Dietary Education Course

Recently, the demand for nutritionists has increased due to the increasing number of diet- and lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Students are taught about the relationships between food, lifestyle and health, as well as cooking skills that prepare them for the workforce. Graduates are eligible not only to become certified nutritionists and qualified social welfare workers, but may also be certified diet education advisors under Nishikyushu University’s own program.

Food Environment Course

This course of study aims to produce food specialists who act as a bridge between suppliers and consumers by providing expert information and advice. These food specialists require advanced knowledge and skills regarding food, including the ability to judge quality, hygiene and other related issues. Students study these issues to gain an understanding of food in terms of health, safety and even the comfort it provides. Upon graduation, students are certified nutritionists, qualified to become social welfare workers, eligible for the food specialist examination, and are certified food producers under Nishikyushu University’s own program.

An inherent aspect of the care of the elderly or disabled is the intrusion into their private lives. Therefore, it is vital that caregivers are aware of patients’ daily lives, have a clear understanding of their problems and needs, and are able to respond appropriately to those needs. In addition to the knowledge and skills necessary for effective care, caregivers must have an insight into the daily lives of their patients. This department emphasizes the importance of such insight in all of its classes. An in-depth knowledge of health maintenance is necessary in today’s care fields. This department offers a program commissioned by MEXT that trains students in the prevention of long-term care. The curriculum qualifies students as care workers and long-term care prevention personnel.

Interaction with local residents allows students to acquire the skills and appropriate mental attitude they will need as caregivers.

Expression and Music Course

Students learn skills and teaching methods for children's favorite hand games, dances, songs and music. In order to enhance children's expressiveness and understanding of the world, teachers must be more physically active and have a greater musical sense. Students in this course of study receive one-on-one piano and vocal lessons. They also learn methods for reaching children’s emotions through plays and reading of picture books. This education gives them the knowledge and skills they will need to encourage individuality and creativity in young children.

Psychology and Environment Course

Children live in a community that is protected by family and relate themselves to the surrounding environment. Students study children’s living environments. One way this is done is through participation in community child rearing support activities. Experience with children and their parents makes for more compassionate childcare workers. Students are involved in a number of activities including nature field trips, creation of playgrounds at childcare facilities, nature games at overnight camps and other experience-oriented programs that teach them ways to encourage children’s growth.

After graduating from a junior college or other professional school as a licensed nursery school teacher, individuals may continue with this course of study that provides them with expert knowledge and skills in the field of caregiving. After one year, students are eligible for the national care worker exam.

This course of study instills a high regard for human dignity, and students draw on aspects of caregiving and other related fields to learn ways to help the elderly and the physically or mentally disabled attain an independent lifestyle and achieve self-realization. In addition, hands-on training at caregiving facilities teaches students practical application of basic skills and knowledge, as well as allowing them to acquire lifestyle and recreational knowledge and skills. The goal of this course of study is to cultivate care workers with a deep sense of humanity.