Candidates admitted to the graduate programme will undertake research under the supervision of staff members from the School for their period of candidature, at the end of which, they submit a thesis that is examined by a Board of Examiners. In addition, they are required to fulfil a coursework component comprising of the following to graduate either with an MSc or a PhD degree:

National University of Singapore
MSc Programme

A total of 16 Units comprising of two core courses + elective courses (at Level-5000)

National University of Singapore
PhD Programme

A total of 24 Units comprising of two core courses + elective courses (at Level-5000 & 6000)

In addition, all students are required to complete a mandatory online Responsible Conduct in Research course within 4 months of their enrolment.

To be confirmed as a PhD candidate, a student is required to pass a PhD qualifying examination (PQE) within two years from the date of admission.

With effect from the August 2024 intake, all PhD candidates are required to pass NG5002 Research Ethics for Graduate Researchers before their PQE. MSc candidates who wish to upgrade to PhD are required to pass their PQE to be confirmed as a PhD candidate. After passing the PQE, they will need to pass the compulsory course NG5002.

Candidates deemed weak in English by the School would also have to sit for the Diagnostic English Test and take additional English Language courses conducted by the Centre for English Language Communication.

Residency Requirements

All candidates must spend a minimum period of residence in Singapore as follows:

National University of Singapore
MSc Programme
6 months (one semester)
National University of Singapore
PhD Programme
18 months (three semesters)
  • Payment of fees
  • Satisfying all curricular requirements of the programme of study
  • Satisfying other departmental requirements such as teaching assistance

Periods of study leave and overseas fieldwork do not count toward residency. In addition, MSc and PhD candidates must be resident during the semester in which they submit their thesis for examination.

National University of Singapore

Maximum Candidature

The following maximum candidature periods are inclusive of periods of approved study leave and leave of absence.

National University of Singapore
MSc Programme
36 months
National University of Singapore
PhD Programme
60 months
National University of Singapore
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