Graduate School of Social Design Studies, Master of Social Development and Administration (MSDA) Course © RIKKYO UNIVERSITY Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan Dean, Graduate School of Social Des We wholeheartedly welcome the students for our Master of Social Development and Administration (MSDA) Course in the Graduate School of Social Design Studies. The MSDA Course is designed for students who are highly interested in solving socio-economic issues through social innovation with globally diverse students. Our program provides students with various courses in human security, social development, gender, and disaster risk management, and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) issues. We also offer a field trip to the disaster-struck Rikuzentakata to learn about disaster risk, resilience, and reconstruction, and Japanese language courses to explore Japanese culture and tradition. The MSDA Course is strategically kept relatively small and accepts young professionals and government officials through JICA's SDGs Global Leader program. Founded by an Episcopalian missionary in 1874, Rikkyo University is one of Japan's oldest and most competitive private universities. In 2024, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ikebukuro Campus. In recognition of the unique educational initiatives, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology selected Rikkyo University for the Top Global University Project (2014-2024). We look forward to welcoming you to Rikkyo's unique experiences on the globally diverse campus with enthusiastic scholars and students.
MSDA Course
Our program is designed to equip students with skills and expertise essential for being future leaders in government, international businesses, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Students undergo academic and research training through the required and elective coursework and the process of thesis writing. Our coursework curriculum consists of three groups: Required course in which students receive research guidance toward completion of the master’s thesis; Elective 1 course in which students learn the basic problem-solving approach on subjects including qualitative research methods, philosophy, corporate social responsibilities, organizational theory, social development, research methodology, and human resource development; and Elective 2 courses in which students develop the academic and hands-on expertise in the fields of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), public management, and economics. In their first year, students take at least five Elective 1 courses related to social design, acquiring foundational knowledge and a capacity for logical thinking. In the second year, they take Elective 2 courses in line with their research interests and complete a Master's thesis. Through this combination of coursework and thesis writing process, students can acquire knowledge and skills in public policy and social design.
Rikkyo University
Rikkyo was founded in 1874 by an American Bishop, Channing Moore Williams, and has a long history of excellence in education and research, which, combined with substantial investment in state-of-the-art information technology and teaching facilities, has earned a reputation as an outstanding educational institution and one of the most sought-after universities in Japan. Today, Rikkyo University enrolls over 19,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students in its eleven colleges and fifteen graduate schools. Rikkyo usually has over 850 overseas students from various parts of the world. Rikkyo University has two campuses: one in Ikebukuro, Tokyo and the other in Shiki, Saitama-prefecture which borders northwest Tokyo. The main campus is located in Ikebukuro, one of the largest commercial and transportation hubs in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo. And our Ikebukuro campus, where the Master of Social Development and Administration Course students will study, is located only a few minutes-walk from Ikebukuro- Station. In recognition of Rikkyo's unique educational initiatives, achievements and potential, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan launched the Top Global University Project and selected Rikkyo as one of the 37 universities for special funding in 2014. The project lasts for 10 years.
| Facilities
Library
In November 2012, the Ikebukuro library opened its doors after unifying four libraries located on the Ikebukuro campus. It can house more than two million books, has a large seating capacity for more than 1,530 people, and is one of the largest university libraries in Japan. The Ikebukuro Library offers strong support for learning, education, and research activities by meeting a diverse range of needs, combined with its ease of use. Center for Japanese Language Education Rikkyo’s Center for Japanese Language Education offers a well-designed sequence of Japanese language courses   to our students. We offer beginner-level courses, where students who have not studied Japanese before can be enrolled, up to advanced-level courses. There are light-loaded and normal-loaded tracks at the beginner's level. The Center also offers Japanese Language courses as well as Japanese Culture courses, conducted in English, to provide students with opportunities to learn about the Japanese language and various cultural aspects of the Japanese language.
International Office
International Office is in charge of policy regarding activities for international exchange, and overseas the planning and implementation of international exchange programs. The office also gives various support for international students including visas.
Cafeteria/Restaurants
Both campuses have Halal Restaurants, where students can enjoy halal food. In June 2022, we newly provided the cafeteria for Muslim on the Ikebukuro campus which has Obtained the Halal authentication.
TOKYO HALAL
DELI & CAFE
MSDA Student Room
MSDA course also provides Study Room to support students' research. On-campus Medical Clinic and Counseling Services Ikebukuro campus has an on-campus clinic for students, faculty and staff members. Students can receive general medical treatment free of charge at the clinic. Counseling services are also available. Students are required to obtain National Health Insurance and Rikkyo Student Mutual-Aid Insurance.
St. Paul’s Plaza (bookstore, travel agent
Students can purchase textbooks, books and stationery supplies at a discount price. There is also a travel agency to assist with domestic as well as overseas travel.
Places of Worship
There are a number of places for worship in Ikebukuro and its vicinity for various religions. The Chapels on the Rikkyo campuses offer daily prayer services and regular mass. Various social activities are organized by the Chapels. We also provide a prayer room on the Ikebukuro Campus which can be used by anyone, regardless of their religion. The new athletic center offers a 50- meter heated pool, tennis courts, gymnasiums, a training room and other excellent facilities. Media Center The Media Center provides support for educational research use of computers and multimedia equipment.
～Burundi Graduate, Sinai Bakanibona interview～ 【First Question】What made you decide to study in Japan? There are two reasons that have made me come to study in Japan: The first reason is that I was very impressed by the way Japan has become powerful in terms of economy. Thus, I'd like to know how the Japanese people have managed to reach the top level of the economy., the second reason it's that I got a scholarship from JICA, so this has allowed me to come and study here in Japan.
【Second Question】What is your research theme?
Well… I’m very interested in social innovations and then, and the title of my research is The Contribution of Savings and Internal Lending Communities in Social and Solidarity Economy in Bujumbura municipality of Burundi. So, the topic is related to analyzing the contribution of saving groups such as SILCs* to eradicate poverty. Marginalized people come together in the so-called SILCs. They help each other to uplift their living conditions. With this research, l want to know the contribution of these saving groups and how they can make changes in the living conditions of these people who are in extreme poverty. So, that was the main goal of my research. *SILCs• • • Savings and Internal Lending Communities 【Third Question】What was the most memorable event of your study in Japan? First, what I can say it's how the lectures are organized, the way they teach it was very nice for me. Because they give all they know! So, we are going back home well-equipped with skills. This was very amazing for me. And then, another thing that has been a memorable impression it's the way Japan is safe. It has made me rethink the situation back home because I grew up in a violence situation comprising wars, and conflicts. Really, it was great to have a such peaceful experience for 2 years in Japan. A country where you can walk during the night without any problem related to your security.
【Forth Question】Anything you would like to tell future juniors?
l can tell them to come and do a Master of Social Development and Administration. It's a good department. The lecturers are supportive and the MSDA staff are kind too. I think this is a good program, because for example, I'm consent to work with marginalized people, who are in difficulties, I think it's a good program, especially for those who are desiring to work with International NGOs, or those who want to work with local associations. I think this is a good and suitable program to pursue if you have a passion for working with social organizations. I would like to recommend them to come and then join Rikkyo University. Thank you.
Access
☞For more details ✈ Narita - 90 min. (JR Narita Express) 60 min. (Keisei Sky L./Yamanote L.) ✈ Haneda - 🎁Ikebukuro 50 min. Graduate School of Social Design Studies, Master of Social Development and Administration Course , Rikkyo University 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan Tel. +81-(0)3-3985-4368   Fax. +81-(0)3-3985- 4290   Email: msda@rikkyo.ac.jp URL: https://msda.rikkyo.ac.jp/