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Social ScienceProgram

School of Law

Program Overview

AWARD

LL B. (School of Law)

DURATION

4Y

SCHOOL(S)

School of Law

Focus of Study

Law, Political Science

Law Program

Program Introduction

The Social Science Program in the Nagoya University G30 International Program is a collaborative effort between the School of Law and the School of Economics, with additional support from the School of Informatics and Sciences. The program provides a multidisciplinary education with a focus on political science, law, economics, business administration, and information science. Students are expected to develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills, along with a high level of ethical awareness—essential qualities for pursuing knowledge across a broad range of fields. The curriculum emphasizes management and leadership skills with a global outlook and a focus on manufacturing and industrial understanding. Upon choosing a major, students receive individual academic guidance from professors in their selected discipline and are expected to undertake graduation thesis research under faculty supervision. Below, we introduce the unique features and academic opportunities offered by the Social Science Program at the School of Law.

Course Highlights

The undergraduate program at Nagoya University’s School of Law is one of the few in Japan to offer a comprehensive legal and political science education entirely in English. It is particularly well-suited for students interested in examining legal and political issues from a global and comparative perspective. Bridging of Japan, Asia, and the West, the program provides students with the tools to study legal and political systems in depth and prepares them for future careers in academia, public service, international organizations, or the private sector—both within the region and globally. Nagoya University is one of Japan’s top national universities, home to a diverse faculty and an international student body. Politics courses within the G30 program cover political theory, Japanese politics, comparative politics with an emphasis on Asia, and international relations. Law courses explore fundamental legal principles, the Japanese constitutional and legal system, comparative law, and key aspects of international law. In addition, students enrolled in the G30 Law program have access to economics courses, broadening their interdisciplinary understanding. If this has piqued your interest, we encourage you to apply!

Why Nagoya University’s G30 Law Program?

  • One of the few undergraduate programs offered in Japan where legal and political science is taught exclusively in English.
  • Ideal for students interested in learning about legal and political issues from an international perspective.

Curriculum

1styear

Japanese Language, Liberal Arts & Basic Courses

Take foundational courses to ease into life at Nagoya University:

  • Introduction to Legal Studies
  • Introduction to Politics
  • Introduction to International Relations
  • Preliminary Seminars

2ndyear

Basic Specialized Courses

Start building your law foundation by taking the following basic courses:

  • Contemporary Japanese Law I
  • Social Science Analysis & Methods I
  • Intercollegiate Negotiation Competition

3rdyear

Specialized Courses & Laboratories

Start deciding on your specialization through specialized elective courses:

  • Corporate Law & Governance
  • International Migration
  • Specialized Elective Courses
  • Specialized Seminars

4thyear

Research and Thesis

Complete your research on your chosen specialization/field:

  • Graduation Research & Thesis

* Note: This curriculum outline serves to show a snapshot of what the program has to offer and does not list all graduation requirements. Please refer to the program’s Graduation Requirements found on the admissions website.

Related Links

How to Apply

The Social Science Program at the School of Law is open for applications every year in November-December. Note, that the program is not available during the 2nd round of G30 applications in January. Please click on the “Apply Here” icon above to view the full application instructions.
The Law Program conducts a holistic review of all application materials and places strong emphasis on well-written essays that demonstrate the applicant’s own critical thinking skills.
Detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements are provided in the Application Guidelines available on the Apply Here page.

Student Voice

3rd Year China

What sparked your interest in the G30 Law program?

I chose the G30 Law program because it is one of the few Law programs in Japan offered entirely in English. I first learned about the program through a high school senior who was a Nagoya University alumnus. Nagoya University is a progressive institution that actively recruits students globally, reflecting its commitment to diversity and innovation. As a national university, it offers excellent opportunities for both local and international students, and I have never doubted my decision to study here. To future students: once you arrive, you’ll fall in love with Nagoya’s vibrant yet calm atmosphere and meet many inspiring professors and classmates!

What do you do in your spare time?

Though less known internationally, Nagoya is a city full of hidden gems, from jazz bars and concept stores to thrift shops and creative workshop spaces. You might need to explore a bit, but you’ll be amazed at how much there is to discover! In my spare time, I enjoy playing volleyball with my club mates, exploring the city’s restaurants and cafes, and having picnics with friends.

Program Video

Career Path

Your Future Career

Alumni of the School of Law at large have pursued careers in national and local governments, international institutions, NGOs, law firms, and private companies both in Japan and abroad. The School’s profile in legal assistance is widely recognized, and graduates often cross paths in this sphere. Applicants should note that the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) awarded to graduates of both the G30 program and the Japanese-taught undergraduate curriculum is a general humanities degree. Professional qualification in Japan is founded on a separate postgraduate Law School program leading to Juris Doctor degree (J.D.). Graduates of the G30 program may apply for admission to any of the several postgraduate programs taught in English or in Japanese in the Graduate School of Law.

Examples of Career Paths

Academia

  • University of Tokyo
  • University of Geneva
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Amsterdam

Employment

  • Rakuten
  • British American Tobacco
  • Accenture
  • Softbank