UNU Intensive Core Courses for Postgraduate Students and Young Professionals
Applications at the moment are open for the United Nations University Intensive Core (UNU-IC) Courses, a singular alternative for postgraduate college students and early-career professionals to achieve in-depth understanding of worldwide challenges and sustainable improvement. Offered by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Tokyo, Japan, these quick credited programs are scheduled to start in September 2025. They can be delivered in a hybrid format, permitting members to attend both in particular person in Tokyo or on-line, relying on the course chosen.
Designed to reinforce educational and skilled improvement, the UNU-IC programs are excellent for people pursuing careers in worldwide public service, NGOs, multinational companies, and nationwide overseas companies. The programs draw from cutting-edge analysis performed at UNU and affiliated establishments, combining theoretical and empirical approaches to international points.
Course Offerings and Structure
Participants can select from the next three elective programs in 2025:
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Principles of International Development Project
A foundational course exploring easy methods to design, plan, and implement worldwide improvement initiatives. The course focuses on improvement coverage, administration methods, and real-world case research. -
The UN System and Sustainable Development
This course examines chosen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how the UN system works in the direction of attaining them. Emphasis is positioned on the interconnected themes of People, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. -
Global Change and Planetary Boundaries
Offering a scientific and policy-oriented look into environmental sustainability, this course explores the impacts of worldwide change and the significance of respecting planetary boundaries, with a deal with Planet, Prosperity, and Partnership.
Each course consists of roughly 15 periods, every lasting 100 minutes. Sessions usually happen 3 times per day throughout the time blocks of 10:00–11:40, 12:30–14:10, and 14:30–16:10. Course durations span 2 to 4 weeks, relying on the format and content material.
Who Should Apply
The programme is open to:
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Master’s and PhD college students in any self-discipline
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Young professionals with a college diploma working in related sectors in Japan or overseas
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Individuals aiming to work in worldwide organizations, together with the United Nations, NGOs, overseas companies, and multinational corporations
Applicants are anticipated to have wonderful proficiency in English. Minimum take a look at scores required are:
Learning Environment and Faculty
UNU-IC programs are delivered by a world workforce of lecturers and practitioners, together with consultants from numerous UN organizations and top-tier universities. As UNU-IAS is housed in the identical constructing as a number of UN businesses, college students profit from an immersive and interactive studying setting with direct entry to real-world insights and skilled networks.
Course Requirements
Participants can be anticipated to:
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Read as much as 150 pages weekly per course (with further advisable readings of the identical quantity)
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Attend all courses and actively take part in discussions
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Complete written assignments and assessments (e.g., group initiatives, essays, shows)
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Submit a course analysis type
Credits and Certification
Each accomplished course is value 2 educational credit. Upon profitable completion, members will obtain an official transcript from UNU-IAS. While some universities could settle for these credit, transferability is topic to the approval of the scholar’s home establishment.
Application Process and Deadline
Applicants should full the web application and overview the Application Checklist previous to submission. Required supplies embrace private data, educational background, and supporting paperwork.
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Application Deadline: 13 July 2025 (23:59 JST/UTC+9)
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Cost: 200,000 JPY per course
For extra data, go to the official website
For particular queries, contact: icsec@unu.edu
Why You Should Apply
The UNU Intensive Core Courses supply greater than educational information — they supply a platform to construct worldwide networks, acquire publicity to UN practices, and develop sensible expertise that improve your skilled trajectory. Whether you’re a scholar or a working skilled, these programs can function a big stepping stone in the direction of a globally impactful profession.
Take this chance to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary studying setting that bridges the hole between analysis, coverage, and apply within the realm of sustainable improvement.
For extra alternatives like this, go to the Opportunities for Youth platform.
UNU Intensive Core Courses for Postgraduate Students and Young Professionals