Higher Degrees by Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What, if any, examinations do I have to take in order to qualify for the Higher Degrees by Research?

A: TOEFL/IELTS (particularly for applicants whose native tongue or medium of undergraduate instruction is not in English), GRE and a recognised previous qualification – a first degree with Honours for MA(Arch) and a Masters degree for PhD. The key word to note here is “recognised”; degrees not recognised by NUS will not be awarded the same credit rating.

Q: How important is a proficiency in English?

A: This depends on the research topic. A discursive topic will require much greater proficiency than technical ones. You will have to submit your thesis in English and therefore your chances of passing improves with your proficiency in the language.

Q: How long does the programme take?

A: A minimum of 2 years for an MA(Arch) and 4 years for a PhD. Maximum candidature for an MA(Arch) is 3 years and 5 years for a PhD.

Q: Are there ways by which I can keep my study period short?

A: Yes. The important thing is to be very focused and to develop a strong methodology. The methodology used will depend on the subject, of course, but a research degree requires that you present an argument and evidence to support that argument. There are two criteria for a research degree – new knowledge or new understanding of current knowledge. The acid test is the reliability of your research and argument. You need to work very closely with your supervisor on this.

Q: Are there scholarships that I can apply for?

A: A research scholarship form is appended to the online application form. The University normally offers both a place and a scholarship but there are cases where the student is offered only a place. Unfortunately, this scholarship is the only one currently offered through the University. Note that this scholarship is for the minimum periods only and will require you to apply for an extension should you need more time. These extensions are not, in general, kindly looked upon.

Q: What can I do to improve my chances?

A: Tailor your topic to match the research interests of faculty. A list of our research areas can be found on the CASA “Research Directory”. This is a good source of information regarding the research work in the Department. You can also access our e-mail addresses and write to the relevant faculty to seek their advice. Identify in your application a few faculty members that you might like to work with.

Q: Can I offer research topics in more than one area?

A: Certainly. However, please be clear that this is a self-driven research degree and that you will have to ensure that you have the necessary background to take on these topics at a Master or PhD level. In addition, as research degrees involve you working on a single topic for several years, make sure that your interest in the topic is sufficient to see you through. Do not offer a range of topics just to improve your chances of acceptance!

Q: When do you process applications?

A: Twice a year. Applications need to be received within the application period. Applicants will be informed of their applications’ results in October and May respectively. Students are expected to start in January and August respectively.

Please note that applications should be submitted along with a complete set of supporting documents to ensure that there is no delay in the review process. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

NUS GRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENT ADMISSION APPLICATION DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

1. The Cheque / Bank Draft & Application Fee Form or Proof of Payment of Application Fee.

2. Copy of the Online Application Form generated from the application system, duly declared and signed

3. A recent passport-sized photograph to be attached in the box provided on the Online Application Form

4. Research Proposal of at least two pages on A4-size paper

5. Copy of Singapore NRIC or citizenship certificate/re-entry permit for Singapore citizens OR Singapore PRs

6. Copy of Passport page showing nationality and personal details for International Applicants

7. Official Bachelor’s transcript & certified true copies of certificates (with English translation if applicable)

8. Official Master’s degree transcript & certified true copies of certificates (with English translation if applicable)

Notes:

For graduates of NUS, please submit certified true copies of your transcripts or examination result slips. If you wish to apply for the transcripts, please refer to the NUS Registrar’s Office website.
Applicants who are graduates of all other universities should request official transcripts directly from their university/universities using the prescribed Transcript Request Form. The official transcript(s) must be enclosed in an official sealed envelope with its flap bearing the security seal of the university and the signature of the Registrar or his/her representative (with the designation indicated on the envelope). The envelope must be forwarded to NUS directly from the university/universities, unopened, together with the Transcript Request Form.

9. A copy of TOEFL/IELTS and GRE/GMAT scoresheet (if applicable)

Notes:

Applicants should submit a copy of the above TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT scoresheet(s) (at least 2 years validity), followed by requesting the Testing Organization to send your original scoresheet(s) directly to NUS for verification.
For GRE, Applicants are to quote our University’s code (0677) and the specific code of the Department of Architecture (4499).
For TOEFL, please quote our School’s code (9080)

10. Recommendations from two Academic Referees are to be submitted

Note:

To be submitted via the online application system or via hard copy form to be sent directly to the School by your referees. Please refer to the general application instructions available on the School’s website for more details.

11. Copy of Publication(s) (if any)

12. Other Document(s):

International applicants who are not applying for our Research Scholarship or have indicated their wish to be considered for admission in the event that their Research Scholarship application is unsuccessful, must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (e.g. a bank statement) indicating the availability of funding of at least S$35,000* or its equivalent.
This amount may be subject to change at the discretion of the University/School
Applicants who are sponsored by individual/organization should submit a documentary proof of the sponsorship
Applicants who are working in Singapore and applying for part-time admission should submit a copy of their recent pay-slip

Answers to FAQs are unofficial and do not form part of the University’s offer or acceptance of candidature in the courses mentioned. All inquirers and applicants are requested to check the status of information they receive.

Statutes and Regulations

The National University of Singapore Statutes pertaining to postgraduate courses at the Department of Architecture are reproduced here for reference only — Please confirm all information with the actual document, available through the Registrar’s Office.

STATUTE AR7: DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (ARCHITECTURE)

(1) For admission as a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts (Architecture), a person must be a graduate of this University or such graduate of another university as the Senate may approve or have obtained the Diploma in Architecture of the Singapore Polytechnic and must normally have been a graduate of at least two years’ standing at the date on which he registers as a candidate for the degree.
(2) A candidate must possess a degree in Architecture ordinarily with honours where honours; degrees are not classified, or with at least second class honours where such honours degrees are classified, he/she must also submit evidence of adequate training and ability to undertake the proposed course.
The candidate must submit a thesis which must embody the results of an original investigation and is accordingly governed by clauses 7-15 of the Degrees of Master Statute (Statute 21).