“Philosophia et Praktikos,” a funding principle of the Kyoto Pharmaceutical University (KPU), is the basis of graduate education at KPU. The aim of graduate education is to increase the ability and competence pertaining to becoming a leader in the field of basic and clinical pharmaceutical sciences. For this goal, each program of the graduate course is shaped to facilitate the pursuing of original research in collaboration with laboratories at KPU as well as at universities and research institutions abroad. Through these international research activities, the original and creative research ability, a basic requirement to be a leader in any field, including pharmaceutical sciences, is acquired.

Based on the 6-year bachelor program at KPU, KPU offers a 4-year graduate program for the thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy. The program includes four options: Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Professionals (in collaboration with medical universities), and Regulatory Science (in collaboration with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency). For every option, lectures covering the relevant research fields and general research ethics are included. Lectures on skills pertaining to writing and presenting in English are also covered. The main objective is inculcating the ability of conducting research through laboratory activities covering different fields of pharmaceutical sciences.

KPU also provides a course [first term (2 years) and second term (3 years)] for the thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences to produce certified researchers who can act as experts in the field of basic pharmaceutical sciences globally. Similar to the 4-year graduate program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy, the course includes lectures covering different research fields of basic pharmaceutical sciences, general research ethics, and writing and presenting in English. The main objective is inculcating the ability of conducting research in laboratories to acquire the ability and competence pertaining to becoming an independent scientist in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

International students willing to devote themselves to research at KPU for highly specialized knowledge and developing the ability of conducting research are highly welcome. The aim of the 3- or 4-year Doctorate courses proposed for international students is educating them for becoming a researcher with an excellent ability to participate in research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences globally.

Graduate courses at KPU welcome every student with a bachelor degree and a strong desire to become an original and creative researcher.