Tokyo Metropolitan University, the sole university under the auspices of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, stands as a beacon of academic excellence. It embraces its distinctive role, cultivating individuals who can navigate and catalyze societal transformations. The university advances both basic and applied research, focusing on the challenges inherent in major metropolitan areas.
As a cornerstone in the intellectual landscape of Tokyo, the university envisions itself as an architect of a metropolitan human society, connected with educational and research entities across the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Tokyo Metropolitan University generates educational and research outcomes rooted in the dynamic fabric of metropolitan realities, nurturing individuals who embody a rich blend of humanity and creativity.
The institution bridges the gap between advanced research and quality education, exemplified by its esteemed faculty. They form the backbone of the university’s positive synergy, integrating cutting-edge research endeavors with high-quality education. This collaboration extends to the student body, where outstanding individuals participate actively in the ongoing dialogue that propels the institution forward.
The university’s Department of Biological Sciences will begin accepting applications for fall enrolment in 2024 in order to attract the best students from all over the world.
Message from President Takaya Ohashi: Enhancing Our Research Ability and Translating It into Education
Tokyo Metropolitan University has world-class research capabilities, but Japan as a whole has fallen behind in recent years. To address this issue, we established our Research Enhancement Initiative, which features seven strategies and twenty-one initiatives, to enhance our research capabilities.
The project will promote the upgrading of research environments, the allocation of more time for research, the development of young researchers, and a wide range of support. The latter includes financial support and career path development assistance for doctoral students, various support for securing external funding, and measures for attracting and supporting excellent researchers.
The key to this initiative is that it is not limited to any specific field; it aims to enhance all research our university conducts, ranging from fundamental to applied.
We also use the new building on the Hino Campus, which was opened in fall 2023, to support industry-academia-public collaborations and university spinoffs, to facilitate the sharing of research equipment, and to improve our capabilities in the realm of information science.
One of our key missions is to conduct excellent research and translate it into education. As a mid-sized comprehensive university, we can cover a broad range of academic disciplines while still offering education where instructors and students interact in person.
Through measures such as upgrading our common education for all faculties and departments, offering our Mathematics and Data Science minor courses, and improving the quality of our educational offerings by assessing students’ learning outcomes, we foster talented people who possess solid fundamental abilities, think for themselves, and take on challenges. With the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic now lifted, we will have vibrant campuses full of students fully engaged in both academic and extracurricular activities.
Tokyo Metropolitan University’s Diverse Academic Programs
TMU has a comprehensive academic landscape with seven faculties, 23 departments, and seven graduate schools on three campuses. This diverse educational environment caters to over 9,000 students, fostering an open learning atmosphere for pioneering innovations. The university engages globally, accepting 568 international students from 26 countries and regions.
The university offers a transformative education and the opportunity for groundbreaking discoveries in the Department of Biological Sciences. The curriculum provides students with a robust foundation in cutting-edge scientific principles and the skills for productive careers in the field. The department offers courses in English, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse student body.
The Biological Sciences program features various hands-on field and laboratory courses, emphasizing experiential learning. The small class sizes facilitate active participation and personalized attention. The university collaborates internationally with partner universities worldwide, providing students with a global perspective.
The university conducts examinations in both Japanese and English for prospective students interested in the Department of Biological Sciences. The selection process includes options such as SAT/ACT and IB for Spring enrolment, while special selections for Fall Semester Entrance are available from 2024 onward. This flexibility ensures that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access the program.
The department pushes the boundaries of science, integrating research and education to address global and societal issues. The research scope spans from molecules and cells to ecosystems and the biosphere. The four-year bachelor’s degree program empowers the next generation of scientists, offering a curriculum that encourages active learning, collaboration, and international exposure. In addition, all lectures and practical training for specialized education courses are conducted in English, enabling students to complete the 124 credits required for graduation entirely in that language.
Holistic Learning Ecosystem Focused on Diversity, Support, and Lifelong Collaboration
TMU’s main Minami-Osawa campus, in the western suburbs of Tokyo, is a vibrant hub for academic and personal growth. The campus, enveloped in lush greenery, offers a serene and conducive environment for learning. The surrounding area, with its lively atmosphere, features movie theaters, shopping malls, and various amenities that contribute to an ideal blend of academic focus and daily life convenience.
The TMU International Center ensures that students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, experience a seamless transition to studying and living in Japan. It provides various forms of support, enhancing the student experience and fostering a sense of community among international and local students.
TMU also provides financial support via scholarship programs to support students who have a strong desire to learn. Undergraduate students may apply for full, half, or partial tuition waivers after enrolment.
Bridging Time and Talent – Libraries, Legacies, and Leisure
TMU has a comprehensive library system with the Central Library (Honkan), Systems Design Library (Hinokan), Health Sciences Library (Arakawakan), five Faculty Libraries, Harumi campus library, and Marunouchi campus library. The library offers a diverse range of resources, including paper journals/books, online databases, and electronic journals/books, with a collection of 2,200,000 volumes. Librarians provide essential services such as reference assistance, inter-library loans (ILL), and consortia collaboration with other universities. The library’s integrated catalog, accessible through OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), facilitates easy navigation of its extensive collection. The institutional repository “MIYAKO-DORI” showcases academic research results by TMU students and faculty members.
The Central Library of TMU houses 13,000 old documents from the Edo and Meiji eras, including the renowned “Mizuno-ke monjo” collection, documenting the Mizuno family’s service to the Shogun.
The Minami-Osawa campus boasts a striking gymnasium with a distinctive arch-like design for sports enthusiasts. This facility has three basketball courts, a heated indoor pool (25m, 6 courses), a Judo hall, a Kendo (Japanese fencing) hall, a training room, and changing rooms. Outdoor amenities include six tennis courts (omni), a baseball field, an athletics track and field, a ball game ground, and a Kyudo (archery) hall. There are also golf practice ranges and a clubhouse for student sports clubs. The Hino and Arakawa campuses feature gymnasiums, sports grounds, tennis courts, and more.
These facilities cater to academic needs and provide avenues for extracurricular activities. The diverse range of sports facilities allows students to engage in physical activities, fostering a holistic and balanced campus experience. Tokyo Metropolitan University offers a well-rounded environment that enriches both academic and personal development, whether pursuing research in libraries or participating in sports and recreational activities.
Application Schedule
| Application period | April 15 (Mon) – 26 (Fri), 2024 |
| Announcement of the first-stage screening results | May 17 (Fri), 2024 |
| Second-stage of selection | June 17 (Mon), 2024 |
| Announcement of successful applicants | July 3 (Wed), 2024 |
| Entrance | Entrance |
Number of Students to be admitted
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science.
A few Students can graduate from the University by taking only the classes conducted in English.
Please refer to the website for details.
https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/study_at_tmu.html
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