Master in Material and Life Systems Engineering Course

For the continuing advancement of mankind, we should establish materials cycles and energy flows that harmonize with nature. In this course, students study the design, synthesis, and practical use of environment-conscious materials which require less energy for production and which can safely enter the earth's ecosystem. Aiming at fostering distinguished researchers and engineers to create and manage the next generation fundamental material technology, this course provides education for the creation of new materials and the methods and technologies required to assess such new materials' characteristics.

Kochi University of Technology (KUT), established in 1997, was originally a private university. Founded by the Kochi prefectural government, KUT ambitiously set its sights on becoming a world-class university through the pursuit of unique excellence. KUT's revolutionary design, introducing innovations never before seen in universities in Japan, contributed greatly to the development of university education. Despite its relatively small scale, KUT has had a strong presence with its distinctive character and progressive education system. Notably, KUT took the lead in adopting a quarter system to enable intensive learning. Valuing student autonomy, KUT has no compulsory courses.

In 2009, KUT became a public university corporation. With its solid financial position thanks to the support of the Kochi prefectural government, KUT could operate innovatively since it gained the know-how needed for independent and autonomous operation through its experiences as a private university. At the same time that KUT changed its status, its organization was transformed as well: 5 departments within the faculty of engineering became 3 schools offering 13 specialty courses. This redesign was aimed at deepening and broadening the learning system to answer to the needs of the time and of society. This educational reform for broadened learning-enabled KUT to pursue an innovative future not bound by a conventional engineering curriculum.

With the motto “a university where a person can grow” (rather than “a university to develop people”), KUT has been at the forefront of the higher education system. As part of its reform, “KUT Advanced Program” was launched in April 2014 in order to provide support for the development of excellent undergraduate students. This support, including scholarships, enables high potential students to satisfy their ambitions and reach their career targets. KUT is rather pleased to think that it is a global pioneer with this unique program for optimum education of undergraduate students.