Is Engineering at TDU Right for Me?

Tokyo Denki University's School of Engineering states that it seeks students who have a strong interest in technology across the various fields of engineering and have acquired foundational academic skills, as well as a willingness to learn collaboratively with diverse groups of people and the motivation to identify and solve problems independently. The School of Science and Engineering similarly identifies a strong interest in each field, the necessary foundational academic skills, a clear sense of purpose, and motivation. It is therefore not appropriate to assess suitability for engineering based on a single condition, such as being good at mathematics or having prior experience making things. What matters is considering whether you can continue studying foundational subjects and approach problems in a field that interests you.

The School of Engineering indicates that, in addition to learning the foundational knowledge and skills covered throughout the high school curriculum or its equivalent, students should acquire sufficient foundational academic skills particularly in mathematics, science (physics and chemistry), and English. At the School of Science and Engineering, mathematics and English are identified as knowledge required across all academic divisions, and students are also expected to acquire foundational academic skills in the subjects required by each division. In practice, different preparation is specified for mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and other subjects in academic divisions such as Science, Life Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic and Computer Engineering. Rather than assuming that everyone in an engineering field uses the same mathematics and science to the same extent, you need to check the policies of the school and academic division you intend to apply to.

Tokyo Denki University's official admissions policies identify an interest in engineering, foundational academic skills, and a willingness to learn, but they do not state that prior experience in programming, building robots, electronics projects, competitions, or similar activities is required for the School of Engineering or the School of Science and Engineering as a whole. Studies after enrollment, however, include experiments and practical training, workshops, exercises, and problem-based learning. Rather than deciding whether engineering is right for you solely on the basis of prior experience, considering whether you can approach unfamiliar technologies and problems with interest is more consistent with Tokyo Denki University's official policies.

At the School of Engineering on the Tokyo Senju Campus, the curriculum combines foundational education, experiments and practical training throughout all years of study, workshops, and specialized education. At the School of Science and Engineering on the Saitama Hatoyama Campus, courses include lectures, exercises, experiments and practical training, as well as problem-based learning and active learning. Studying engineering involves more than listening to and memorizing lectures; it includes activities such as thinking, testing, creating, explaining, and solving problems. There are forms of learning relevant both to people who enjoy exploring theory and to those who enjoy practical work, although the specific balance varies by department and academic division.

Tokyo Denki University has a Learning Support Center on each campus, where students can ask questions about course content, seek advice on study methods, receive instruction in small groups, and receive individual instruction by appointment. The School of Engineering also states that it offers proficiency-based classes in mathematics and English to strengthen foundational academic skills. The School of Science and Engineering similarly states that it provides guidance on course selection and introduces proficiency-based classes to strengthen foundational academic skills. However, the availability of support does not mean that students will necessarily be able to manage difficult subjects without problems. If you are concerned about your foundations, it is important to begin addressing them at an early stage by combining classes, review, and support services.

To determine whether engineering is right for you, it is useful to look at what you would actually study in the department or academic division that interests you rather than judging by the name "engineering" alone. Tokyo Denki University's open campus information allows you to explore content by areas of interest such as information, communications and networks; electrical and electronic engineering; machinery and robotics; and life sciences, chemistry and science. Before applying, in addition to attending an open campus event, review the curriculum and admissions policy for your intended school, department, or academic division and check what foundational academic skills and preparation are specified in mathematics, science, and other subjects. This can help reduce discrepancies between your interests and what you would actually study.