The Graduate School of Tama Art University was inaugurated in 1964, the first school of its kind at a private art university in Japan. The Graduate School allows students to develop their knowledge and technical ability in art and design to realize work at an advanced level. They concentrate on the
expression of unrestricted imagination as well as practical techniques, in order to forge their own directions as artists or designers.
Because art and design are an integral part of various kinds of cultural activity in society, artists and designers must be able to respond to the very rapid changes generated by science and technology and no longer restrict themselves to operating solely within their specialist areas; instead, they
must explore other fields and seek an "open space" in which it is possible to interact with other genres of art and design.
Recognizing innovative activities in the field of art as important will enable us to create longstanding and international works. In order to materialize this ideal, the Graduate School accepts many foreign students every year and provides abundant opportunities for international exchange. Both daytime and evening courses have been offered since 1995, enabling working members of society to join.
The Master's Degree Course leads to the Doctoral Degree Course established in 2001. The aim of this course is to contribute to the further development of the teaching and researching of art and design. The Master's Degree Course is composed of four courses: the Painting Course, the Sculpture Course, the Design Course, and the Art Science Course. The three-year Doctoral Degree Course offers the Art and Design Course to nurture specialists and educators.