Over the course of the four-year duration of this doctoral program, students will learn both theoretical and practical skills from established tropical disease professionals. This education will furnish students with the experience necessary to work effectively in environments where tropical diseases are endemic. The curriculum includes practical components such as on-the-job training in infectious disease control, how to collaborate with international organisations, internships and pathogen handling skills.

1. All courses are taught by experienced faculty and leading experts

Lectures, laboratories, and research sessions are conducted by 41 faculty members, including professors from the Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and others experienced in working with international institutions (27 professors, 4 associate professors, 10 assistant professors). In addition, experts in infectious disease are employed as adjunct professors in the Leadership program.

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2. All English curriculum

All lectures in our Ph.D program at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are conducted in English. Faculty members who have worked at the WHO, JICA, the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and other international nongovernmental organizations teach these courses.

3. English communication skills

English communication skills are taught throughout the program. Students are trained using interactive methods such as role play and debates.

4. Student evaluations

Students are evaluated at four checkpoints: in Year 1, Year 2, and upon graduation. These 4 points are the admission examination, the first qualifying examination, the second qualifying examination, and writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. Communication skills are also evaluated. This assessment process guarantees that students' knowledge and skills can contribute to solving problems in the field of tropical and emerging infectious diseases.

5. Introduction of practical professional training in collaboration with international organizations

In collaboration with international organizations, several research institutions aid in providing practical training to graduate students in our program at overseas research stations in Kenya, Vietnam and organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors without Borders(MSF), and in the South Africa National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

6. Student financial aid

A scholarship program is available so that students can focus exclusively on their studies.

7. Mentorship program

Aside from a dissertation adviser, project lecturers experienced in working with international organizations, and visiting professors or lecturers belonging to international organizations such as the WHO or international nongovernmental organizations serve as mentors in our graduate program. These mentors provide emotional support and career counseling.

● Career path support

For each student, one faculty member familiar with the student’s career track or research field is appointed to serve as a mentor. Faculty from other university centers such asthe Center for International Collaborative Researchand Center for Industry, University, and Government Cooperationare also available to assist students.