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Master of Malay Studies (Research)
Masters
Malay Studies
  1. The Department runs a Graduate Programme for MA by Research. Graduate courses offered cover theoretical frameworks as well as more in-depth examination of specific issues pertaining to Malays and Malay societies. These courses expose students to ideas and perspectives which they can apply in the course of their independent research.
  2. From literature and art to studying the elite and intellectuals in Malay society, understanding the change of modernisation faced by Malays as well as examining the development of capitalism and Malay culture are some of the key areas of this programme. A forum is also made available for students to share their research and to engage one another in discussion of their research projects.
Faculty
faculty-iconArts and Social Sciences
department-iconMalay Studies
email-iconfasbox58@nus.edu.sglocation-iconDepartment of Malay Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS8 #06-01 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260

Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) of the National University of Singapore!

  1. Established in 1929, the Faculty has a long-standing tradition of providing a rich and fulfilling educational experience for every generation of students led by award-winning educators who bring their research expertise into the classroom. Our researchers also carry out impactful research which advances our understanding of culture, society and the world around us.
  2. One of the largest faculties in NUS, FASS offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes in the areas of Asian Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Language studies. To enhance the educational experience, FASS students can be part of our special programmes, such as double degrees, special degrees and with global partners, FASStrack Asia, and an array of Student Exchange Programmes. As part of the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), students of the Faculty can access an even wider spectrum of opportunities, gaining a truly interdisciplinary education that will play a pertinent role in their future endeavours.
  3. The Department of Malay Studies at the National University of Singapore produces undergraduate and graduate students of high quality with broad knowledge of the developments and problems in the Malay world of Southeast Asia and beyond. The department also actively engages in research on a wide range of issues concerning the Malay world from a multi-disciplinary perspective, promotes exchanges with centres of Malay studies worldwide, and encourages the development of new and alternative approaches to the understanding of Malay history, economy, politics, society and culture.
Scholarships
Commitment and Candidature
CommitmentAverage CandidatureMaximum Candidature
Full Time2 Years3 Years
Part Time2 Years3 Years
Target Audience

Bachelor’s degree holders seeking careers requiring an intimate understanding of the Malay/Muslim world of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore in the private or public sector.

General Admission Criteria
CriteriaMinimum Score
GPAAn NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g. a 4-year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B) in a relevant discipline; or in exceptional cases, a Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with at least two years of relevant work experience, subject to approval by the Faculty and Board of Graduate Studies, on a case-by-case basis.
English Proficiency TestsTOEFL
Internet-based
85 / 120
IELTS6 / 9


  1. Master’s students are requested to provide a preliminary research proposal of 2-4 pages. Although this document should be as focused as possible, it is exploratory, and admitted students are not required to work on the exact area proposed. However, the capacity to develop an interesting research question and approach are important indicators of a student’s ability and seriousness.

  2. More information on how to write a research proposal can be obtained from: Research Proposal Guidelines for Applicants and How to Write a Research Proposal.


Please refer to the Faculty’s website here for the complete admission requirements and here for a list of supporting documents required.


Application Periods and Intakes
CategoryApplication WindowApplication Result Released

Semester 1 Intake

(August)

All students of any nationalities16 May to 1 November in the year preceding the intakeEnd of May
How to Apply?
Please visit GradApp to apply online. Click here for the GradApp Applicant Guide.