Public Health University of Tsukuba

Overview

About the programme

The University of Tsukuba’s prestigious and wide-ranging School of Medical Sciences boasts more than 80 faculty members covering a diverse range of specialties; from Wagatsuma’s own work on children’s health to areas such as the aging of the global population, health equity, child welfare and the effects of climate change on health.

The English-language Master of Public Health Program is one of several specialty options available to students at the University of Tsukuba enrolled in the Medical Sciences master’s programs. Each year, the English-language program, which began in 2009, takes in about 15 overseas students, with the costs of their degree paid for by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Students can choose one of two options within the course, based on their academic background, professional experience and future plans. The standard approach takes two years, with the second year devoted mainly to a research project and thesis on an aspect of public health. 

This is recommended for those thinking of pursuing a PhD in their research project area and is the path chosen by Vincent, whose thesis is on the awareness among Haitian mothers of hypertension during pregnancy.

There is also an accelerated option, which can be completed in one year. Instead of a research thesis, students pursue a special cross-disciplinary written and oral project called the Advanced Exercise on Public Health, which allows students to synthesize theoretical and practical coursework.