General Introduction to the Ph.D. Program in Japanese Studies

2. Program Objectives

2.1 General Objectives
The program aims to provide highly qualified human resources with expertise in Japanese Studies, capable of working in educational, research, central and local government units, international organizations, and businesses related to Japan. After completing the program, graduates will have interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills, project management capabilities related to Japan, critical thinking, creativity in generating new knowledge, and the ability to design, advise, and organize cooperative activities with Japan.

2.2 Specific Objectives
The program seeks to provide highly qualified human resources in Japanese Studies who have:

• Advanced specialized knowledge, interdisciplinary mindset, and the ability to analyze, evaluate, and provide appropriate solutions for searching, managing, and policy-making related to Japan.
• The ability to creatively and effectively apply interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge in identifying and resolving problems related to Japan.
• The ability to connect agencies, organizations, and individuals to implement research projects and programs related to Japan, fostering Vietnam-Japan relations.
• A commitment to legal and ethical standards, community service, professional and responsible conduct, academic integrity, and respect for intellectual property rights.

3. Admission Information

3.1 Admission Method
Selection through evaluation of the professional profile according to the regulations of VNU.

3.2 Admission Requirements

3.2.1 Requirement of Degree, Major, Graduation Classification
A Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with honors in a relevant field, or equivalent qualifications at level 7 according to the Vietnamese national qualifications framework in specialized areas suitable for the Ph.D. program.
Degrees from foreign educational institutions must be recognized according to the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2 Research Competency and Experience Requirements

• Meet the entry requirements of the training program set by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ph.D. program applied for.
• Demonstrated research experience through a Master's thesis in a research-oriented program or publications as required by the training unit (if any). Candidates with a Master's in an applied orientation or a relevant Master's degree may need to supplement their knowledge or, if applying from a Bachelor's degree, be the author or co-author of at least one scientific publication. The publication may be a paper in a specialized scientific journal or a research report published in the proceedings of national or international scientific conferences with peer review and an ISBN number, related to the field or research topic, recognized by the field/sector professor and associate professor titles board.
• A research proposal detailing the proposed topic, research field, reasons for choosing the field and topic, a brief overview of the field's research situation domestically and internationally, research objectives, main research contents, research methods, expected outcomes, reasons for choosing the training institution, a plan for the study period, and the candidate's experience, knowledge, and preparations for the Ph.D. thesis. The proposal may suggest a research advisor.
• A letter of recommendation from at least one scientist with the title of professor, associate professor, or a doctoral degree, who has participated in professional activities with the candidate and understands the research field the candidate intends to pursue. The recommendation letter should include comments and assessments on the candidate's:
  • Ethical qualities, research competency, scientific attitude, and professional knowledge level.
  • For scientists meeting the criteria for being a Ph.D. supervisor and agreeing to supervise, additional comments on the necessity and feasibility of the topic, and the candidate's ability to be involved in research projects, as well as potential funding for the research activities (if any).
  • Other comments and support for the candidate's application for the Ph.D. program.

3.2.3 Language Requirements

• Vietnamese candidates must meet the foreign language proficiency requirements matching the program's foreign language output standards: Japanese equivalent to level 4/6 (according to the Vietnamese 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework); or English equivalent to level 4/6 and Japanese equivalent to level 3/6 (according to the Vietnamese 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework). Language proficiency must be evidenced by one of the following degrees or certificates:
  • A university degree or higher from a foreign educational institution, a branch of a foreign educational institution in Vietnam, or a Vietnamese educational institution that conducted the full-time program in Japanese or English.
  • A university degree in Japanese Language, Japanese Pedagogy, English Language, or English Pedagogy from a Vietnamese educational institution.
  • A Japanese or English language proficiency certificate obtained within 2 years from the date of the foreign language test to the application date, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training or Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
  • A Japanese language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 4, or an English language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 4 and a Japanese language proficiency certificate equivalent to level 3, within 2 years from the date of the foreign language test to the application date, issued by institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
• Foreign candidates must provide a Vietnamese language proficiency certificate at least at level 4 according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for foreigners, or have completed a university degree (or equivalent or higher) taught in Vietnamese, and must meet the foreign language requirements (Japanese or English), unless they are native speakers of the language used in the Ph.D. program.

3.2.4 Other Requirements

• Clear personal background, not currently undergoing criminal sentencing or disciplinary action of warning level or higher.
• Sufficient health for study.
• Commitment to fulfilling financial obligations during the training period as per the training institution's regulations.

3.3 List of Relevant Fields

• Includes fields within the same group as Japanese Studies.
• For other relevant fields, the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will establish a specialized council to assess the candidate's suitability for the Ph.D. program in Japanese Studies, determine any additional coursework required before applying, ensure compliance with the program's entry standards and current regulations, report to Vietnam National University, Hanoi before admission, and take responsibility for the specialized assessment.

3.4 Projected Enrollment:

The projected enrollment is determined based on the annual target allocated by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, with an expected intake of 3-5 Ph.D. students per year. The enrollment plan adheres to the annual graduate admission regulations and guidelines set by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and follows the specific admission project approved by the relevant unit (if applicable).