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Welcome to the International Program in Agricultural Development Studies (IPADS)
Inaugurated in the academic year 2010/2011, International Program in Agricultural Development Studies (IPADS) is an English-language MSc and PhD Program at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo. Issue-oriented rather than methodology-oriented, this exciting international program offers its candidates the opportunity to develop the requisite expertise and skills across discipline and country boundaries to tackle agricultural and environmental problems in developing countries around the globe. Graduates will be well-equipped to make a difference in the modern, globalized industry of agriculture and contribute to the sustainable provision of food and ecosystem services in the world.
Academic Year
The academic year at IPADS begins in October each year. Typically, students in MSc complete the coursework component of the program within their first six months whilst designing and preparing for their original research, and then engage in full-time research for the remaining 18 months.
Successful completion of our program leads to the awarding of a degree of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.
Teaching Staff
As one of Asia’s leading agricultural schools, we take pride in the quality of our experienced and internationally recognized faculty, who engage in innovative teaching as well as cutting-edge research.
Research Areas offered by IPADS
IPADS offers various areas of research that constitute the fundamentals of agricultural development studies.
Students
Students enrolled in IPADS have various intellectual, geographical, academical backgrounds and origins.
As of 1 May 2021, IPADS has 45 students (26 students in Master’s course and 19 students in Doctoral course) enrolled from 20 countries.
Prospects after graduation
A diverse range of career opportunities is available to graduates. Upon successful completion of IPADS, students can expect to pursue a career in:
– academia
– government agencies
– international organizations
– international NGOs
– environmental consultancy
– developmental consultancy
– commodity trade
– rural finance
– farming industry
Partnership
As part of the strategy of the University of Tokyo to actively expand its network with leading universities around the world, IPADS established a strategic partnership in early 2016 with ZEF (Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn), one of the top research centers and think tank in the world. IPADS Students can participate in joint coursework with ZEF as well as various activities held annually including students’ seminars and field study courses.
<Field course conducted by Dr. Kensuke Okada at ISAS (Institute for Sustenable Agro-Ecosystem Services) for both IPADS students and PhD students from ZEF under IPADS/ZEF Joint Coursework Initiative>
<IPADS Introductory course conducted each fall for newly enrolled IPADS students by Dr. Manfred Denich from ZEF>
<Dr. Christian Borgemeister, ZEF Executive Director, Visiting Professor in IPADS>
Extracurricular activities: Internship opportunities
Opportunities for internship in International Organizations such as UNOPS, UNIDO and FAO are available for IPADS students depending on a year.