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Master of Southeast Asian Studies (Research)
Masters
Southeast Asia
  1. The Department of Southeast Asian Studies offers graduate programmes that adopt an inter-disciplinary approach to learning, drawing on different perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, all thoroughly informed by local experience and knowledge.
  2. The MA programme provides post-graduate training for individuals who will contribute to knowledge production in and about Southeast Asia. They will be taught by highly rated staff whose expertise lies in fields ranging from history, economics and political science to anthropology, cultural studies, and archaeology.
  3. Our inter-disciplinary structure exposes students to the latest theoretical and methodological issues while also ensuring deep immersion in regional specificities
Faculty
faculty-iconArts and Social Sciences
department-iconSoutheast Asian Studies
email-iconfasbox58@nus.edu.sglocation-iconDepartment of Southeast Asian Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS8, Level 6 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260

The Department of Southeast Asian Studies offers an ideal alternative to students who find disciplinary approaches to learning narrow or restrictive, and those who prefer a more subject-oriented curriculum. Our department aims to offer a truly inter-disciplinary approach to learning which draws on different perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences, all thoroughly informed by local experience and knowledge.

Scholarships
Commonwealth ScholarshipFASS Scholarship in Buddhist StudiesFoo Hai Ch'an Monastery Scholarship in Buddhist Studies NUS Research Scholarship
Commitment and Candidature
CommitmentAverage CandidatureMaximum Candidature
Full Time2 Years3 Years
Part Time3 Years3 Years
Target Audience

Bachelor’s degree holders who seek to pursue academic careers and employment in research intensive professions with working knowledge of Southeast Asian languages.

General Admission Criteria
CriteriaMinimum Score
GPAA 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 relevant 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.
English Proficiency TestsTOEFL
Internet-based
85 / 120
IELTS6 / 9


  1. 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.

  2. The ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study

  3. Identify a research topic and consult with your proposed thesis advisor.


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.