Dual degree official opening ceremony in Japan

Last month, Ritsumeikan University celebrated the launch of the dual degree program between ANU Coral Bell School and Ritsumeikan’s College of Global Liberal Arts. The event welcomed the first full cohort of students undertaking this innovative program, with a total of 56 students having started the program in Osaka, and another 9 students having commenced in Canberra.

Participating in the ceremony from ANU were Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt; Bell School Director, Professor Toni Erskine; and Program Convenor Dr Christopher Hobson. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor explained that, “this program contributes to ANU engagement in Asia, and offers a model for educational collaboration with other partner institutions.” He told the new students that he expected the program will equip them with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in a world undergoing great change.

Director Erskine echoed the VC’s words, seeing the program as a way of building awareness, understanding and engagement across the Asia-Pacific region at a time when there are considerable challenges facing the world.

This is the first undergraduate dual degree program between an Australian and Japanese university, reflecting and strengthening the strong ties between the two countries. Taught completely in English and with a maximum of 100 students per year, 10 of whom commence at ANU, it allows students the opportunity to study in both Australia and Japan, and graduate with a Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Affairs from the ANU, and a Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts from Ritsumeikan University. This program is well suited for students with an interest in Japan and a desire to spend time studying abroad.

For more information about the dual degree program visit this page.