Master’s PrograM in econoMic
and Public Policy
Graduate School of Business Sciences,
Humanities and Social Sciences

University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba Science City, Japan

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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

P

rogram in Economic and Public Policy (PEPP)

creation of an international community of highly trained

aims to provide training and the necessary skills

professionals addressing the daily challenges of econom-

for the conception, design, and implementation

ic and social development. Participants from previousof development policies with emphasis on quantitative

cohorts have taken up prestigious positions back in theirskills with modern technologies. Faculty members of PEPP

home countries, some as high-ranked government officers

work on a variety of issues of development, including

and policy managers, others as researchers or scholars ineconomic growth, poverty reduction, enhancing agricul-

academic institutions. We expect many more talented andtural production efficiency, human capital accumulation,

motivated professionals will join us to apply their newlyinternational trade policies and environmental issues inenhanced knowledge and skills to help accelerate the pacedeveloping countries. We endeavor to contribute to theof economic and social development in their countries.

SKILL FORMATIONW

e target mid-career professionals with a solid

lyze and implement policy. For this purpose, in our program,university education, and work experience in

we emphasize both quantitative skills to analyze policy, andareas related to policymaking. Our program isskills to communicate to policy makers. In the program,designed to transform students, upon graduation, to be-

students are required to write a master’s thesis based oncome well-trained mid-career professionals or government

solid quantitative analysis, and to periodically present theireconomists who have sufficient knowledge to design, ana-

progress to faculty members and other students.

CAREER PROSPECTS

P

EPP was established with the purpose of building

economics in making policy decisions. While a majority ofstrong analytical skills useful for a wide range ofthe student body of the program are young professionals in

professionals in developing countries. The program

the public sector in developing countries, the program also

invites those candidates who need sound knowledge ofaccepts students applying directly after completing theirundergraduate study from any country in the world. The skills
acquired through the program should prove highly valuable
when applied in positions related to policy development andassessment as well as other research-oriented positions in
the public sector in educational institutions.
PEPP is integrated into the curriculum of the Master’s
Program in International Public Policy within the Graduate
School of Business Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciencesof the University of Tsukuba. It offers the students opportunities to develop their ability in economic and public policy
analysis, while at the same time providing an environment
where they can be exposed to a wide range of academic
subjects in the humanities and social sciences.

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VOICES FROM SCHOLAR

Sabina A. Savory (Guyana) graduated inAcademic Year (AY) 2018
Economic and Financial Analyst, Economic
Policy Analysis Unit, Ministry of Finance,
GuyanaSyed Zulqernain Hussain (Pakistan)
graduated in AY 2018
Deputy Director, Economic Policy Review
Department, Central Bank of Pakistan

I am fortunate to have been provided the opportunity to pursue my Master’s Degree at the
University of Tsukuba, through a Joint Japan/Work Bank funded scholarship for the Programin Economic and Public Policy (PEPP). Being a PEPP scholar was one of the most rewarding
experiences I have ever had. The M.A. at PEPP is a very well structured and challenging programthat offered me a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge of Economics, with guidancefrom exceptional professors. PEPP targets international students and this shifted me towards
a more metropolitan outlook, to experience different cultures and to establish a broad alumni
social network. I particularly enjoyed my homestay experience with a wonderful Japanese family
and the many field trips that gave me a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture and way oflife. Having my own independence and benefiting from rich cultural experiences while doing
diverse assignments, made PEPP the right program for me. Through PEPP, I have developed arelevant toolbox of skills, experiences and references which enable me to create lasting impact
in Guyana, my home.

The 18 months I spent at the University of Tsukuba is the most memorable time of my life both inacademic and personal aspects. First of all I am grateful to ADB for providing me the opportunity
to pursue my dream of getting quality education in one of the world’s best countries. WhenI was about to land in Japan for the first time, I thought I knew all about Economics and myjourney at the PEPP would be very easy as I was working at the Central Bank for six years. But
I was wrong. The bundle of knowledge and education I got here in University of Tsukuba wasbeyond my expectations. The professors were so educated and knowledgeable and there was
not a single question which remained unanswered. The professors made sure that we run an
extra mile to get better understanding of topics we studied. The university also provided me theopportunity to explore the culture of Japan. Home-stay with a traditional Japanese family is thememory which I will cherish for the rest of my life. In the end, I would like to highly recommend
this course for all students and professionals related to economics. The treasure of knowledge
I found out at University of Tsukuba will last for a very long time.

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RS AND ALUMNI

Nguyen Ngoc Quynh (Vietnam) graduatedin AY 2004
Program Officer on Social Protection
and Inclusive Growth, United Nations
Population Fund in Vietnam

Adam Mupinda (Zimbabwe) graduatedin AY 2016
M & A Advisor at CBA Associates, Founding
Partner at LTV Global Partners

I was admitted to the Master’s Program in Policy Management* in 2003. Studying in this program
has changed my life and turned my career completely toward a bigger horizon. The program
offers high quality education and training, ranking among the best programs in Japan. I learned
a lot from this program, having chances to study and work with excellent professors in a multicultural environment. I think this has played an important role in my career development in
an international environment after graduation. And it has been the keystone for my current
work at the United Nations. Besides, the University of Tsukuba, with its broad curriculum andmodern library, could provide students the opportunity to interact with various disciplines,
and to access high-ranking journals and fully updated academic works. Last but not least, thebeautiful, tranquil and peaceful city of Tsukuba has been a home for me and made me feel very
comfortable for living and studying. Studying in this program has indeed made my life become
more successful and more valuable. I would say being in this Program was one of the mostremembered and valuable times of my life.
*Program in Policy Management is the former name of Program in Economic and Public Policy.

The credibility that a PEPP qualification affords and the skills it cultivates are certainly going to be
key assets for my future career development and will give me an urge to become an economicchange agent for my country and the region at large. Understanding the political economy at
an international level and the social thought process, which is one of the thrusts of the PEPP
program, is a major asset. The PEPP program curriculum is well designed and well acclaimed byalumni. It is an honour to be a World Bank Scholar in this program with so many distinguishedprofessors. With the benevolence of the World Bank and the Japanese government, I also got
the opportunity to be part of a study trip to Okinawa and of an invaluable “homestay” witha Japanese family, which served as an eye opener into the Japanese culture. The Japaneselessons in a friendly atmosphere were also invaluable. I sincerely hope more and more aspiringcolleagues from developing countries will find their way to the University of Tsukuba and availof this opportunity of a lifetime.

THE CITY OF TSUKUBA

T

sukuba Science City, where the University of Tsukuba

Narita airport in about 70 minutes, to Haneda airport in about

is located, offers rich physical and human resources

120 minutes, to Tokyo station in about 75 minutes.

in a combination that is rare elsewhere in Japan. The

city and its surrounding area abound with natural beauty,
with Lake Kasumigaura to the east and Mount Tsukuba to
the north. More than 200 government and private research
institutes dot the city, which was planned under government
supervision and designed as a comprehensive research andhousing complex. With an estimated population of 240 thousand, Tsukuba is located 60 km northeast of Tokyo and 40 km
northwest of Narita International Airport. The silent beautyof the Pacific Ocean beaches is about 40 km away, and thenearest majestic peaks of the Japanese Alps are no farther
than 120 km. The trip to Tsukuba from Tokyo, by train, takes
just 45 minutes. Direct regular bus services link Tsukuba to4
THE TSUKUBA CONCEPTThe University of Tsukuba was established in Tsukuba

sensitively with our era of change. Under a new administra-

Science City in October 1973 as the first comprehen-tion guided by the “New Systems for Education and Research,”sive university set up under Japan’s country-wide

the University features a cosmopolitan spirit of openness. This

university reform plan. The University promotes scientificis reflected in our diversity, which counts more than 2,300

research and cultural exchange, and aims to develop scholars

international students among a total student population ofwith creative minds, and a deep regard for people and our

16,500. This has resulted in our being ranked by the Times

planet. It strives to create a unique, vibrant and internationallyHigher Education World University Rankings 2015-2016 ascompetitive university that offers superior education andNo.1 in Japan in international outlook.

research facilities, and graduates people capable of dealing

THE CURRICULUM
In addition, students are required to write a Master’s thesis in their last semester. Each student will have a committeeof academic advisors, who will supervise their thesis workand provide counsel on their academic endeavors. Students
are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors often.
The program faculty members mostly specialize in economics,
but with a wide range of research interests. Beyond PEPP,
the Graduate School of Business Sciences, Humanities andP

Social Sciences is comprised of a large faculty body specializedcountries and regions. These positions may include policy-

academic advisory, encouraging faculty members to makemaking in government and other related institutions, as wellthemselves available for students as often as possible.

EPP is designed to train professionals who will devote

in various disciplines, such as economics, political science,themselves to positions or endeavors related to theinternational relations, history, sociology and anthropology,

economic and social development of their respective

among others. The Graduate School emphasizes high-quality

as research, teaching and training positions in academic and

An academic year at the University of Tsukuba is orga-

educational institutions. We expect program graduates tonized in two semesters: the fall semester from October toassume leading development roles.

March, and the spring semester from April to September. (SeeThe program approaches public policy, and economic

the flowchart.) Courses are normally offered for a duration ofand social issues principally through the economics discipline.

ten weeks or 15 weeks, with the exception of some intensive

In accordance with the stated objective of the program, thecourses lasting for a shorter period. Most courses meet once

curriculum is designed to provide advanced academic andor twice a week, with sessions of 75 minutes each.

research skills in economics. The program is originally a twoyear master’s degree program. However, it allows students
who satisfy all the program requirements to obtain a master’s
degree in 18 months. Students in the program are required
to complete 30 credits from the list of subjects offered by the
program which includes a number of compulsory subjects.
Students, however, will also be able to choose elective subjects
from inside and outside of the PEPP listing, to the extent thatis allowed by the rules of the Graduate School.

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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
PEPP OFFICEDIRECTOR

Tel: +81-29-853-6785+81-29-853-6613
Fax: +81-29-853-6797
Email: wbgsp@dpipe.tsukuba.ac.jp
Url: (General Track)
pepp-cepgt.hass.tsukuba.ac.jp(Scholarship Track) pepp.hass.tsukuba.ac.jp

Mari Minowa

DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Hisahiro Naito

UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba
Ibaraki-ken, Japan 305-8571
www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/

ACCESS TO UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA

University Central
University Hall

University Hospital

U. of Tsukuba
Loop Bus

Tsukuba Medical Center
Kasuga Campus
walk 7 min

TsukubaBus
60 minIbaraki Airports

Yamanote lineesprTabataNipporiJoban line

Ueno

Shinjuku

Chuo line

Shinagawa

il

ora

n
Mo

ku

u
Ts

45

Bus

in 40 min

m

ei l

Bus

40 min40 minTsuchiura

Bus

ine

Narita Express
東京
Tokyo

Bus

Hitachino Ushiku Arakawaoki

KeisAkihabara
Sobu linebxaE

70 minNarita Airport
Bus
75 minHamamatsucho

yo
Tok
羽田空港
Haneda Airport
Bus 120 min

Program in Economic and Public Policy at thE univErsity of tsukuba

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LIST OF COURSES OFFERED
Foundation courses

Introductory Statistics
Intro-intermediate Microeconomics
Intro-intermediate Macroeconomics
Japanese Economy
Social Development
Microeconomics
Research Methods and Academic Writing I
Data Management

Advanced subjects

Econometrics I
Econometrics II
Research Workshop for Economics I, II, III
Research Project for Economics I, II
Macroeconomics
Public Policy and Management
Development Economics
Public Economics
International Trade
International Finance and Policy
Agricultural and Rural Development
Economics of Latin America I
Policies of Education and Human Capital Formation
Health Economics
Introduction to Environmental Policy
Applied Time Series Analysis
Applied Microeconomics
Microfinance and Public Policy
International Public Policy and GovernanceInternship I, II
Field Work Project I

Note: Subjects above are offered from enrollment in October 2019 and may be subject to change.

PROGRAM FLOWCHART
YEAR 1YEAR 2

FALL SEMESTER
October - MarchSPRING SEMESTER
April - July

FALL SEMESTER
October - MarchPROGRAMCOMPLETION

Research Workshop
Foundation Courses

Research Workshop
Research Project(Thesis Composition)
Advanced Courses

Research Workshop
Research Project(Thesis Composition)
Submission of Thesis
Final Defense

MA IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC POLICYAWARD OF DEGREE

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ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIPS

general admission requirements
PEPP has two tracks for admission: General Track and Scholarship Track. Regardless of admission track, to apply
to PEPP, applicants must:• Hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and have completed 16 years of school education (up to undergraduate level). A strong backgroundin economics and associated quantitative tools (linear algebra, calculus and basic statistics) is useful and highly recommended.
Note: Those applicants who have completed their university education in countries where formal schooling lasts less than 16 years, who are atleast 22 years old, and who have spent at least one year in a research or similar institution, may qualify to apply by filling out and submitting
the provided form (Certificate of research activities).
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English communication skills by submitting either of the following: 1) Score of standardized test
such as IELTS / TOEFL / TOEIC or 2) Other evidence such as a letter from the university or current working place, as deemed appropriate by the
Graduate School.
• Demonstrate verbal and quantitative skills by submitting either of the following: 1) Score of standardized test such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or 2) Other evidence such as a letter from the university or current working place, as deemed appropriate by the Graduate School.
You will need the following documents:• Transcript(s)• Diploma(s)• Curriculum Vitae• TOEFL score or equivalent proof of English proficiency• GRE score or equivalent proof of skills• Photograph (40 mm × 30 mm)• Proof of payment of application fees
(not required for the Scholarship Track)

•
•
•
•
•

Letters of recommendation(Optional) Certificate(s) of higher education(Optional) Certificate of research activities(Optional) Publications, if any other than graduation thesis
Medical certificate and other documents if required by a sponsoring
institution

scholarships
Applicants admitted to PEPP may apply for scholarships available at PEPP, i.e. Asian Development Bank-Japan
Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP), Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP), Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, etc. The selection procedure for these scholarships is conducted by PEPP in cooperation
with sponsoring institutions.
For more details about admission procedures and scholarship requirements please visit our websites (General
Track: pepp-cepgt.hass.tsukuba.ac.jp/admission/ and Scholarship Track: pepp.hass.tsukuba.ac.jp/admission/).