Curriculum

What Is the Qualifying Examination (QE)?

The examination is taken by GSDM students one year after they join the program (half year after for the students who started the program in the middle of M2). Its purpose is to confirm that the students intend to advance to doctoral courses and that their aims are consistent with the prospective profile of GSDM course graduates. The examination takes place entirely in English.

Documents to be submitted in advance:

  1. Application for comprehensive coursework courses:
  2. CV
  3. Essay on your research plans and solving social issues
  4. Essay on your participation in the GSDM program so far and the capabilities you have developed through the program

Items Evaluated in the QE:

  1. Group work
  2. Individual presentation
  3. Essay on your research plans and solving social issues
  4. Essay on your participation in the GSDM program so far and the capabilities you have developed through the program
  5. Status of the Comprehensive Coursework credits acquisition

*Two credits from each of the following three course categories must be acquired before QE.

  • Global Society and Public Policy Course
  • Advanced Science Technologies Course
  • Issue Solving Course

‘Social Design and Global Leadership' can be substituted for the 2 credits of Issue Solving Courses

Preparing for the QE:

You should attend as many GSDM seminars, symposiums, and comprehensive coursework sessions as possible in order to acquire a comprehensive knowledge base bridging more than one specialized field of study.