Nagoya University

What you'll study

The PhD in Medicine is primarily research-led, centred on an original doctoral thesis that advances knowledge in a chosen area of basic, translational or clinical medicine. Students typically work within a laboratory or clinical research group and follow a tailored programme that combines focussed research with formal coursework and training modules.

• Doctoral research project: Major component — supervised independent research producing a thesis and peer-reviewed publications.
• Advanced seminars and journal clubs: Regular participation in group seminars, departmental meetings and presentation of progress to faculty.
• Core and elective coursework: Advanced subjects relevant to the research field such as molecular and cell biology, pathophysiology, biostatistics, clinical trial design, bioinformatics and medical ethics.
• Research skills and professional development: Training in research methodology, scientific writing, grant preparation, responsible conduct of research and, where relevant, clinical research training.
• Clinical and translational components (when applicable): For clinician–scientist tracks, structured clinical training or rotations may be integrated to support translational aims and patient‑oriented research.
• Examinations and thesis defence: Evaluation through progress reviews, submission of the doctoral thesis and an oral defence or viva voce as required by faculty regulations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (e.g. MSc, MMed) or equivalent qualification in medicine, biomedical sciences or a related field. Candidates with a professional medical degree plus substantial research experience may also be eligible.

• Academic transcripts: Demonstration of strong academic performance in prior tertiary studies.
• Research proposal: A clear, feasible research plan that aligns with the interests and expertise of potential supervisors within the Graduate School of Medicine.
• Supervisor endorsement: Identification of and agreement from a faculty member willing to act as primary supervisor is often required or strongly recommended prior to formal application.
• References: Two or more academic/professional references that can comment on research potential.
• Language proficiency: Evidence of proficiency in English and/or Japanese as required by the programme or supervisor; requirements vary by research group and whether coursework or clinical components are conducted in Japanese.
• Additional materials: Curriculum vitae, list of publications (if any), and any relevant certificates or documentation of clinical qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Medicine follow diverse career paths across academia, clinical practice and industry. The programme prepares students for roles that require advanced research skills and domain expertise.

• Academic researcher: Postdoctoral positions and faculty roles in universities and research institutes focusing on basic or translational biomedical research.
• Clinician–scientist: Hospital-based research careers combining clinical responsibilities with independent research projects.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech industry: Research and development, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs positions.
• Public health and policy: Roles in government agencies, health organisations and non-profits requiring expertise in medical research and evidence appraisal.
• Research management and technology transfer: Opportunities in research administration, intellectual property, and commercialisation of biomedical innovations.

Why study at Nagoya University

Nagoya University is one of Japan’s leading research universities with a long history of medical research and close links to a major university hospital. The Graduate School of Medicine provides an environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, from fundamental biomedical science to clinical application.

• Strong research environment: Access to well-equipped laboratories, clinical facilities at Nagoya University Hospital and collaborative centres that enable translational projects.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Opportunities to work with researchers across faculties, including life sciences, engineering and specialised research institutes, fostering cross‑disciplinary approaches to medical problems.
• Supervisory expertise: A large faculty with expertise spanning molecular biology, clinical specialties, epidemiology and biomedical engineering.
• International outlook: Research groups routinely collaborate internationally, and support is available for publishing and presenting work at international conferences.
• Professional development: Structured training in research ethics, methodology and communication, with access to funding and scholarship schemes administered through the university and affiliated hospitals.