Dual Degree Program

Graduate with 2 degrees from 2 universities

Ritsumeikan University (RU) has partnered with the Australian National University (ANU) to offer a truly international learning experience by launching a dual degree program – Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Asia Pacific Affairs. Through this dual degree program, students will have the opportunity to graduate with two degrees – one from RU and one from ANU.

In Japan, students will study the liberal arts, with a focus on becoming a proactive member of the global society in the twenty-first century. In Australia, they will experience the dynamism of globalization firsthand and deepen their studies of the Asia-Pacific region. Studying in two different institutions will bring different perspectives, different opportunities, different expectations, that will provide students with more career options in the future.

Dual Degree Structure

Students take 16 courses (or more) at both RU and ANU, with credit being recognized for degrees at both universities.

To be eligible to take ANU courses in this program, students must fulfill the minimum required passing GPA upon completion of a total of 32 RU credits, equivalent to one year of full-time study at GLA.

Bachelor of Global Liberal Arts,
Ritsumeikan University

Develop critical and flexible thinking to be able to adapt to a changing world

The GLA curriculum is centered around Cosmopolitan Studies, Civilization Studies, and Innovation Studies. Students will select classes according to their interests, concerns, and desired career to advance in their course of study.

New liberal arts for the new era

GLA goes beyond the boundaries of a traditional western rooted liberal arts education. By reframing the lens through which the world is examined and by understanding history within the context of Asian culture, students will develop into leaders who envision their goals and create future change.

Learn more on Foundation, Concepts, and Vision.

International and diverse environment

The diverse student body of GLA will allow students to explore new perspectives and foster connections with peers and academics worldwide. Ten out of 19 faculty members are female from various countries other than Japan.

Bachelor of Asia Pacific Affairs,
The Australian National University

Understand and appreciate the Asia-Pacific region and its importance in the 21st century

Students select from a range of ANU courses in the following subject areas.

Great emphasis on research

ANU is a research-intensive university with research priorities that reflect the challenges facing the world today.

Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs – A leading institution in Politics and International Studies

The Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs (Bell School) is part of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. It is committed to delivering distinctive excellence in research that positively influences policy in Australia, in the Asia-Pacific region, and internationally. The Bell School is recognized as the pre-eminent centre in the region and one of the best in the world for research excellence and policy analysis in the political, societal, diplomatic, security and strategic dimensions of international and Asia Pacific affairs.

In the heart of Australia’s capital city, Canberra

The University’s “park like” campus is in the heart of Australia’s capital city, Canberra. ANU attracts leading academics and outstanding students from Australia and around the world. ANU has more than 7,400 international students from various countries.

Video overview

The following video was created by ANU to provide information to students who will commence the dual degree program in Australia. We hope you enjoy this video, and the information and overview it provides.