The University of Tokyo

What you'll study

The two‑year master's curriculum balances taught courses and a research thesis. In the first year students take core and elective modules to build depth and breadth; in the second year they focus on independent research under the supervision of a faculty member and submit a thesis. Coursework emphasises both theoretical foundations and practical skills, with laboratory work and project-based assignments.

• Core topics: electromagnetic theory, circuit analysis, signals and systems, control engineering, semiconductor device physics.
• Specialist streams / electives: microelectronics and VLSI, optoelectronics and photonics, wireless communications and information theory, power systems and smart grids, embedded systems and IoT, robotics and autonomous systems, machine learning for signal processing.
• Practical components: laboratory modules, design projects, simulation and hardware prototyping, seminars and journal clubs.
• Research thesis: an original research project carried out in a laboratory group. Students typically attend group meetings, present progress reports and aim to publish or present results at conferences.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, applied physics, computer engineering or a closely related field. Admissions evaluate academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or research plan, and any relevant project or research experience.

• Academic record: a solid undergraduate performance in relevant quantitative and engineering subjects is expected.
• Research fit: compatibility between the applicant’s research interests and the expertise of potential supervisors is important; applicants are encouraged to contact faculty whose work aligns with theirs.
• Language requirements: many laboratories operate in Japanese, but there are English‑language courses and supervisors who work in English; applicants should check language expectations for their intended research group and provide proof of language proficiency if required.
• Selection process: review of documents is typically followed by an interview or entrance examination organised by the graduate school or individual departments.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical and leadership roles in diverse sectors. The programme provides the skills required for engineering design, research and development, systems integration and management.

• R&D and design engineering in electronics, semiconductor and photonics industries.
• Telecommunications, wireless systems and network engineering roles.
• Power and energy sector positions, including smart grid and renewable integration engineering.
• Embedded systems, automotive electronics and robotics engineering in manufacturing and mobility companies.
• Data science, signal processing and machine‑learning engineering roles in ICT and startups.
• Research careers: continuation to doctoral study and positions in academia or national research institutes.

Why study at The University of Tokyo

The University of Tokyo offers a research‑intensive environment with access to well‑equipped laboratories, interdisciplinary research centres and long‑standing industry collaborations. Students benefit from supervision by internationally recognised faculty working on frontier topics in device physics, communications, power systems and robotics.

Located in Tokyo, the programme provides proximity to major technology companies, startups and public research institutions, facilitating internships, collaborative projects and employment opportunities. The graduate school supports international students with academic guidance and a range of campus resources to help them integrate into research groups and the broader academic community.