NUS

Master of Social Sciences (Psychology) (Research)

Masters

Psychology

The NUS psychology programme was first introduced during the 1986-87 academic year and is the oldest psychology programme in Singapore
NUS offers a full undergraduate programme, including an honours course, as well as Masters and Ph.D. programmes. Since its inception, the psychology programme has attracted a strong response from students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Psychology contributes to society by providing behavioural scientists who are equipped with the skills to use empirical research methods to seek an account of human behaviour and experience. It has been only a little over a hundred years that psychology has been a discipline in its own right.
In addition to being a scientific discipline, psychology has a professional and vocational role. For instance, psychologists are involved in the assessment of mental disability and mental illness and subsequently contribute to treatment, rehabilitation, and training of individuals with these conditions. Psychologists are also involved in such diverse areas as counseling, occupational guidance, and the development of health education and other public campaigns.

Faculty

psybox2@nus.edu.sg location-icon

Department of Psychology Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Block AS4, Level 2 9 Arts Link Singapore 117570

Welcome 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 which 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 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.

Scholarships

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 holder seeking to learn empirical research methods for understanding human behavior and experience.

General Admission Criteria

Criteria		Minimum Score
GPA		A good Honours degree (at least Distinction/Second Class Upper Division) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelors degree with an average grade above B) in a relevant discipline, subject to approval by the Faculty, on a case-by-case basis; OR such other qualifications and experience as the Faculty and Board of Graduate Studies may approve
English Proficiency Tests	TOEFL Internet-based	85 / 120
English Proficiency Tests	IELTS	6 / 9

It is a faculty requirement that you submit a preliminary research proposal. If you apply to the Psychology Research Graduate Programme, this proposal should be submitted in the form of a personal statement. Instructions on what should go into your personal statement can be found here.

Applicants should examine faculty profiles on the department webpage prior to submitting their application, in order to find out whether their research interests can be accommodated by one (or more) of our staff members. Applicants should then specify their preferred supervisors (in descending order of preference) in their personal statement. Your listed supervisors will evaluate your applications when they reach the department and decide at that point whether they are prepared to supervise you (or not).

Admission is contingent on securing a willing supervisor who is a full-time academic staff member of the department, so it is best that you do that before applying. However, you can also submit a proposal without first securing a supervisor, but in order to maximize your chance of securing one, you should ensure that your research interests (as reflected in your personal statement) overlap well with your proposed supervisors’. If no full-time staff member is willing to supervise you, you will not be admitted. Agreement of supervision from a full-time academic staff member of the department is a necessary but not sufficient condition for admission.

GRE score report – the Department has not instituted any minimum requirements but the General Test has to be taken.

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