1 - Applications

I am currently a master's student and will not complete it before the deadline, am I still eligible to apply? 

If you are graduating before the programme starts, you will be eligible to apply for the Joint PhD programme. As it’s mentioned in the list of supporting documents for application, if you are yet to complete your highest academic qualification, you will need to submit an interim transcript (an up-to-date copy of your results so far) along with your next highest qualification.

Does my degree certificate need to be translated into English? 

Yes. We only accept degree certificates and academic transcripts (and qualification document(s) if relevant) in English.

What are the English language requirements? 

Please read the English requirement FAQs carefully. If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the Band B English language requirements for the Joint PhD Programme. 

Applicants who are a national of a majority English-speaking country or who have successfully completed an appropriate academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree), which was taught in a majority English speaking country from the UKVI approved country list, automatically meet the programme’s English language requirements.

What if I don't meet the language requirements by the application deadline? 

Any applicants who do not meet the Band B English language requirement or are not exempted from providing an English language test score will be required to fulfil this requirement, should an offer of admission be given. If they fail to meet the English language requirement by August, their offer of admission for the year will be rescinded.

Is the start date flexible for the Joint PhD?

Because Nagasaki University takes students only once a year in October, all joint PhD students must commence the course at the start of an academic year, in late September. 

Is there an intake quota for the Joint PhD programme?

Approximately 5 students will be offered a place. 

How do I pay the application fee?

Only shortlisted applicants who proceed for the interview will be asked to pay the Nagasaki University application fee. Further information about how to pay the application fee will be given to shortlisted applicants. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable except when the application fee was paid but the application documents were insufficient or they accidently paid the application fee twice. In principle, the refund charge must be borne by the applicant and request for a refund must be made within 14 days from the last day of the application period.

Can I still apply if I don't speak Japanese or have never visited Japan?

It is desirable for applicants to have some knowledge of Japanese language and culture though it is not mandatory. As long as they hold the normal minimum entrance qualification, they can apply to the programme.  In your application it is important to show how the link with Japan is relevant for your research.

Where will the interview take place?

The interview will take place online using the web conferencing system such as Zoom.

2 - Joint PhD Programme

Is the degree issued and certified by both Nagasaki and LSHTM?

The research degree will be awarded jointly by Nagasaki University and the University of London.

Do I need to spend 6 months at each University?

Students are normally expected to spend 6 months in each institution during the study. This is to enable students to benefit from the institutions’ academic environment and gain any training required for successful completion of their doctoral work. In some cases, a request can be made to reduce this minimum residency period if students and supervisors can demonstrate that they will receive the necessary training and support, or if personal or financial circumstances make residency challenging.

Can I study part-time?

NU-LSHTM Joint PhD degree programme is offered as full-time registration only and the students cannot engage in full-time work whilst studying full-time.

3 - Fees & Funding

Please see the general FAQs on fees and funding on the LSHTM website and the Nagasaki University’s WISE website.

How are the current students paying the tuition fees?

The current students pay the fees from personal savings, family support or other scholarship awards. Please note that students who receive the Nagasaki University stipend cannot receive other stipend. There have been students who receive the Nagasaki University stipend and a scholarship award which only covers tuition fees, and those who receive other scholarships award instead of the Nagasaki University stipend. Examples of other scholarships the past and current students receive include the Nagasaki University Special Research Scholarship; the Doctoral Course (DC) Research Fellowships (DC1) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS); Rotary International; Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO); and Honjo International Scholarship Foundation.

Nagasaki University runs a competitive waiver scheme for its tuition and admission fees which all successful candidates are eligible to apply for. The decisions on applications for the waivers are made by the Nagasaki University Student Support Department and only a limited number of student(s) who both demonstrate the academic excellence and bear financial hardship shall be considered for the fee waiver.

Please note that the fee waiver is very competitive and the acceptance rate for the admission fee waiver is very low. Please prepare to pay the admission fee and tuition fee in case your fee waiver application is rejected. If the admission or tuition fees are not received by the stipulated deadline, your registration will be terminated.