日本京都精华大学本周二宣布，该校将于明年4月起正式开设漫画博士课程，从而成为日本首个培养“漫画博士”的大学。

Kyoto Seika University announced on Tuesday that it will offer Japan's first doctorate¹（博士学位） program in manga（日本漫画） studies to new students, beginning in April of next year. The university in Kyoto has a 40-year history of academic study in manga and animation². The university was first to install a specialized³ area of manga studies in 2000, and it then created a Faculty⁴ of Manga in 2006. It was also the first to establish a master's degree program in manga last year, when it accepted 20 students.

The university notes that the creation of the doctorate program is a response to internationalization of manga culture, increased public support, and developments in digital media and global contents culture. The faculty's teaching staff includes To Terra creator Keiko Takemiya and manga translator and cultural anthopologist Matt Thorn.

Candidates in the doctoral program will study manga theories for at least 3 years to receive this Doctorate of Arts degree. After completing coursework, the Kyoto Seika University expects graduates to become researchers, professors, and manga artists. The teaching staff includes internationally known manga researchers and active authors and editors. With this staff, students will get a close view of authors' perspectives on manga research and develop professional knowledge about production.

Kyoto Seika University will accept applications next January, hold admission tests in February, and accept 4 to 12 students into the program in April 2012.