Faculty Overview

Faculty of Urban Management

Faculty of Urban Management Department of Urban Management

Fukuyama City University is the first Japanese university with a Faculty of Urban Management.

As the 21st century progresses, urban society faces a multitude of complex problems.

Based on the common foundation of the issues under the general term of "the environment", this faculty has adopted the following three perspectives in relation to today's urban society: "the city as open spaces", "the city as activities", and "the city as connections". The aim of this faculty is to form human resources capable of contributing to the creation of a sustainable urban society through a multitude of professional fields by pursuing integrated studies, through these perspectives, that fuse a variety of scholastic disciplines such as engineering, economics and sociology, and, moreover, by allowing students to enrich the courses they choose in accordance with their own concerns and interests.

Areas of Study

Two courses are offered according to your path after graduation and the desired license/qualification.

Planning/Design Area

Students study urban improvement and planning in terms of infrastructure, facilities, buildings, living environment and similar aspects from the perspective of urban engineering.

Target Career Fields
  • Construction/Real estate
  • Environment-related companies
  • Government institutions (urban planning departments)

Economics/Management Area

Students study the governmental and social systems, and management models required for sustainable development from the perspective of economics and management studies.

Target Career Fields
  • Finance/Insurance industries
  • Manufacturing/Wholesale and retail businesses
  • Government institutions (Industrial promotion departments) etc.

Symbiosis/Development Area

Students study urban planning utilizing the urban modalities formed by autonomous citizenry control, multicultural societies and regional characteristics from a sociological perspective.

Target Career Fields
  • Various types of NPOs
  • Consulting firms
  • Government institutions (Planning/International relations departments)

Main Points of Study

Integrated Studies Consisting of Three Areas

Integrated Studies Consisting of Three Areas

These integrated studies are based on the environment and consists of the following three areas: "Urban Planning and Design", "Urban Economics/Management" and "Urban Coexistence/Development". The possible career fields are various and wide ranging in accordance with the student's area of concentration and multiple specialties.

Studies Related to Current Social Issues

Studies Related to Current Social Issues

As classes utilize the whole area of Fukuyama City as a campus, educational activities are carried out in conjunction with local business and government, and other regional entities. A high value is placed on understanding regional characteristics in order to study with an awareness of concrete issues, as based the actual conditions and circumstances of society, and to deepen the student's knowledge.

Studies to Acquire Planning/Execution Capabilities

Studies to Acquire Planning/Execution Capabilities

There are a variety of simulation and practical courses, including extracurricular studies and fieldwork, such as "Practical Seminar on Civic Collaboration" and "Seminar in Practical Industrial Innovation". By applying acquired knowledge and accomplishments to practical issues, students develop solid planning and execution capabilities.

Practical Training

Practical Training at Private Companies/Government Institutions (3rd Year)

In cooperation with municipal governments, chambers of commerce and industry, private companies and similar entities, students spend two weeks in practical training at private companies and government institutions. Through practical work experience gained on-site, students are able to determine their own suitability and career path, as well as gain an awareness of being an adult member of society and a corresponding sense of responsibility.

Practical Training Related to the Environment (3rd Year)

This is a short-term study abroad program in conjunction with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Students receive practical training at a city located in the middle of untouched nature in order to cultivate a better understanding of different cultures and become internationally minded by collaborating with persons from various countries.

Message from the Faculty President

There are currently 6.9 billion persons living on the planet. They live in various places from the regions where we live to Asia, North/South America, Europe, Africa, where, amidst the corresponding climate and natural features, they are experiencing the passing of history, formulating culture and civilization, and fixing their gaze on the future. However, the environment and resources of the earth, which were once thought to be permanent and infinite, are breaking down due to the rising population and rampant over development such that there are concerns for the continued coexistence of human and nature, something that should be an essential feature of life. In order for humans living on this planet to resolve these problems, it is essential to propose and create a living environment that is continuously viable.

The Faculty of Urban Management can provide students with the knowledge and teach them about the technology needed to resolve these issues as it is a teaching/research institution that forms human resources capable of being active in a wide range of areas. This faculty has gathered together researchers with abundant experience and specialists active in fields across the globe. In response to the current times, in which the strength of youth is required to create "continuously viable cities" for the sake of the future, I hope that all of you will challenge yourselves to confront the unknown with an indefatigable spirit.