Global Ambitions for World Heritage Site University
With plans to establish new schools and relaunch in 2021, Prefectural University of Hiroshima is seeking to attract outstanding global academic talent, as part of an ambitious programme to become Japan’s foremost international Higher Education institution.
From 2015 to 2040, the working age population (15 years to 64 years) in Hiroshima Prefecture is predicted to decline by 68% from 1.6 million* to 510,000 people. Much of this can be attributed to graduate outflow to other districts in Japan, with an overwhelming tendency to relocate the capital city of Tokyo, where there is a concentration of job opportunities in business and politics.
With a focus on “innovative change in learning”, and “competency-based learning”, the new Prefectural University of Hiroshima will develop programmes deeply rooted in building transferrable skills lifelong learning and vocational training.
Investing in civic engagement and the local and international community
As a “community-based university” the University aspires to advance its civic engagement, with local community initiatives designed to retain students and staff and stimulate investment in the region.
With directives to significantly increase international student enrolment, the new curriculum will include integrated study abroad programmes, overseas volunteering and internships. These core activities are anticipated to accelerate academic co-operation, strengthen links to business and industry, and form partnerships with global universities. 30% of full-time faculty members will be non-Japanese and roughly one in four students are predicted to be either international undergraduate students or exchange students.
English language instruction will play a central role in establishing an environment of cross-cultural learning. International student exchange programmes and admissions will also be facilitated by the adoption of the GPA system, fall/autumn enrolment (aligned with the Academic Quarter system) and admissions open to students with international baccalaureate diplomas. Furthermore, students will be required to earn 60% of their credits in classes given in English.
About the University
Prefectural University of Hiroshima is a public university, currently with three distinctive campuses and four faculties, two graduate school programs and Graduate Program (1 year) of study with approximately 2,700 students. It is known as a top public university in the Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu areas, committed to “learning, high-quality research and training.”
In Hiroshima Prefecture, two World heritage sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine offer additional educational experience with perspectives on peace, culture and history in Japan.
Currently, around 70 foreign students are enrolled at the University. Inbound exchange students are accepted during each term. The University has already introduced many excellent foreign students to the world who have studied in a Japanese academic setting and benefitted from the culture surrounding the University.
What is a Prefecture?
A prefecture is a self-governing administrative jurisdiction within a country. Each prefecture has as directly-elected Chief Executive (governor).
Japan has 47 prefectures, which are commonly grouped into eight regions, running from the North to the South of Japan: Hokkaidō, Tōhoku, Kantō, Chūbu, Kansai, Chūgoku, Shikoku and Kyūshū.
Hiroshima Prefecture falls within the region of Chūgoku, the Western-most region of Japan’s largest island, Honshu.
Get involved
Prefectural University Hiroshima is seeking international “staff who play an active role on the world stage”. With a quota to allocate one third of faculty positions to international academic staff, the university is seeking applicants with strong leadership and organizational skills, who can proactively build networks with business, industry and within Higher Education both within Japan and overseas. The university is now accepting applications for the following subject areas:
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Management
- Philosophy & Ethics
- Public Policy
- Art
- Literature (culture)
- History (Japanese culture)
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Accounting
- Data Science
- Practical English
The University welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Successful applicants will be invited to play a part in the upcoming university approval process, scheduled for October 2019. The University is anticipated to commence teaching in April 2021/ April 2022, depending on subject area.
*Statistics Bureau Japan Source: www.citypopluation.de
