When someone wishes to study information technology (IT) at university, they usually enroll in an informatics department, such as Information Science (jouhoukou gakubu), Science and Engineering (rikou gakubu), Engineering (kou gakubu) and so on. Informatics refers to the study of a broad range of subjects related to “information,” including how information is created and communicated; and how collected data is processed and utilized. These above-mentioned studies can be separated into 3 different categories. The first, humanities related knowledge, includes information ethics and law. The second, science related knowledge, entails basic mathematical subjects such as statistics and applied mathematics. Finally, software knowledge, which includes the study of programming and algorithms.

For those that wish to pursue IT fields that require creative skills such as games and design, it might be possible to study at a university of arts. If you have a specific job in mind and want to learn highly specialized skills in a program that suits your career goals, a technical school is a good option.

Let us begin by introducing some schools in Kyoto where you can study IT-related subjects!

1．Kyoto University: Undergraduate School of Informatics and Mathematical Science

Official website: https://www.s-im.t.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/index.html?set_language=en

Highlights of the course:

(1) At the end of the first year, students are divided into one of the following 2 courses

• Mathematical Engineering Course
• Computer Science Course

(2) The course helps students to master the ability to solve problems based on mathematics and physics by combining the theory and practice of informatics.

 

2.　Kyoto Institute of Technology: Engineering Design, Information Science (Undergraduate program)

Official website: https://www.kit.ac.jp/en/academic-programs/undergraduate-programs/information-science/

Highlights of the course:

(1) Students can learn both computer science (CS) and computer engineering (CE).

(2) Recommended to students who wish to master basic theory and practical techniques in both hardware and software.

 

3．Ritsumeikan University: College of Information Science and Engineering (CISE)

Official website: https://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/ise/

Highlights of the course:

(1) In the fall semester of the first year, students can choose from 7 courses: 6 Japanese courses for in-depth study in each specialized field, and one English course for cross-disciplinary study of a wide range of knowledge in a global environment.

• Information Systems Science and Engineering Course (English)
• System Architect Course
• Security and Networks Course
• Social System Design Course
• Physical Computing Course
• Media Technology Course
• Artificial and Natural Intelligence Course
• Information Systems Science and Engineering Course　*Only in English

(2) The department has its own overseas IT training program and internship program.

(3) The university moved to the Osaka Ibaraki Campus in April 2024 and it has strengthened cooperation with companies and local governments to achieve a “Socially Connected Campus”.

 

4．Kyoto Sangyo University: Faculty of Information Science and Engineering

Official website: https://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/english/department/science_engineering.html

Highlights of the course:

(1) In the fall semester of your freshman year, you can choose from 10 courses. You can deepen your expertise in one field or select several (up to 3) courses to learn a wide range of knowledge and skills.

• Network Systems Course
• Information Security Course
• Data Sciences Course
• Robot Interactions Course
• Computer Circuit Board Design Course
• Integrated Systems Course
• Digital Fabrication Course
• Neuroscience Course
• Media Processing Technology Course
• Information Systems Course

(2) Small class sizes, with 5.3 students per faculty on average, which is one of the best student-to-teacher ratios among private universities.

 

5.　Kyoto Tachibana University: Faculty of Engineering

Official website: https://www.tachibana-u.ac.jp/english/faculties/engineering.html

Highlights of the course:

(1) After studying the basics of information engineering in the first and second years, students can choose from 5 courses in the third year.

• Software Design Course
• Network Design Course
• IoT System Course
• Media Design Course
• Data Science Course

(2) There are crossover courses between design courses (Faculty of Engineering) and social science courses (Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration), that allow students to study other fields so they can gain new perspectives and ideas.

(3) Students can learn in a practical manner by using cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printers and VR headsets.

 

6．Doshisha University: Faculty of Culture and Information Science

Official website: https://www.cis.doshisha.ac.jp/english/education/outline/

Highlights of the course:

(1) In the first and second years, students take introductory courses in a wide range of subjects, such as Cultural Science, Data Science, and Advanced & Interdisciplinary, leading to research in the third year and beyond.

(2) Students can study both humanities and sciences, combining culture and data science.

 

7-1.　Kyoto College of Economics: Information Systems Course

Official course website: https://www.kyoto-econ.ac.jp/course/course-informatics/

Highlights of the course:

Students can learn basic technologies required for software development and information design, such as programming, information security, and system design.

 

7-2．Kyoto College of Economics: Comprehensive Design Course

Official course website: https://www.kyoto-econ.ac.jp/course/course-design/

Highlights of the course:

In addition to IT web design and CG design, students can learn related fields such as business administration and economics and acquire comprehensive design skills that can contribute to business.