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Graduate Departments

Graduate School of Science

Since humans began walking upright millions of years ago, we have been curious about the natural events that occur around us and unraveling the mysteries behind these events has enriched our lives. The School of Science explores the fundamental questions of the natural world. Since their establishment, both the Faculty and the Graduate School have been at the forefront of science research and education, both in Japan and internationally, and have produced many outstanding accomplishments and trained many outstanding individuals.
By maintaining the tradition of excellence cultivated by the School of Science, we will continue to pursue educational and research activities that will open up pathways for the sustainable development of an advanced human society.


Department of Physics

The Department of Physics at the Graduate School of Science is a world-class choice for those who wish to pursue research at the frontiers of physics, including but not limited to elementary and high energy physics, astrophysics, fluid and plasma physics, quantum electronics, biophysics, and artificial intelligence. Those who dedicate themselves to discovering the fundamental principles of the universe will find a 130-strong faculty located on the Hongo campus and at affiliated research facilities that provide a stimulating environment and support for the never-ending challenges of scientific research. Counting three Nobel laureates among its alumni, the Department is the embodiment of UTokyo’s slogan “Discover Excellence.”


Department of Astronomy

Astronomy has made tremendous progress in recent years. To those who want to dive deep into one of the many fields, be it theoretical or observational, the graduate Department of Astronomy provides an environment where they can devote themselves to studying and research. The master’s program focuses on endowing students with the necessary knowledge and methodological skillset while the doctorate program prepares students for independent global-scale research. Even though there are only a few graduate schools in Japan that offer astronomy as an independent major, the Department is an institution of global significance in terms of its scope of research and number of faculty, including those concurrently affiliated with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).


Department of Earth and Planetary Science

The Department of Earth and Planetary Science covers a wide range of research areas, from Earth's interior to deep space, and from the origins of the solar system to Earth's future. We encourage logical thinking and a broad interdisciplinary perspective in both education and research. We have the five core groups of research, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Space and Planetary Science, Earth and Planetary System Science, Solid Earth Science, and Earth and Biosphere Science, in collaboration with many affiliated and external research institutes. About a half of all postgraduates go into research, while the rest take important positions in a variety of fields, including education, government, and industry.


Department of Chemistry

The graduate Department of Chemistry has a double mission. On the one hand, it is committed to training top-tier scientists who do basic research to understand natural chemical phenomena. On the other hand, it is dedicated to contributing directly to society by participating in the development of new, sustainable materials. To achieve both aims and best prepare its students for the challenges of the various international and highly collaborative fields of chemistry, all the lectures are given in English. With its state-of-the-art specialized instrumentation and ties to many other graduate schools and research facilities, the Department of Chemistry provides the resources to anyone who has the passion and commitment to further their education and pursue their scientific endeavors.


Department of Biological Sciences

Because biology, which studies "life" from molecular structures to organelles, cells, organisms, and ecosystems, is extremely diverse, the graduate Department of Biological Sciences has an extensive network of divisions and affiliated research institutions throughout the country. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation and practice with a capacity to accept 84 and 44 students for the master’s and doctoral courses, respectively. After enrollment, students receive comprehensive guidance at one of the 80 laboratories. Because of the variety of possibilities in the world of biological research, the Department fosters a free atmosphere where students are encouraged to advance their own research programs while deepening their knowledge through classes, workshops, retreats, and other opportunities.