strategies
• Time Series Motif Discovery for High Frequency Signals
• Time Series Segmentation and Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection
• Multilingual Adaptation of Language Models
• Revisiting Generalization Methods in Multilingual NLP
• Linguistic Typology as a Prior in Multilingual NLP
• Leveraging universal dependencies annotations to create multilingual probing datasets
• Generative User Modelling: Learning User Profiles for Personalized Content Generation with Large Language Models
• Making deep-learning training and/or inference more energy efficient and sustainable

Theses proposed by the  Department of Electrical Engineering

• Developing an LLM-RAG-Based Security Framework for Industry 4.0 Environments
• Federating LLMs via intermediate symbolic predicates for automatic grading
• Preventing Unwanted Ads and Harmful Visual Media for Children: Evaluating Solutions and Technologies
• Forecasting Imbalance Prices in Electricity Markets Using Machine Learning
• Modeling and optimizing the Flemish Supercomputer
• Magnetic field simulation with data-driven material modeling
• A hybrid twin based on machine learning enhanced reduced-order modeling of an electromagnetic device
• Neural scaling laws for energy forecasting
• Segmenting solar PV systems from high resolution aerial imagery
• Automated identification of mechanical dyssynchrony in transthoracic echocardiography images.
• MEMS Devices Design with Machine Learning
• Scientific Discovery of MEMS Device Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN )
• Augmentation of MEMS Fabrication with Machine Learning (ML) Algorithm
• MEMS sensor with multiple outputs based on machine learning (ML) algorithms
• Age-independent facial identification using 3D surface scans
• Using longitudinal data for evaluating and improving synthetic aging predictions of 3D facial images.
• Application and analysis of Class Node Graph Attention Network architecture on graph-definable data modalities
• The incorporation of pooling to graph neural networks for enhanced interpretability in the classification of meshes
• Deep-learning enabled segmentation and morphometry of sleep apnea phenotypes using the UK Biobank
• Deep learning-enabled segmentation of the human head system using the UK Biobank
• Recognition of architectural decoration in Roman imperial Asia Minor
• Self-supervised learning for histopathology using the Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture
• Role of loss functions in deep learning-based interactive image segmentation
• Artificial Intelligence in the gaming industry & scenario writing – a practical use case “the triple 3 arena”
• Designing a Multimodal AI-Based Decision Support System for Medical Diagnostics Using Integrated Visual and Textual Data
• Learning Personalized Models in Federated Learning: Exchanging Partial Parameters and Exploring New Architectures
• Personalizing the Global Model in Federated Learning: Fine-Tuning Approaches for Improved Performance
• Exploring generative techniques for 3D mesh reconstruction of human avatars from a single RGB image.
• Realistic texture generation on 3D meshes using Diffusion models from single RGB image
• Representation learning in histopathological images
• Development of AI Pipeline for Time series Imputation in the Air-quality Domain
• Enhancing Federated Learning with Non-Euclidean Gradient Methods: Convergence, Complexity, and Practical Applications
• First-order methods for convex optimization beyond Lipschitz smoothness: Application to Poisson inverse problems
• Non-Euclidean Gradient Methods for Matrix Completion in Gene Prioritization
• Indefinite Restricted Kernel Machines
• Self-supervised learning approach for Otago exercise monitoring using inertial sensors
• Skeleton-based deep learning approach for Otago exercise monitoring from video signals
• Deep Canonical Correlation Analysis within the Least Squares Support Vector Machines framework
• Using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) for uncertainty estimation in deep active learning

eMedia Research Lab 

• Multimodal Fusion of Heart Sounds and Electrocardiogram Signals
• Rheumatic Heart Disease Detection from Single View Ultrasound Images

WaveCORE, Networked Systems

• Energy Consumption Prediction for Internet of Things Mesh Networks
• Autonomous Backscatter Communication Systems Optimized via Reinforcement Learning
• Machine Learning-Assisted material characterization for biomedical applications
• Probabilistic Numerics: unifying modelling & data analysis of gravitational waves

Theses proposed by the  Computational Neuroscience Research Group

• Brain connectivity analysis using transformer attention weights: a model-based approach
• Can intention be decoded from EEG using inner speech?
• Towards a smaller, faster, yet better BCI decoder through knowledge distillation
• Improving speech decoding from auditory EEG with self-supervised pretraining
• Prediction of epilepsy surgery outcome based on electrocorticography signals

Theses proposed by the Centre for Computational Linguistics -- Faculty of Arts  

• Automated Sentence Simplification Evaluation
• Strengthening Generative AI feedback through hybrid explanations – Predictive advising for personalized learning
• AI or Human? Evaluating Student and Teacher Feedback Perceptions on genAI and human generated feedback.
• Strengthening Generative AI feedback through hybrid explanations – feedback on teamworking skills in higher education
• [NEW]  Automated grading of hand-written exams for Dutch as a second language

Theses proposed by the Department of  Mechanical Engineering

CIB: Centre for Industrial Management: Mechanical Engineering

• ​​​​​​Automated Fault and Repair Extraction from Open Repair Café Data Using NLP

Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD)

• Data-Driven Remaining Useful Life of Oil Estimation–Application in Control with Condition Information

RDM-CC & RAM

• Suggesting context-dependent cell annotation in single-cell data with spatial validation
•   Monitoring of human cable routing for feedback-based operator assistance
• Enhancing parametric robotic assembly through reinforcement learning algorithms
• Real-time robotic computer vision by exploiting scale and rotation invariant ratios in the context of PCB manipulation

OTHER THESIS TOPICS

Natural sciences.

Topics proposed by

Dept. of Chemical Engineering - CREaS division

• Development and Assessment of Multi-task Architectures for Molecular Property Prediction

Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences - Forest, Nature & Landscape

• Emulating ice sheet models using graph networks
• Modeling optical satellite imagery from radar inputs: a conditional GAN approach
• Predicting hyperspectral signatures from multispectral data using cGANS for agricultural applications
• AI Eyes: Unveiling Animal Emotions Through Video
• Active Learning for Sound Event Detection in a Zoo Environment
• Tracking Voices: AI-Powered Acoustic Individual Identification for Animal Monitoring Systems
• Hunger Code: AI Listens to Chick Hunger Signals
• Smart Chick: AI-Driven Detection of Heat Stress Behaviour in Poultry
• Cracking the Egg for Resilient Chicks: AI-Based Analysis of Embryo Responses to Prenatal Sound Environments

Social Sciences

Faculty of Engineering Science

• AI meets education: unifying Language Models and Knowledge Graphs to transform integrated STEM teaching

The laboratory of Experimental Psychology

• Beyond Traditional Data Augmentation: Exploring BackFlip for Traditional Machine Learning Tasks
• A well composed image: Using Data-Efficient Learning to Train a Model to find Aesthetic Determinants within Images

Faculty of Economics and Business

• Financial time series generation via explainable diffusion
• Enhancing the reliability of global neural point forecasting models
• Pairs trading based on hierarchical multi-agent reinforcement learning

Comparative, Historical and Applied Linguistics

• Controlled Lexical Simplification for Poor and Dyslexic Readers
• Automated Dialogue Metrics for Evaluating Teacher-Student Chats

Public Health and Primary Care

• How can we process text in Dutch? A deep learning application for multi-target regression in education.

Dept. of Oncology

• Pattern-level deconvolution of DNA methylation data from nanopore sequencing using Transformer-based models

Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics

• Automated left ventricular volume and ejection fraction estimation from ultrasound
• BubbleNET: CNN-based microbubble detection and segmentation on volumetric ultrasound images

Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological sciences

• Development of a prediction model for OPAT
• Optimization of performance of the ‘Check of Medication Appropriateness’ in UZ Leuven

Dept. of Labaratory Medicine

• Incorporating human feedback to improve the performance of a deep-learning model for the classification of urinary sediment particles based on automatic microscope images

Imaging & Pathology

• Development of a Multimodal Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) System for Differential diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Lesions
• AI-Driven Facial Analysis Using 3D Photographs
• An Advanced AI Framework for Precise Segmentation of Orbital Structures and Ocular Volumes
• Prostate MRI: exploring the use of AI in staging and fusion biopsy preparation

Leuven Pharmacometrics Research Group

• [NEW]  Automated Model Selection in Pharmacometrics Using pyDarwin
• [NEW]  Application of machine learning algorithms to improve the predictive performance of infliximab dosing in a clinical trial setting

Propose your own thesis topic or company project

Students with other interests than the topics proposed by the programme can propose their own topic.

• Thesis topic proposal (Format 1 and 2) : The student contacts a lecturer of whom they expect that the topic lies in the expertise of this lecturer, or they can contact [email protected]  to get help on finding a potential promotor for the topic. ​​Typically, if a lecturer can be found who is interested in guiding the thesis topic, this will still require some discussion to polish the proposal, in order for it to reach a number of criteria (achievable goals, sufficient research questions, manageable, within the interests and expertise of the lecturer, sufficient AI dimension). If you found a promotor, you can fill out the following template for format 1 or format 2 and send it to [email protected] In case your proposal is in cooperation with a company, you can use this template and send it to [email protected]
• Company project proposal (Format 3) : The student can contact a company of their interest. Together with the company, you can fill in the project template and send it to [email protected] . If the proposed project is positively evaluated, an academic promotor will be sought by the program director.  Please find the "requirements for the company" here . ! It is not allowed for working students to do a company project nor a thesis within their own company.

• Expertise areas
• Future analysis
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Master's thesis; Shape the Future of AI for Intelligent Products

Are you eager to dive into the world of AI and embedded systems? RISE Research Institutes of Sweden invites you to join us for an exciting MSc thesis opportunity within the SeamAI project. This initiative is dedicated to developing advanced AI toolchains for connected physical products, specifically targeting technologies like robotic lawn mowers and other smart devices.

What You'll Work On:

• Innovative AI Toolchains: Collaborate on creating and refining end-to-end AI solutions designed for consumer products, from initial data processing to deployment in real-world applications.
• Embedded Systems Integration: Address the challenges of implementing AI in resource-constrained environments using cutting-edge tools and technologies such as WebAssembly and TinyML.
• Industry Collaboration: Work closely with leading Swedish contributing to the development of AI solutions for their next-generation smart products.

What We're Looking For: A solid background in AI, machine learning, or embedded systems. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, or similar. Enthusiasm for tackling complex technical problems and innovating in the consumer product space. A collaborative spirit and a proactive approach to research and development.

What We Offer: The chance to work on impactful technology with a leading research institute. Collaboration with industry leaders like on cutting-edge projects. Access to RISE’s advanced resources and test environments. Opportunities for professional growth, including a potential PhD opportunity, and networking within Sweden’s innovation sector.

Location and Duration: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in Kista, Stockholm, with the possibility of some remote work. Contract is for 6 months, with potential for extension based on project needs.

Application and Contact: Send your CV, academic transcript, and cover letter. Last day of application is 2024-10-10. For any question, contact Dr Fehmi Ben Abdesslem ( [email protected] ) and Dr Joakim Eriksson ( [email protected] ).

RISE is a fair employer that promotes equality. Learn more about our Gender Equality Plan: https://www.ri.se/en/about-rise/sustainability/gender-equality-plan

About the position

Contract type.

Temporary position

Student - Master Thesis/Internship

Contact person

Dr Fehmi Ben Abdesslem [email protected]

Reference number

Last application date.