DOCTORAL DEGREES
Coursework element
Research degree programme includes an element of coursework in the same or related fields. This provides a graduate-level foundation and prepares the student for research.
The PhD coursework component comprises not less than 24 Units (typically 6 graduate courses). The EngD coursework components would be not less than 32 Units (typically 8 graduate courses) Students of some departments may be required to read additional courses.
PhD students are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.50 in the best 6 courses (equivalent of 24 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any). For EngD students, they are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.50 in the best 8 courses (equivalent of 32 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any).
English language requirements (for international students) include having to take and obtain at least a Grade C in the Graduate English Course (Advanced level).
Doctoral Seminar
To cultivate a strong research culture among graduate students, the required coursework includes a “doctoral seminar”. A doctoral student is required to attend seminars and also deliver presentations of his/her research work. Participation in seminars is an integral part of graduate study as it helps to enhance knowledge, broaden research outlook, sharpens thinking and improves communication skills.
A ‘Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory’ grade is awarded on the basis of attendance, presentation and document submission. All research students are also expected to obtain a satisfactory grade for the seminar course.
Doctoral Qualifying Examination
A doctoral candidate must complete a prescribed set of courses before proceeding to the Doctoral Qualifying Examination (QE). The QE comprises a comprehensive written examination (CQE) followed by an Oral Qualifying Examination (OQE) of the PhD thesis proposal. The CQE is to test the general competence of the candidate in his/her discipline(s), while the OQE ensures that the candidate is prepared to embark on his/her thesis research. The QE should usually be taken 18 to 24 months from the start of the doctoral candidature.
Doctoral students are expected to pass both the CQE and the OQE by 24 months before continuing with research submission of thesis for examination and passing the oral defence.
Thesis component
The EngD/PhD requires a 40,000-word thesis.
Oral Defence Examination
Doctoral candidates are required to undergo and pass an oral examination before a panel chaired by the candidates’ Head of Department and two examiners of the doctoral thesis. Doctoral students are required to pass their oral defence thesis examination before they are conferred their doctoral degree.
Student Milestones of PhD Student
English Requirement (For International Student, if required)
Sit for the Diagnostic English Test conducted by NUS Centre for English Language Communications
Progression (3rd semester)
- Coursework:Read prescribed or approved courses.
- Seminar: Make at least 1 seminar presentation before OQE.
- Qualifying Exam: Pass CQE before end of third semester
- Research: Done substantial research; able to start drafting QE report.
- English: Complete English courses and faculty courses by third semester.
Progression (4th semester)
- Coursework: Complete coursework requirements, at least 16 units.
- Seminar: Attend research seminars.
- Qualifying Exam: Take and complete OQE.
- Research: Complete required for OQE.
Progression (6th semester)
- Coursework: Complete coursework requirements.
- Seminar: Attend research seminars.
- Research: Complete at least two-third of research.
Thesis Submission (8th semester)
- Coursework: Complete coursework requirements.
- Seminar: Complete seminar courses requirement.
- Research: Submit draft thesis to Thesis Advisor for corrections at start of semester. Submit thesis for examination before end of semester
- Oral Defense
Graduation
MASTER’S BY RESEARCH
MENG, MA (ARCHITECTURE), MA (INDUSTRIAL DESIGN), MSC (BUILT ENVIRONMENT)
Coursework element
Research degree programme includes an element of coursework in the same or related fields. This provides a graduate-level foundation and prepares the student for research. The coursework component comprises not less than 16 Units (typically 4 graduate courses) for Master’s students. Students of some departments may be required to read additional courses.
Master’s students are expected to achieve a GPA of at least 3.00 in the best 4 courses (equivalent of 16 Units), inclusive of core courses (if any).
English language requirements (for international students) include having to take and obtain at least a Grade C) in the Graduate English Course (Intermediate level).
Graduate Seminar
To cultivate a strong research culture among graduate students, the required coursework includes a “graduate seminar”. A master’s student is required to attend seminars and also deliver presentations of his/her research work. Participation in seminars is an integral part of graduate study as it helps to enhance knowledge, broaden research outlook, sharpens thinking and improves communication skills.
A ‘Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory’ grade is awarded on the basis of attendance, presentation and document submission. All research students are also expected to obtain a satisfactory grade for the seminar course.
Thesis component
The Master’s programme requires the completion of a thesis not exceeding:
- 30,000 words for MEng
- 40,000 words for MA (Architecture), MA (Industrial Design), MSc (Built Environment)
Office of Graduate Programmes (OGP)
College of Design and Engineering, NUS
Blk EA #06-16
9 Engineering Drive 1
Singapore 117575