United Nations University is an international institution promoting research and studies that are meant to help the world, and the headquarters lie in Japan. The university is connected to other international communities via a variety of programs, and the conferences held therein are to enrich students to contribute to the betterment of societies.
Table of Contents
- United Nations University around the world
- Programs and Courses in Tokyo, Japan
- Scholarships and the Future
- Summary
United Nations University around the world
United Nations is an international organization committed to forwarding global advancement. Composed of the majority of countries in the world, the organization has continuously lived up its promise since the end of World War 2, dealing with matters concerning peace and security, human development, and so on. In the 1970s, the international organization was able to establish its education and research wing, the United Nations University, or UNU. UNU is a system of institutes around the world that are administered by the United Nations.
※ United Nations University, "History and Background"
Initially acting as the research wing for the United Nations, UNU played a key role in providing evidence-based research regarding matters concerning the world. Since its establishment, the University has produced essential publications and research materials to help the assembly understand and deal with various issues around the world. Its headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan, and oversees the general academic and institutional activities of UNU.
※ United Nations University, "Study at UNU"
United Nations University is different from other higher education institutions in its global scale. It is the first of its kind being established by an international organization. UNU as a research wing complements its nature as an educational institution. Since students of UNU are expected to provide evidence-based research on developmental projects, their findings or outputs are then utilized by the United Nations in various global initiatives. Furthermore, it partners with different higher education institutions in the world.
Another distinctive feature of the institution would be its structure. It only offers graduate courses, including masters and doctorate degrees in their institutes. There are 15 institutions spread in 13 different countries that are under the university system. Each institution specializes in a certain field of inquiry that serves as the framework for scholars. One of which would be the Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), which is also located in Tokyo.
※ United Nations University, "United Nations University Organization"
Writer's Pick
Programs and Courses in Tokyo, Japan
United Nations University-Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS; formerly known as Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability and Peace or UNU-ISP) was formally established in 2009. The institute is different from the headquarters because it serves as the academic institution offering research opportunities as well as graduate programs. There are three programs offered by the institute in different areas: master’s, doctoral, and short-term.
※ United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "What is UNU-IAS"
Master’s Program on Sustainability Science
The institute offers a Master’s Program on Sustainability Science. Students of this graduate degree will be educated and trained with a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with sustainability issues, covering global issues such as energy, climate change, food security, demographics, global equity, poverty, and others. The course will also provide the students with the capacity to employ feasible solutions as a response to the issues. In the master’s program, students are required to engage in different research projects focusing on the field while completing 30 units of subjects about sustainability.
Students should express a resolute interest in the field of the study to be eligible for the program. Also, students should be aware that the program will inevitably involve participation and interaction with other various institutions around the globe. This means that students must be willing to study and work with other students and faculties coming from diverse backgrounds.
Another requirement would be a bachelor’s degree. Since the program is a graduate course, students must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited higher education institution. With such completion, students must be academically excellent and endowed with a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Lastly, applicants must be the English language proficient. UNU-IAS requires students to reach a certain score in two different proficiency examinations such as IELTS and TOEFL. The tuition fee is ¥1,000,000 per year.
※ United Nations University, "Master's Program Master's Program Sustainability Science (2020)" ※ United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "Application Guide - Instructions to Applicants for 2020 Admissions," p.2-3
Doctoral Program on Sustainability Science
UNU-IAS also offers a doctoral program on sustainability science. In this program, students are provided with in-depth expertise and learning on issues of sustainability. If the master’s program focuses on immersing the students, this program, on the other hand, gives the student an opportunity to coordinate with policy-making institutions to come up with evidence-based research. The purpose primarily is to engage the students in heightened professional experience and hands-on inquiry that extends to other bodies concerned with sustainability. Students are required to take 14 credits of required courses and research courses combined for three years to specialize in the field.
This doctoral or Ph.D. program is different from the master’s program in the sense that it requires a master’s degree connected with sustainability studies. Aside from being a master’s degree holder, applicants for the program must demonstrate excellent academic performance in previous degrees. A similar language proficiency requirement is needed to be eligible. For this doctoral program, tuition fee costs ¥1,000,000 per year.
※ United Nations University, "Master's Program Doctoral Program Sustainability Science (2020)" ※ United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "Application Guide - Instructions to Applicants for 2020 Admissions"
Short-term program
Students can also choose to enroll in short-term programs provided by the institute. Entitled as "UNU Intensive Core Courses," it offers a four-week program on sustainability. Students are guaranteed lectures from different academics and scholars from a wide range of backgrounds. Moreover, the program incorporates the discussion found in some of UNU's esteemed research materials. Students of this short-term program would be given a chance to participate in some of the organizational analysis of global issues concerning sustainability.
Applicants for this short-term program must be at least a college graduate or master's or Ph.D. student. Another key requirement would be intensive English language proficiency. The tuition fee for short term program cost ¥200,000 throughout.
※ United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "UNU Intensive Core Courses"
Scholarships and the future
UNU also offers scholarship programs. There are five kinds of scholarships offered in UNU-IAS. Students can choose from the following:
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Asian Development Bank Scholarship: full tuition coverage plus ¥147,000 monthly allowance
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Japan Educational Exchanges and Services Scholarship: ¥50,000 monthly stipend
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Japan Foundation for United Nations Scholarship: full tuition coverage plus ¥120,000 monthly stipend
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Resona Bank Scholarship: full tuition coverage plus ¥130, 000 monthly stipend
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UNU Rector’s Scholarship: full tuition coverage plus ¥130,000 monthly stipend
The scholarships are limited for students who are in dire need of financial assistance in their academic careers. Each program has its own outline of requirements for eligibility.
UNU upholds the high expectations of academic excellence. Prospective students are required to maintain the responsibility to it as well. During the application process, students may be asked to write essays about different topics. This is done to assess the aptitude of the student with regard to the assigned focus.
※ United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, "Master of Science in Sustainability United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability - Application Guide Instructions to Applicants for 2020 Admissions"
Upon graduation and even while studying can pursue employment opportunities within the United Nations University. For students, they can apply for student assistant positions within their university and assist administrative roles in the offices. For graduates, a broader employment opportunity awaits. Acting as the United Nations’ research wing, UNU is always in need of researchers. Graduates from UNU can apply for research fellow positions who will administer, organize and supervise intellectual contributions of the unit. They can also lead projects overseas that may be supplemented with other members from UNU. Having such opportunity must be something to hold on to in one’s curriculum vitae. And take note that this is separate from other possibilities outside the institution.
Furthermore, aside from all the technicalities and promising opportunities offered by UNU, its main building in Tokyo, Japan is something to be appreciated too. Considering its breathtaking postmodern architecture, it stands 65 meter tall overlooking Tokyo’s one of wealthiest neighborhoods, Aoyama. Students of UNU will definitely catch that fancy vibe while pursuing academic endeavour.
Summary
UNU-IAS is a promising institution for intellectual pursuit. The relevant expertise it gives is certainly a valuable asset in the contemporary world. Its unique programs assure students and young professionals in establishing their careers in the international stage. From the potential employment opportunities they can have from the United Nations itself, students with adequate knowledge in the field can also give back to their own countries and regional organizations. These opportunities could be more meaningful also for an individual since it is inclined to resolving the pertinent issues that affect human life.
