- 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.
- The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research programmes provide postgraduate training for individuals who will contribute to knowledge production in and about Southeast Asia. Students 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. Our inter-disciplinary structure exposes students to the latest theoretical and methodological issues while also ensuring deep immersion in regional specificities.
Arts and Social Sciences
Southeast Asian Studies
fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
Department of Southeast Asian Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore Blk AS8, Level 6 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260The 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.
| 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 academic careers and employment in research intensive professions with working knowledge of Southeast Asian languages.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | A good Honours and Masters degree 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 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).
- 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.
- The ability to pursue research in the candidate’s proposed field of advanced study
- 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.
| 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 |