Leading Japanese tech education specialist joins forces with Essex

A groundbreaking BSc in Computer Science is being launched in Japan thanks to an exciting collaboration between Essex and Tokyo-based Systems Architecture Knowledge (SAK).

The pioneering transnational education partnership will integrate elements of both validated and franchised components to deliver an innovative BSc in Computer Science with an optional fourth-year Postgraduate Diploma. The revolutionary hybrid model is designed to meet both Japanese and international academic and industry standards.

Dean of Partnerships at Essex, Dr Annecy Lax, said: “With this partnership the University of Essex is launching an incredibly innovative course into Japan’s higher education market which provides flexible, high-quality education tailored to diverse student needs.

“The partnership enables joint research, co-branded programmes, and access to broader professional networks which delivering significant benefits to students and both our institutions.

“By combining SAK’s industry-focused expertise with Essex’s academic leadership, we think we are establishing an innovative model for transnational education which places us at the forefront of internationally accredited IT education in Japan and offers amazing study opportunities to students.”

Established in Tokyo in 2004, SAK serves as the IT education arm of Secure Information Exchange (SIE), delivering industry-driven training through a hybrid approach combining online and in-person instruction. Dedicated to bridging academia and industry, SAK's mission is to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in Japan's competitive IT sector.

The University of Essex celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024 and is recognised as one of the most international universities in the world – ranking 17th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. With an outstanding international research reputation across a number of fields, University of Essex was ranked in the UK top 10 for research power in computer science following the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (Times Higher Education 2022). At Essex, 100% of its research impact in computer science is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Essex was ranked 58th out of 2,152 universities assessed worldwide in the global Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. Staff and students are drawn from more than 140 countries, more than 130,000 alumni are making an impact around the world and the University of Essex has an expanding portfolio of transnational education partnerships across India, China, Pakistan and many other countries.