- The Department of Malay Studies graduate programmes adopt a multidisciplinary and comparative approach to covering broad issues of Malay society and Southeast Asia in general. Graduates are well-equipped to avail themselves of the various career opportunities open to graduates from other disciplines of the social sciences and humanities.
- Graduates of Malay Studies are counted among the present leaders of the Malay community, in government, public service, as well as in the private sector. They are significantly represented in the mass media industry and the education service.
Arts and Social Sciences
Malay Studies
fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
Department of Malay Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS8 #06-01 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260Welcome 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.
- 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.
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 4.5 Years | 5 Years |
| Part Time | 4.5 Years | 5 Years |
Bachelor’s or master’s degree holders who seek to pursue careers requiring an intimate and in-depth understanding of the Malay/Muslim world of Southeast Asia, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, be it in the private or public sector.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | Students with a good Honours degree in Malay Studies or other relevant disciplines such as History, Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, Linguistics, Literature and Southeast Asian Studies. | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | |
| IELTS | 6 / 9 | ||
GRE is optional. However, evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, as well as indicators of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application.
Either TOEFL or IELTS is required for students whose main language of undergraduate university instruction is not English. Waivers may be granted to students who are native English speakers or proficient in English but are currently enrolled in a non-English medium university. Contact programme administrator to inquire. Test scores for the TOEFL and IELTS are valid for 2 years from the test dates. TOEFL and IELTS Academic scores that have expired by the time the application period closes will not be accepted. For more information about the TOEFL or IELTS, please visit www.toefl.org (for TOEFL) and www.ielts.org (for IELTS).
- 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.
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | 16 May to 1 November in the year preceding the intake | End of May |