PhD in (Division of Humanities and Social Sciences) International Economic Development Program

The International Economic Development Program, within the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hiroshima University, is a doctoral degree taught in English, running for three years with admission in October and April. Hiroshima University is a national institution located in Hiroshima, comprising 12 schools and 4 graduate schools, and it was selected as one of 13 universities for Japan's Top Global University Project in 2014 and one of 13 universities for the WISE doctoral education program in 2018. International economic development, as a field of doctoral study, examines how economies grow and change, with particular attention to development processes in low- and middle-income countries, international trade, foreign aid, and economic policy. Doctoral research in this area can cover topics such as development economics, international finance, trade policy, poverty and inequality, and the economic effects of globalization, often applying quantitative and econometric methods alongside policy analysis. Being situated within a division of humanities and social sciences, the program approaches economic development questions with attention to their social and institutional context, rather than treating them purely as technical problems. Hiroshima University's founding emphasis on contributing to a diversified, free, and peaceful global community is consistent with a doctoral program focused on international economic development. Graduates from doctoral programs in this field typically pursue careers in international organizations, government ministries and central banks, development finance institutions, research think tanks, or academic positions, applying advanced economic research skills to development policy and analysis.