○Degrees (doctorates)

The University can award the following degrees: Doctorates, Masters, Professional Degrees and Undergraduate Degrees.

Of these, the doctoral degree is the highest degree in Japan and is awarded by the university to those who have completed a doctoral program or to those recognized as having abilities equivalent to a doctorate through the submission of a thesis to the graduate school. The former are referred to as “taught course doctorates,” while the latter are known as “research doctorates.” In either case, the candidate must submit a thesis for consideration by the graduate school to demonstrate that they are worthy of receiving such a degree. The degree is awarded by the University President.

○Ensuring that degree consideration processes are fair and accurate

＊Background, and measures taken at Kyushu University

In recent years, the internationalization of higher education has placed demands for organizational strengthening on graduate school education, as well as for the awarding of degrees that are internationally recognizable and trusted. In line with improprieties identified in other universities regarding the consideration and awarding of degrees, Kyushu University is committed to the establishment and thorough maintenance of a fair and accurate consideration system for degrees.

At our university as well, we are committed to ensuring that faculty approach degree evaluations with fairness and transparency. We are working to establish a degree evaluation system that ensures transparency and objectivity through measures such as: 1) holding public doctoral thesis presentations, 2) making consent forms from co-researchers mandatory, and 3) establishing reporting and consultation channels.

＊Notification contact

Hotline for reports concerning degree screening is established within the University, in order to maintain transparency and objectivity in considerations, and ensure the fair and accurate consideration of degrees awarded by the University.

Any report or consultation regarding improprieties relating to the degree consideration process should be made to the following office.