Graduate School of LawWaseda University

Courses

The LL.M. courses are designed to stimulate critical thinking and provide students with an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas. To complete the program, students must take at least 15 semester-long courses: 2 required courses, 1 required elective, and 12 electives. Each course meets weekly for 100 minutes and is conducted in a small-class format—such as seminars or other interactive, engaging learning experiences. The program aims to provide a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, while allowing students the freedom to explore their intellectual interests. LL.M. students are expected to complete the curriculum within one Japanese academic year, from April to March.

Students interested in improving their Japanese language skills can enroll in “Japanese Language (Japanese Legal Terms and Expressions I and II),” which count towards the degree requirements. It is also possible to take a greater variety of Japanese language courses offered by Waseda’s Center for Japanese Language, although these do not count towards the graduation requirements.