The Master of Social Sciences (Social Work by Research) degree is offered by the Social Work Department. This degree provides professional and research skills for graduates and professionals working in social work or social administration.
Arts and Social Sciences
Social Work
swkbox1@nus.edu.sg
Department of Social Work Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS3 Level 4, 3 Arts Link Singapore 117570Welcome to the NUS Department of Social Work!
- Since 1952, our department has trained social workers in Singapore who have positively and significantly impacted our society, at both levels of frontline social work practice addressing the needs of marginalized groups and individuals, as well as policy changes promoting social justice and inclusiveness. Today, we continue to attract some of our country’s brightest students who demonstrate talent and passion for the people-helping profession.
- Social Work education at NUS strongly advocates a dual focus on thinking and doing. By thinking, we engage students in conceptual, abstract, and critical thinking that is vital for effective leadership in social work practice. By doing so, our students undergo a mandatory 800-hour field educational experience — our signature pedagogy — which provides immersion in practice and empowers students for real-life scenarios upon their graduation.
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Part Time | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Bachelor’s degree holders with a relevant background that seek to do research in areas such as; family studies, social work practice, intervention outcomes, aging issues, social support networks, community development, evaluation of service delivery, social policies, volunteerism, crime and delinquency, mental health, drug abuse, coping behaviour, social-ecological response, human service management, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | An NUS Honours degree (at least Second Class Upper) or equivalent (e.g. a four-year Bachelor's degree with an average grade above B) in social work, subject to approval by the Faculty; or a Bachelors degree in social work 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; and Graduate Examination Record (GRE), where applicable. | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 7 / 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.
- 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.
| 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 | End of May |