Master of Political Science (Research)
Arts and Social Sciences 
Political Science 
polbox1@nus.edu.sg
National University of Singapore Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Department of Political Science AS1, #04-10, 11 Arts Link Singapore 117570
Masters
Political science
Governance
Public Policy
International Political Theory
- The famous philosopher Aristotle once remarked that “politics is the art of living together”. Political science explores how political decisions and institutions, within and between states, make this possible. At NUS, we put the spotlight on Asian and Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Governance and Public Policy, and the Government and Politics of Singapore.
- Our students are active participants in this exciting exploration. Through lectures, seminars, workshops, individual projects, overseas attachments, and internships, you can study every aspect of the field, including topics such as political parties, elections, international security in the Asia-Pacific region, and competing conceptions of democracy and justice. You will learn to analyse all kinds of qualitative and quantitative data, acquiring effective research and communication skills.
- As a student of Political Science, you will be encouraged to pursue your interests and projects and you will be able to work with internationally prominent researchers and award-winning teachers.
Faculty
Arts and Social SciencesPolitical Sciencepolbox1@nus.edu.sg National University of Singapore Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Department of Political Science AS1, #04-10, 11 Arts Link Singapore 117570Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) of the National University of Singapore!
- 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 that advances our understanding of culture, society, and the world around us.
- 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 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.
Scholarships
Commonwealth ScholarshipFASS Scholarship in Buddhist StudiesFoo Hai Ch'an Monastery Scholarship in Buddhist Studies Margaret Wang Memorial Master's ScholarshipNUS Research Scholarship
Commitment and Candidature
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Part Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Target Audience
Bachelor’s degree holders interested in Asian and Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Governance and Public Policy, and Singaporean Government and Politics.
General Admission Criteria
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | Normally an NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-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 Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 6 / 9 | ||
- Masters by Research and PhD 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.
- 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
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | Application Opens: May 16 2025 Application Closes: November 1 2025 | May 31 2025 |
How to Apply?