The NIPS constitutes the Department of Physiological Science in the School of Life Science of the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai). The Department of Physiological Science provides a five-year Ph. D. course, namely including both Master and Doctor courses, and a three-year Ph. D. course that corresponds to Doctor course. Those who have graduated from universities or who are qualified at an equivalent level are eligible to apply for the five-year course. Those who have completed Master course in other university or who are qualified at an equivalent level are eligible to apply for the three-year course. The degree conferred on graduation of the five-year course or three-year course is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) .