Admission Policy

①　Ideal Candidates

The Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine welcomes applications from individuals who match the profile below.

1. Candidates who are imbued with the appropriate sense of research ethics and capable of close adherence to codes of conduct
2. Candidates with an adequate command of fundamental academic competencies, ethics, and technical skills related to the field of veterinary medicine
3. Candidates with the English ability and communication skill needed to be a researcher
4. Candidates who approach research challenges with a deeply inquiring mind and a strong sense of intellectual curiosity
5. Candidates who combine a humane approach with a desire to succeed

②　Admissions Prerequisite

The required knowledge and understanding include an overall knowledge of veterinary medicine, the overall knowledge of biology needed for research activities, and comprehension of professional English as used in the field of veterinary medicine. Furthermore, the ideal candidates must be able to clearly articulate their ideas and thinking in relation to research conducted up to the present and planned to be conducted in the future.

③　Applicant Selection Procedure

・In the Written Test (foreign language subject: English), applicants will be evaluated for fundamental academic competencies in veterinary medicine and the English language skills necessary for research activities.

・In the Oral Test, applicants will be evaluated for their approach to research ethics and bioethics, planning ability, spirit of inquiry, aspiration, personality, and communication skills through oral presentations and question-and-answer sessions.

Diploma Policy

　PhD candidates at the Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University accumulate the required credits through study over the stipulated period, and acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies set out below. In this way, our Joint Graduate School fulfils its primary objective of educating future specialists in the field. The qualification of Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine is awarded to candidates with the acceptance of their dissertation and the final examination (i.e. oral presentation and examination). Candidates will:

1. Acquire the most up-to-date scientific and technical skills in the field of veterinary medicine, and the ability to apply them.
2. Develop an awareness of challenges in the field of veterinary medicine together with the ability to find solutions for them as a high-level veterinary medical specialist or researcher with a broad comprehension of, and logical approach to, life sciences.
3. Develop practical English and communication skills appropriate for research or professional activity in the field of veterinary medicine at the global level.
4. Develop the ability to play an active and leading role in society.

Curriculum Policy

　At the Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, we have created the following systematical body of courses: Non-specialized courses, Specialized courses, Advanced practical skills, Special seminars, and Researcher development. Those courses aim to bring PhD candidates and graduate students to the levels stated in the Diploma Policy. The educational content, methods, and assessments are governed by the policy set out below.

1. During the first three years of this PhD program, graduate students receive instruction in state-of-the-art veterinary medicine and are provided with wide-ranging learning opportunities that cultivate skills which will allow them to play a leading role in society.
2. In the fourth year, graduate students prepare a dissertation based on the results they obtain from their research during this PhD program. Through the education they receive here, graduate students will advance to the highest ranks of the profession in roles as researchers or veterinary medical specialists. They will also become capable of engaging with and finding solutions for challenges in veterinary medicine, using critical thinking with a base of broad comprehension of, and a logical approach to, life sciences.
3. Non-specialized Subjects (a core curriculum element) involve instruction by professors of the Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine at both universities (Yamaguchi and Kagoshima Universities). They are aimed at cultivating outstanding researchers and veterinary medical specialists by providing opportunities for advanced learning across the field of veterinary medicine, expanding beyond each graduate student’s own specialized area.
4. Specialized Subjects (a core curriculum element) are provided as opportunities for graduate students to acquire advanced-level knowledge of relevant codes of behavior, research ethics and management of intellectual property rights, as well as world-class English language ability.
5. Advanced Practical-Skill Subjects (a core curriculum element) are provided as opportunities for graduate students to acquire practical English and communication skills used in globalized communities of veterinary medicine/medical components as outlined in the Diploma Policy.
6. Special Professional Subjects (a core curriculum element) comprehensively equip graduate students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences stipulated in the frameworks for specialization, accreditation, and board certifications established by veterinary professional bodies.
7. Researcher Training Subjects (elective elements) are aimed to provide graduate students with high-level knowledge and technical expertise in their own specialized areas.

1. Aim/objective-oriented education consistent with each course component is provided for the purpose of developing the competencies stated in the Diploma Policy.
2. To promote independent learning for the graduate students, we implement active learning, with students identifying challenges and solutions, and receiving practical training in the classes we provide.
3. We conduct lessons with in-person classes, SSCS, on-demand streaming, and e-learning systems.

1. The educational and academic objectives and assessment criteria are clearly laid out for each course component, and students are rigorously assessed on the achievement of learning outcomes based on tests and reports.
2. The graduate student’s academic achievement after completing four years is evaluated comprehensively by means of a dissertation thesis in addition to the number of credits acquired over that period.