Introduction
Our Coursework M.A. programme is a unique graduate degree option designed for those who aspire to internationalise their career and enrich their life experience through continued study in the social sciences. For over a decade, our programme has catered successfully to the needs of working professionals in Singapore, and is now available to students from all over the world. With a one-year investment, you can earn a Master of Arts degree awarded by Asia’s premier academic institution, the National University of Singapore.
Our department’s teaching staff represent the breadth of the social sciences and humanities, and regularly conduct original research in Southeast Asian Studies. Our inter-disciplinary approach promotes a critical regional methodology specific to the study of Southeast Asia. The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences also boasts the highest concentration of Southeast Asia specialists in the world, and M.A. students have the option of taking classes with experts in other departments.
As one of our Coursework M.A. students, you will thus be exposed to a variety of scholarly perspectives, giving you a deeper and more focused understanding of the myriad political, social, economic, cultural, and other issues that define Southeast Asia as a region. Country-specific courses also offer in-depth exposure to national issues and challenges within ASEAN.
As a graduate of our Coursework M.A. programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge base and analytical skills you need to raise your professional profile and deepen your participation in ongoing global conversations about the key issues of our dynamic region.
Programme Structure
| Mode of Teaching | 3-hour seminar-style Classes are conducted in the evenings (Monday to Friday) from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.Classes for each module are held once a week over a period of 13 weeks (excluding final examinations, if applicable). |
| Mode of Study | Full-Time or Part-Time International students on student visa must be enrolled full-time.Students residing in Singapore may enroll for part-time study. |
| Duration of Degree | Full-Time Requires at least 1 year (2 semesters) to complete the degree.Maximum duration allowed: Three (3) years Part-Time Requires at least 2 years (4 semesters) to complete the degree.Maximum duration allowed: Four (4) years. |
Admissions Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to the programme leading to the Master of Arts degree by coursework should have:
- a good NUS Honours degree (second class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to Southeast Asia or Asia; or
- a good Bachelors degree (at least an average grade of B equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to Southeast Asia or Asia and successful completion of a placement test;
or exceptionally, - other relevant qualifications and experience, and successful completion of a placement test; however, admission is subject to approval by the Board of Graduate Studies.
English Language Proficiency
As the medium of instruction at NUS is English, applicants whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English should submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
The minimum TOEFL score required are as follows:
| 1. Internet-based test (iBT) | Minimum score of 85 (with a minimum score of 22 for the writing section) |
| 2. Paper-based test (PBT) | Minimum score of 580 |
| 3. Computer-based test (CBT) | Minimum score of 237 |
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required.
TOEFL or IELTS are only valid for two (2) years after the test and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the coursework programme.
In general, selection for admission to the coursework programme is based on the following criteria: intellection distinction, professional merit and other relevant information supplied. Meeting the above minimum requirements does not imply automatic acceptance into the programme.
Dates & Fees
Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.
Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.
Contact Details
Dean’s Office, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
The Shaw Foundation Building, Block AS7, Level 5
5 Arts Link, Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6601 2588 (Coursework) / +65 6601 3448 (Research)