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GRADUATE

gem STUDIES

FACULTY OF ARTS

AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Content
Page

INTRODUCTION / — Introduction to the National University of Singapore
FASS / Why the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

GRADUATE STUDIES / Graduate Studies @ FASS

The information in

this guide is mainly

for students seeking
admission to the graduate
programmes at the Faculty
of Arts and Social Sciences
(FASS), National University
of Singapore (NUS)

Other undergraduate /
study abroad / student

exchange programmes are
also available and can be
viewed at
fass.nus.edu.sg

OPTIONS / Study Abroad and Joint/Double Degree Options
RESEARCH / Research Clusters @ FASS

FINANCIAL / Money Matters and Accommodation
ADMISSION / Admission and Application Procedures
CONTACT Contact Us

PROGRAMMES

The content of the
information is accurate at
the time of printing. Readers
are urged to seek detailed
information at the website:
www.fas.nus.edu.sg

Research and Coursework Programmes @ FASS

LL a, BSS Ee Eee CR

Chinese Studies
Communications and New Media
Comparative Asian Studies
Cultural Studies in Asia
Economics

English Language and Literature
Geography

History

Japanese Studies

Malay Studies

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Social Work

Sociology

South Asian Studies

Southeast Asian Studies
1

Introduction to the
National University
of Singapore

From its modest infancy as a medical school founded in 1905,
the National University of Singapore (NUS) has grown steadily
and significantly and has been consistently rated as one of
Asia’s top universities, enjoying international recognition for
its academic and research contributions from both faculty
members and students alike.

As a comprehensive university, NUS has 17 faculties and
schools, including a music conservatory. It has nine leading
entrepreneurial hotspots across the globe - Beijing, Israel,
Lausanne, Munich, New York, Shanghai, Silicon Valley,
Singapore and Stockholm. The University has over 38,000
students from 100 countries to enrich the community with
their diverse social and cultural perspectives, making campus
life vibrant and exciting.

/ INTRODUCTION

SO WHY NUS?

Set on the rolling hills

of Kent Ridge, the main
NUS campus consists of
150 hectares of buildings
nestled in soothing
greenery. The University is:

¢ A leading global
university centred in Asia

¢ A leading research-
intensive university

¢ Akey knowledge hub
for critical issues relating
to Asia

WHY
THE

Currently,
FASS has:

FACULTY OF
ARTS AND
SOCIAL
SCIENCES

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) is one of
the earliest established faculties in the University with its
origins dating back to 1929. Since then, the Faculty has
grown to be one of the largest at NUS, comprising about
6,000 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students.

® Excellent Global Rankings — consistently placed
amongst leading universities

® The most comprehensive range of Humanities
and Social Sciences subjects not only in Singapore
but in the region

© 17 Departments / Programmes, 20 areas of
study, 13 languages as well as cross-faculty
options, special degree options and overseas
opportunities

® Leading faculty members, strong funding support
and excellent research facilities and opportunities

® A Centre for Language Studies allowing students
to learn many Asian and European languages

® An active student community

FASS /

2
2

Graduate Studies
@FASS

FASS offers a wide range of graduate programmes through coursework and
research, catering to a variety of interests. These programmes offer excellent
opportunities for students to further develop their potential as intellectual
leaders in many fields.

Programmes by coursework are designed for professional development and
lead to a Graduate Diploma, Doctoral or Masters. Programmes by research
equip students to work at great depth at the frontiers of knowledge creation.
These programmes, which include both coursework and a thesis, lead to a
Masters or PhD degree.

For some disciplines, PhD students may submit an article-based PhD thesis as an
alternative route to completing a PhD thesis. Depending on the department,
students will be required to submit two to three journal articles and an analytical

commentary of 8,000 - 12,000 words, more information can be obtained from:

fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate

/ GRADUATE STUDIES

The coursework / research programmes available are listed below:

DEPARTMENT / PROGRAMME

Chinese Studies

Communications and New Media
Comparative Asian Studies
Cultural Studies in Asia
Economics

English Language and Literature

Geography
History

Japanese Studies
Malay Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work

Sociology

Southeast Asian Studies

South Asian Studies

AREA OF STUDY

Chinese Studies

Communications and New Media
* Comparative Asian Studies

* Cultural Studies in Asia
Economics

English Language and Linguistics
English Literature
Theatre and Performance Studies

Geography
History

Japanese Studies
Malay Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Social Work

Sociology
* Anthropology

Southeast Asian Studies

South Asian Studies

* These are available only for those pursuing PhD studies.

COURSEWORK

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RESEARCH

GRADUATE STUDIES

/

4
(oe | | | @ |e | |

tole Joint Scholarship Programme for PhD students
oo }_ with Harvard-Yenching Institute (HY1)

The Harvard-Yenching Institute (HYI)-NUS Joint Scholarship Programme is for young faculty at
HYI partner institutions in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia to complete a PhD at NUS, with

10 months of dissertation research at Harvard. Candidates’ research should focus on East and
Southeast Asian Studies.

For more information on the HYI-NUS Joint Scholarship Programme:

fass.nus.edu.sg/prospective-students/graduate/research/scholarships/
harvard-yenching-institute-hyi-nus-joint-scholarship-programme/

These degrees enable students to enhance i r

work as they benefit from the teaching and resources of tw! astit it
Both types of degree programmes offer jointly supervised and assessed
degree(s) conferring a doubly validated qualification. These programmes
enable students to take advantage of the complementary academic
strengths of our partner universities. They also allow international
experience to be fully integrated into a student's research training with
the opportunity to stretch their academic capabilities. FASS expects to
attract good students and hopes to play a major role in developing the
next generation of researchers across Southeast Asia.

Programme Available:

Joint PhD (King’s College London)

cont'd

5 / OPTIONS

OPTIONS / 6
7.

cont'd

udent Exchange Programme

North
America
1. Harvard-Yenching

Institute Uoint Scholarship
for PhD Studies)

Europe

King’s College, University
of London (VJoint PhD
Programme and PhD
Exchange Programme)
University of Manchester,
Faculty of Humanities (PhD
Exchange Agreement)

. London School of Economics

(PhD Exchange Programme)

. Sciences Po (PhD Exchange

Programme)

. Leiden University, Faculty

of Humanities (Graduate
Exchange Programme)

. Georg-August University

of Gottingen (Graduate
Exchange Programme)

Graduate students can apply to go for an exchange programme at a partner university for three

months or more as part of their graduate research programme. These exchange programmes

enable students to receive supervision and guidance from professors in our partner universities,

gain access to data that may not be readily available in NUS, as well as be exposed to graduate

training beyond NUS.

Furthermore, they allow students to expand their networks for future academic collaboration
and career development.

/ OPTIONS

a

. Fudan University (Graduate Exchange

with Literature, School of Social
Development and Public Policy)

. Shanghai Jiao Tong University

(Graduate Exchange with School
of International and Public Affairs,
School of Media and Design)

. University of Hong Kong (Graduate

Exchange with Faculty of Social
Sciences)

|. Hokkaido University (Graduate

Exchange Programme)

. Kwansei Gakuin University (Graduate

Exchange Programme)

. Rikkyo University (Graduate Exchange

Programme)

. Ritsumeikan University (Graduate

Exchange Programme)

Asia

. National Chengchi University

(Graduate Exchange Programme)

. Ateneo de Manila University

of Humanities and School of Social

(Graduate Exchange with School :
Sciences) a

. Ewha Womans University (Graduate

Exchange Programme)

. Korea University (Graduate Exchange

with Division of International Studies,
Graduate School of International
Studies and College of Political
Science and Economics)

OPTIONS / §
9

Research Clusters
@FASS

The Research Clusters at FASS:
© Belt & Road Initiative

© Gender & Sexuality

* Language & Linguistics

The interdisciplinary Research Clusters bring
intellectual excitement and vibrancy to the FASS
community. These Clusters integrate graduate
students into the FASS research community as
they participate in the reading groups, seminars,
workshops and conferences organised by the
Clusters.

For more information on the Research Clusters:
fass.nus.edu.sg/research-clusters/

Research Centres & Groups @FASS

* The Centre for Family and Population Research © The Global Production Networks Centre at

(CFPR) NUS (GPN@NUS)
* The Social Service Research Centre (SSR) * Max Weber Foundation Research Group on
© The Next Age Institute (NAI) Borders, Mobility and New Infrastructures
* Singapore Centre for Applied and Policy * Cultural Research Centre

Economics (SCAPE) * Wan Boo Sow Research Centre

The Singapore Research Nexus

The Singapore Research Nexus (SRN) serves as a showcase for past research, a resource for current
research and a platform for future research on Singapore. It provides a useful tool for academics,
policy makers and those with a general interest in how research has helped shape the story of
Singapore.

For more information on the Singapore Research Nexus:
fass.nus.edu.sg/srn/

/ RESEARCH

Money Matters & Accommodation

2?

| Tuition Fees

FASS offers different kinds of graduate programmes and tuition fees vary from
programme to programme. The fee range (per annum) by nationality for both
Coursework and Research Programmes is listed as a reference: ly

NATIONALITY | coURSEWORK (sGD)
$9,500 - $45,000
$15,200 - $45,000
$33,950 - $45,000

RESEARCH (SGD)
$9,500 - $36,800
$14,000 - $38,750
$21,400 - $38,750

Singapore Citizens

Singapore Permanent Residents

International Students

All Singaporeans aged 25 and above can use their S$500 SkillsFuture Credit from the government to pay for a wide
range of approved skills-related courses. Visit the SkillsFuture Credit website (www.skillsfuture.sg/credit) to
choose from the courses available on the SkillsFuture Credit course directory.

Please check with the respective department on the applicabililty of the SkillsFuture Credit to their programme.

Detailed fee information on specific programmes as well as self-funded / government subsidised fee
schemes / sponsorships / medical benefit schemes and other miscellaneous student fees can be found at:
fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate/

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

There are several different types of scholarships available for graduate students. These scholarships
are highly competitive and are given to students who have attained an excellent academic record.
Applying for these scholarships is done concurrently with the application for admission to the
graduate programme.

The amount of scholarships and the application requirements vary. Students who are unable to qualify
for such scholarships can also apply for study loans or part-time teaching/research appointments.

The full list of scholarships and other financial assistance schemes can be found at:
fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate/

Accommodation

Housing facilities are available at various parts of the NUS campus. Graduate Residence at UTown
provides different options for accommodation and a chance to meet other graduate students in a
student community characterised by cultural diversity.

Look out for the timelines of application for student accommodation on campus at:
nus.edu.sg/osa/student-services/hostel-admission/graduate

FINANCIAL / 10
WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY

LEE Zi QUAN JEFFREY
Current Masters student in Economics today’s world cannot be under-emphasised;

ROZANA BINTE MOHAMED

Masters student in Applied
Geographic Information Systems

The opportunity to return to FASS for
my graduate studies is one | will always
cherish. While | chose to pursue a course
which is quite different from my undergrad days, returning to the same faculty
gave a sense of familiarity and | thoroughly enjoyed learning new things as part of
the MSc in Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course has enriched
my knowledge about location data and the richness of its applications, including
emergency response, public health, and city planning. Shuttling between the GIS
Lab and the canteen(s) became a daily affair but through this, | made a lot of new
friends from whom | learned a lot as well. Fresh perspectives about GIS were shared,
making me feel enriched and energised. | can't wait to apply the skills I've learnt in
this course!

Every economist needs to have a solid
foundation in the fundamentals of economic
theory and econometrics. The need for
economists capable of utilising the necessary
analysis tools to resolve complex challenges in

and you get this solid foundation right here at
the FASS Department of Economics. The Graduate Research Programme here in FASS
falls short of nothing other than to give you that most amazing holistic experience
you would ever crave for, and to establish those solid fundamentals that these
analyses use. | made the right choice, would you?

Admission and
Application Procedures

Admission Information

The FASS minimum criterion for admission into the graduate programmes is a good Masters degree in
arelevant discipline (for PhD) or an NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent
(e.g., a four-year Bachelors degree with at least an average grade of B) in a relevant discipline (for
Masters).

For detailed requirements of specific programmes, please refer to the website at:
fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate

| English Language Requirement (TOEFL/IELTS)

Applicants whose native tongue and medium of previous university instruction are not English should
submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language
Testing System) score as evidence of their proficiency.

The following minimum TOEFL score is required:

85 | for the internet-based test (with a minimum score of 22 for the writing section); or

929 /) for the computer-based test

Alternatively, an IELTS result of 6.0 is required

TOEFL and IELTS are only valid for two years after the test and the validity should not expire before
the beginning of the application period for the graduate programme.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has indicated that score reports are valid only if our University
receives them directly from ETS.

The Faculty’s TOEFL institution code is 9081.

NOTE:

1. Some Departments / Programmes may set higher requirements than those stated above; for example, the Master
of Social Work coursework programme requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 while the graduate research
programmes require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) reports are necessary for admission into the Department of Political Science,
Department of Psychology and Department of Social Work.

cont'd

ADMISSION / 12
13

| Application into the Programme

Applications can be paper-based or made online but online applications are STRONGLY preferred.

The Graduate Admission System for Coursework/Research enables candidates to apply for admission
into the graduate coursework/research programmes offered by FASS at:

https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/GDA2/Home.aspx

| Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $$50 when an application
is submitted.

| Application Documents

Although an application is submitted online, relevant supporting documents must be sent via post
(except for selected departments). In order for the applicant to be considered for a specific intake,
the online application, payment and available supporting documents must reach the office by the
relevant deadlines. Please refer to the website for details.

For more information about applications, please visit our website at:
fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate

: : cia
There are two intakes per academic year:

¢ SEMESTER | (August) ¢ SEMESTER II (January)

/ ADMISSION

SEMESTER | (August)

Master of Economics

1* August (in the year preceding the intake) to
15% January (in the same year as the intake)

Master of Social Sciences (Communication)

1* September (in the year preceding the intake) to
31% October (in the year preceding the intake)

Master of Arts (Arts and Cultural Entrepreneurship)

1* September (in the year preceding the intake) to
30" November (in the year preceding the intake)

Master of Arts (Applied and Public History)
Master of Arts (Asian and Global History)
Master of Arts (Chinese Culture and Language)
Master of Arts (English Language and Linguistics)
Master of Arts (Literary Studies)

Master of Arts (Southeast Asian Studies)

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Master of Social Work

Graduate Diploma in Applied and Public History
Graduate Diploma in Asian and Global History
Graduate Diploma in Social Work

1 November (in the year preceding the intake) to
15 January (in the same year as the intake)

Master of Science (Applied Geographic Information
Systems)

1 November (in the year preceding the intake) to
1 March (in the same year as the intake)

SEMESTER | (August)

cour K PROGRAMME

Economics

1 April (in the year preceding the intake) to
4** November (in the year preceding the intake)

All other Departments / Programmes (refer to page 18)

SEMESTER II (January)

YURSEWORK PRC ME

Chinese Studies
Geography
Japanese Studies

© SEMESTER | (August) — By 315* MAY

For an up-to-date and detailed overview of the above, please visit:

fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate

16" May (in the year preceding the intake) to
1% November (in the year preceding the intake)

APPLICATION PERIOD

2" November (14 months before the intake) to
15% May (in the year preceding the intake)

© SEMESTER II January) — By 31%* OCT

ADMISSION
CONTACT US

GRADUATE STUDIES DIVISION
Dean's Office, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

National University of Singapore
The Shaw Foundation Building
AS7, Level 6, 5 Arts Link
Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6601 2588 (Coursework) / +65 6601 3448 (Research)

fass.nus.edu.sg

FAQs

You can find the list of questions frequently asked by students on our website

Coursework

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requently-asked-questions-gradcoursework/
Research
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requently-asked-questions/
If you cannot find the answer to your question there,
you can contact the Graduate Studies Division by email:
Coursework - fasbox4@nus.edu.sg Research — fasbox3@nus.edu.sg
15 / CONTACT
WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY
vs
NURSTASHA ARIFIN WONG JI HAN
Current Masters student
in Political Saence Prior to joining FASS, | was a Recording Arts and Science
major at the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Coming from a vastly different academic discipline has been challenging, but
undoubtedly, immensely rewarding because of the guidance of my professors and
the larger faculty. Through their encouragement, I’ve found that nothing goes to
waste—Art is another (equally valid) way of knowing, and the field of political
science is diverse enough for contributions to be made via other knowledge
ontologies. Through their invaluable counsel, I've learned new frameworks for
deconstructing problems relating to my new research interests, governance networks
for climate change and natural resource management, as well as empirical methods
to test knowledge that we take to be true.
The Master of Social Work programme enables
me to think and reflect more critically about
social work as | grow as a practitioner. Through
invigorating discussions with the lecturers, most NG YONG HAO
of them senior practitioners in the field, are
immediately applicable to ground practices. The
diversity of experiences ranging from senior
directors to newly-minted social workers across
sectors within the programme provides a profoundly enriching and rewarding
learning experience both in and out of the classroom. With opportunities available
to conduct practice research with the guidance of deeply experienced academics
to generate important social work knowledge for local practice, | feel that my
confidence is multiplied while working alongside my clients and fellow colleagues to
effect positive change.
Medical Social Worker,
National Cancer Centre Singapore
Research &
Coursework
Programmes
DEAN WANG
(PhD, NUS, 2020) Researcher & Co-Principal Investigator for
x
Fe
Singaporean Mandarin Database Project, National Heritage
Board (Language Division)
DEPARTMENT OF
Chinese Studies
The Department is one of the leading centres
for Chinese Studies in Asia. Home to a team
of dedicated researchers from prestigious
universities in different parts of the world, the
Department plays an important role in bridging
Chinese cultural heritage and modern Singapore,
promoting cutting-edge research in Chinese
studies and linguistics, as well as providing
effective academic training to students from
different cultural backgrounds.
Our courses and research areas cover a
broad academic spectrum, including Chinese
philosophy, pre-modern and modern history,
Cn 3
Department of Chinese Studies
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS8, Level 5, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent,
Singapore 119260
Tel: +65 6516 3900 / 7178
Fax: +65 6779 4167
Email: chssec@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/chs
=~
—
traditional and modern literature, cultural
studies, Chinese Diaspora and overseas Chinese,
religious studies, cognitive linguistics, historical
linguistics, pragmatics, lexical semantics, first
language acquisition, and translation studies.
Our Department has six research groups, namely
the Southeast Asian Chinese and Modern China,
Chinese Linguistics, Ming- Qing, Print & Popular
Culture, Chinese Religions, and Classical Chinese
Literature & Thought which are very active in
nurturing academic interests and organising
scholastic events.
* Master of Arts by Coursework
- MA (Chinese Culture & Language)
* Master of Arts by Research
* PhD
19 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / CHINESE STUDIES
(PhD, NUS, 2019) Lecturer, School of Literature, Capital Normal University
Current Masters Student in Chinese Studies
66 Owing to the strategic location of Singapore, the Department has always
been an active site of cultural and intellectual exchange in the region.
“Chinese Studies” is not only about China. The vibrant and unique structure
of the Department, including the rich resources available, have undoubtedly
broadened graduates’ research insights and worldview. 99
66 The PhD programme in the Department of Chinese Studies has provided
me with great opportunities to communicate with world-renowned
scholars, which broadens my research horizon and enriches my research
experiences. | would like to express my appreciation to my supervisor as well
as other professors in the department for their patient guidance, consistent
encouragement and constructive suggestions. My student life in NUS is very
rewarding and unforgettable. 99
€6@ It was such a memorable journey to study and meet amazing people and
teachers at NUS, Department of Chinese Studies. Professors encouraged
discussion and active participation which gave us the absolute freedom to
discuss and present in class. |, therefore, was given opportunities to share
ideas openly with other outstanding classmates from around the world
while learning to appreciate the uniqueness of Chinese culture in Singapore.
This program successfully combined lectures with group field research and
independent research, which took my academic ability to the next level. |
sincerely appreciate the after-class conversations with professors, which were
always warmly welcomed. Thanks to their help and guidance, | did polish
my understanding of linguistics and received excellent exposure to research
training. | also used this time to discover the beauty of Singapore and was
attracted deeply by the charisma of this Lion City. 99
CHINESE STUDIES / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 20
21
DEPARTMENT OF
Communications
and New Media
The Department of Communications and New
Media (CNM) at the National University of
Singapore, ranked among the top three in
Asia, is the only department in Southeast Asia
which offers media studies, interactive media
design, cultural studies, and communication
management with a focus on new media. CNM
educates and nurtures future public relations,
media, art, design, finance, policy, civil
society, health, and political communication
professionals using an integrated and
multidisciplinary approach that reflects today’s
connected, converged, rapidly transforming,
and multi-platform media environment.
Students in CNM can take courses in advertising,
journalism, health and science communication,
and public relations (traditionally offered
in communication programmes), art and
visual design (traditionally offered in arts
programmes), game design and human
computer interaction (traditionally offered
in computer sciences), and cultural studies
within one academic department, crafting
programmes of study that are responsive to
their strengths and aspirations. Students can
also take courses in new media regulation
/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / COMMUNICATIONS AND NEW MEDIA
Department of
Communications and New Media
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS6, #03-41, 11 Computing Drive,
Singapore 117416
Tel: +65 6516 4671
Fax: +65 6779 4911
Email: cnm.graduate@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/cnm
and policy, social psychology, and the culture
industries as well as sociology, political science,
history, philosophy, computer sciences and
business.
Our multidisciplinary, theory-centred, practice-
based approach offers students opportunities in
experiential learning through industry-driven
classroom projects, international and local
competitions in communication campaigns and
digital design, student-led public exhibitions
of interactive digital work, student-led social
media campaigns, service-based projects that
collaborate with external clients, international
student exchanges, and interactions with
industry practitioners. With faculty members
hailing from top communication, art, and
design schools from around the world, bringing
with them innovative methods of teaching,
students benefit from an understanding of
trends coupled with an eye on the evolving
industry. Our Industry Advisory Council of
top digital and media practitioners from the
region shape our dynamic curriculum that is
consistently ranked at the top by the industry.
FARAH BINTE GULAM HUSSAIN BAWANY KUND FLORIAN
Current Masters student in Communications and New Media
66 Having had the pleasure of being in CNM for over a decade, first as
an undergraduate, and then, as a full-time TA and now as a graduate
student, I've had the privilege to have grown with the department
through three eras of leadership. As a graduate student, | find myself
thoroughly enjoying classes and benefiting immensely from a dynamic
and effervescent culture of multi-disciplinary research and writing. I'm
also most grateful for the academic supervision I've received, which has
been instrumental in melting away my hesitation and doubts, giving
way instead to curiosity, confidence and determination. Alma mater
translates literally to ‘nourishing mother’; and that’s exactly what CNM
has been to me. It’s been more than a school, more than just a job.
CNM is truly a home away from home, and all the talented folk here
are family to me - and | couldn’t imagine life any other way! 99
AARON NG YI KAI
Current PhD student in Communications and New Media
66 The graduate programme at CNM is truly multidisciplinary. The breadth of
the research interests of the academic faculty is really wide, including game
design, user experience research, cultural studies, political communication,
health communication, public relations, e-learning and big data analysis. The
wide range of research interests and expertise in the department allowed
me to propose a research project that does not fit neatly into the confines
of a traditional discipline as | can tap on the expertise of faculty from vastly
different backgrounds in the same department. As a graduate student in
CNM, | have also benefited from the ease in which | could take courses from
other schools or faculties in NUS that are helpful to my dissertation even if
they are not offered by the department. | have taken classes from Statistics
and Applied Probability, Biological Sciences and School of Public Health. As
my research interest crosses disciplinary boundaries, CNM is the right choice
because it is highly supportive of multidisciplinary research. Anyone who has
a research interest in new media should seriously consider CNM for a PhD
because of the supportive intellectual environment.
DR WANG YANG
(PhD, NUS, 2019) Postdoctoral research fellow at the
Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities
66 My four-year study in the Communications and New Media PhD Programme at
NUS was an enjoyable and rewarding journey which prepared me for future
academic career. As a graduate student and junior scholar today, | benefited
a lot from the enriched modules and interdisciplinary research community
of the programme. My supervisors and other professors in the programme
not only imparted me knowledge and skills, but also trained me in critical
thinking, innovativeness and collaborative teamwork in research projects. The
programme, the faculty and the university provided a highly supportive and
friendly atmosphere for my academic and everyday life in NUS. 99
COMMUNICATIONS AND NEW MEDIA / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 22
Comparative
Asian Studies PhD
PROGRAMME
Officially launched in 2013, the Comparative
Asian Studies (CAS) PhD programme offers an
intensive course of study that promotes a trans-
regional understanding of Asia. Students will
be exposed to ideas designed to shift attention
beyond the conceptual boundaries of area-
studies scholarship towards the dynamics and
processes that connect the region’s vast peoples,
cultures, and worldviews.
Qualified candidates will have training in at
least two geographical/cultural areas (South,
East, Southeast, Northeast, West Asia) enabling
them to explore the varying methods, debates,
and issues that have shaped those respective
fields comparatively. Every candidate will also
be exposed to scholarship and conversations
drawn from Inter-Asia Studies that highlight
the interconnectedness within the broader Asia
region.
Participating faculty members, located in our
The foundatio
COMPARATIVE
ASIAN
STUDIES
Comparative Asian Studies PhD Programme
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS8, Level 6, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent,
Singapore 119260
Tel: +65 6516 4640
Fax: +65 6777 6608
Email: fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/cas/
area-studies departments and_ disciplinary-
based departments, represent one of the
largest concentrations of Asia-focused scholars
in the world. FASS's research clusters bring
together graduate students and faculty
regularly to explore topics in (but not limited
to): comparative religions, transnational flows,
and global histories. Taken together with the
CAS PhD’‘s innovative curriculum, participating
candidates have the opportunity to not only
engage with leading specialists of Asian Studies,
but to contribute to the process of producing
knowledge about Asia from within the region.
The programme is unique because it offers
the scope of transnational Asian Studies while
providing the intensity and focus offered by
area-studies training. This combination of both
breadth and depth encourages research that
explores the connectedness of Asia without
compromising a deep understanding of its
various locales.
23
* Intensive training in two languages
representing two different Asian Studies
regions or two different cultural zones;
/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / COMPARATIVE ASIAN STUDIES.
f this programme is based
ee components:
* An innovative coursework programme
* Research and writing of a dissertation that is
based on research concerning two regions
Students who apply to the programme can look forward to graduate training in one of Asia’s top
universities that is global in scope but tailored to the demands and dynamics of the region.
CARLO SAMSON GUTIERREZ
Current CAS PhD Student
6G The Comparative Asian Studies programme provides a unique vantage point
to conceive and behold Asian discourses and social science in general. Its
intricate advantage is the requisite towards a minimum bilingualism and in
reality the multilingual demands. The nice thing is it embraces all students
of society who are interested in engaging with the issue of Asia - which
is extremely timely and relevant in recent years. The challenge it poses, in
addition, is the transformative nature of every willed-engagement; as the
programmes is relatively novel, all research agenda will ultimately reflect
what CAS will look like. It is a demanding, interesting, new, and an all-
encompassing programme open to all! 99
MAGDALENA MARIA JEZIORNA-SURKHA
Current CAS PhD Student
66 | have always been a great believer in the idea of studying Asia
in Asia and by coming to NUS, hoped to cultivate less Eurocentric
approach to my research. The programme enabled me to do so
by providing a larger Asian context for my project. My teaching
experience too contributed greatly to my understanding of Asia
and has been a source of true joy and inspiration.
SHRUTI GUPTA
Current CAS PhD student
66 The structure, focus and orientation of the CAS coursework has allowed me
to rethink the traditional framings of Asia. It has brought to my attention
the vast interconnections, similarities and pluralities that constitute Asia as a
geographical and cultural entity. Since the course draws faculty from across
disciplinary and area-studies departments, it enables students to develop
a dynamic perspective. It allows us to transcend national borders while
being rooted locally in the uniqueness of our fields. The CAS programme
pushes boundaries by giving students the opportunity to unlearn and
to reconceptualise both historical and contemporary areas, peoples and
cultures of Asia. 99
COMPARATIVE ASIAN STUDIES / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 24
Cultural Studies
in Asia
PROGRAMME
Cultural Studies in Asia Programme
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS6, #03-41, 11 Computing Drive, Singapore 117416
Tel: +65 6516 4671
Fax: +65 6779 4911
Email: cnm.graduate@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/cnm/phd-cultural-studies-in-asia/
The Cultural Studies in Asia (CSA) PhD Programme was established in 2009 and is the only such
programme taught in English in Asia. It is housed in the Department of Communications and
New Media.
What is Cultural Studies in Asia?
Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the
CSA-PhD aims to provide teaching and research
skills in the analysis of the flows and exchanges
of popular cultural practices in contemporary
Asia. The Programme taps the rich pool of over
300 humanities and social science professors in
the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)
to enable candidates to tailor their studies
according to their research interests. Students
could choose their dissertation supervisors and
enrol in relevant modules from all departments
in FASS.
A number of core modules taught by specialists
in the field provide the common grounding in
the theory and practice of Cultural Studies.
Students therefore benefit from learning with a
wide range of theoretical, methodological and
substantive experts in a multidisciplinary and
interdisciplinary manner.
25 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / CULTURAL STUDIES IN ASIA
Core Research Areas
The research interests undertaken by our
candidates range from the politics of pop music,
museum and nation building; documentary
films of Thailand; political and intellectual
biographies of Indonesian revolutionary writers;
urban imaginaries of Dhaka; heritage spatial
politics in Malaysia; community activism and
dance in India, and; Southeast Asian visual
artists’ aesthetic engagement with history. In
these projects, supervisors for the dissertation
research have been drawn from the departments
of Southeast Asian Studies, Sociology, Geography,
English Literature, Chinese Studies, and School of
Architecture.
Academic Exchanges
The CSA-PhD Programme participates actively
in the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society (http://
culturalstudies.asia) and is a member of the
Consortium of Inter-Asia Cultural Studies
Institutions —_ (http://culturalstudies.asia/ciacsi/).
The Society, and its Consortium of institutions
offering postgraduate programmes, organises
regular events bringing cultural studies scholars
and students in Asia and from around the world
CSA-PhD students would have the opportunity
to attend the biannual Summer School to take
extra courses and the biannual Conference to
present their work.
The CSA-PhD Programme hosts the William Lim
Siew Wai Fellowship. Every year, we invite one
eminent professor to visit our Programme to
teach a two-month special topic module under
this Fellowship. Past visiting Fellows include
Professors Maila Stivens, Mike Featherstone,
Peter van der Veer, Meaghan Morris, John
Nguyet Erni and Audrey Yue.
together in Asian cities to discuss pertinent
issues relating to the knowledge conditions of
politics, power and practices in the region. Our
ANNISA RIDZKYNOOR BETA
(PhD, NUS, 2018) Postdoctoral fellow
Department of Communications and New Media
6@ Asa graduate student and today as a junior scholar, | have found
the Cultural Studies in Asia PhD Programme at NUS and its Inter-Asia
Cultural Studies Society network to be indispensable for my academic
trajectory. The modules and the professors trained me in critical thinking
and cultural theories. The freedom to take modules from different
departments in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was also key to
focusing my research interests. The programme’s focus on Asia allows
me to learn about and further investigate important developments
and dynamics in Asian context. The programme, the faculty, and the
university have been very supportive to an interdisciplinary student like
me. The scholarship scheme, campus facilities, as well as events and
seminars organised in the university have facilitated my intellectual
growth and provided the most vital contributions | need as a young
scholar.
FELICIA LOW
is! (PhD, NUS, 2015) Director, Community Cultural Development (Singapore)
66 | feel privileged to have been part of the Cultural Studies in Asia PhD
programme. As a practising artist, it provided me with a much needed
socio-political lens which could be used to analyse the significance of arts
practices with communities in Singapore. This took my work beyond a
level of programmes and projects, enabling me to be critical and more
conscious of the meaning that can be constructed through projects
which ultimately came to represent segments of society in Singapore.
It also brought out an academic part of me, which would have been
dormant and undiscovered, and opened a different world for me to be
part of. | appreciate the course and NUS for accepting my artistic practice
on the ground and recognising its place in academia.
cont'd
CULTURAL STUDIES IN ASIA / FASS DEPARTMENTS / 26
cont'd
HILMAR FARID
(PhD, NUS, 2018) Director General for Culture at the
Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia
66 The Cultural Studies in Asia programme has provided important
training to hone my sense of capability and qualification as a scholar,
and supported my professional development. The programme has also
allowed me to cultivate an extensive network of people to reach out
to for advice, collaboration, and knowledge exchange at any stage of
my career. Ultimately, the theoretical, methodological, and analytical
lenses in Cultural Studies that | have been exposed to at NUS have
been valuable resources that inform my perspective as both a scholar
and practitioner in the realm of cultural activism and policy making in
Indonesia. 99
GAO XUEYING
Current PhD student in Cultural Studies in Asia programme
66 The Cultural Studies in Asia programme offers me new perspectives to
rethink about the meaning of contemporary Asia. As a field of research,
Cultural Studies in Asia is very inspiring - it challenges conventional
disciplinary boundaries and regional cultural boundaries. We are lucky to
have eminent visiting scholars frequently coming to the department to
share their passionate and inspiring thoughts with us. The programme is
dynamic and interesting, and | am fortunate to be part of it. 99
27 1 FASS DEPARTMENTS / GEOGRAPHY
WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY
NGUYEN HANG PHUNG DUNG
Current Masters student in English
Language and Linguistics Doing the Masters in English Language and
Linguistics at FASS under the financial support
of NUS GSA Scholarship has been an amazing opportunity for me to pursue my
passion in language and linguistics. | had a wonderful time participating in seminars
and projects with professors who are world-class experts in their field and who were
always supportive and accessible to their students. The program has immensely
widened my knowledge on the most significant and current linguistics issues set in
the context of multilingual Singapore. | thoroughly enjoyed engaging in the exciting
academic work, getting to know amazing faculty and fellow graduate students, and
at the same time immersing in the vibrant culture of Singapore. Coming to FASS and
NUS for my graduate studies has been one of the best decisions in my life.
It is an immense privilege for an international
student not to worry about one’s tuition fees and : a) 4 "
living expenses. | can only thank the countless
sacrifices made to make my stay at NUS possible. KIM SU MIN
FASS has created the environment and provided
me with the resources to pave my academic path.
Trying to incorporate the history and the cultural
reception of mathematics into literary studies is not
easy, but | am receiving invaluable support from the professors and fellow students
in my department. They have always been willing to share their knowledge and
perspectives to enlarge mine.
;
Current PhD student in English
Language and Literature
VANINDER SINGH
(MAE, NUS, 2017)
66 The biggest testament to the Applied nature of the programme is that
even as | studied the various subjects | could see those courses adding
value to my professional life; | am a practicing economist working for a
global investment bank. More than the core economics subjects, it is the
eclectic mix of electives on offer that have provided me with my biggest
take-aways. To name just a few: Chinese economy, Urban Economics and
Applied Macroeconomics have been some of the courses that | have been
able to apply in my everyday work. As a part-time student, the fact that the
programme structure is quite flexible has been crucial for me to be able to
absorb the most from my studies. 99
DEPARTMENT OF Department of Economics
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
2 National University of Singapore
Economics Bik az, Level 61 Arts Link
Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6516 6013 / 1304
Fax: +65 6775 2646
Email: ecsbox2@nus.edu.sg
ecsbox1@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/ecs
CAI XIQIAN
(PhD, NUS, 2015) Assistant Professor, Xiamen University, China
Hag 66 | amglad that | had the chance to study in the Economics graduate
programme. | met students who came from all around the world. During
the years | was in FASS, all of us were able to share not only our knowledge
and experience, but to share our culture and enjoy lots of wonderful
memories. The professors are not only qualified and knowledgeable; they
are also very nice people. | approached them whenever | faced difficulties
in understanding certain topics. | would certainly recommend the graduate
The Department of Economics, set up in 1934, has an established reputation as one of the largest and
leading departments of Economics in the Asia-Pacific region. Programmes offered by the Department:
G Sew : programme to prospective students looking to gain a deeper knowledge in
Economics.
Career-Oriented Track * Master of Social Sciences
* Master of Economics (Applied Economics) * Doctor of Philosophy
LIU XUYUAN
Academic-Focused Track ” (PhD, NUS, 2014) Research Fellow, Risk Management Institute,
* Master of Economics (Quantitative Economics) National University of Singapore
The Department of Economics at NUS consistently
ranks as one of the top programmes in the
Asia-Pacific region. The Economics graduate
programme prepares students for employment in
universities, government, business and financial
sectors. Recent graduates of the Department
have been placed in well-known universities
such as Monash University and University of
Western Australia, as well as leading investment
institutions such as Citibank, Credit Suisse, DBS
Bank, and TC Capital.
29 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / ECONOMICS
Faculty members’ research areas span a wide
range of economic fields, with strength in the
core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics
and econometrics, as well as in particular fields
such as game theory and industrial organisation,
labour economics, education, financial economics,
and growth theory and development with special
reference to Asia.
6G Studying in the FASS Department of Economics was a remarkable
experience for me. The graduate research programme enabled me to get
full rounded experiences in analysing various economics models, which
established my solid foundation of analytical and quantitative skill. 99
ECONOMICS / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 30
LAUREN YEO
(MA, NUS, 2018)
Research Assistant, English Language and Literature Academic Group,
National Institute of Education & Part-Time Tutor,
Centre for English Language Communication, NUS
66 My English Language programme provided me with countless
opportunities to hone my skills and further my academic interests.
Thanks to the support and guidance of my many wonderful
professors, | was well-equipped to take on various professional
Department of English Language research and teaching roles upon graduation. My time at the
and Literature department was a truly enriching and enjoyable one! 99
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk ASS, Level 6, 7 Arts Link
Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6516 3915 (Coursework)
Tel: +65 6516 3917 (Research)
Fax: +65 6773 2981
Email: ellbox1@nus.edu.sg (Research)
ellbox3@nus.edu.sg (Coursework)
fass.nus.edu.sg/ell
English Language
and Literature
ROWEENA YIP LEILENG
Current PhD candidate in Theatre and Performance Studies
66 My experience pursuing a PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies in NUS has
been very enriching, both intellectually and personally. | received both my
undergraduate degree in English Literature and Masters degree in
Renaissance Literature from the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom),
and moved to Singapore with the hope of developing meaningful research
while being based in Southeast Asia. Graduate training at NUS is rigorous
and comprehensive, with a focus on professionalisation and expanding
opportunities for research. My transition from literature into theatre studies
was encouraged by faculty members and fellow students within Theatre
Studies, who continue to support my ongoing research in the intersections
between intercultural Shakespeare in Asia and feminist theory. The
Singapore is a small, modern city-state, modernity and history make it ideal for the study
accessible from anywhere in the world. The of the region’s writing and cultures, of diaspora
country offers rich opportunities for the student —_ and of postcoloniality.
of language, literature or theatre. It has four
official languages, as well as many other smaller
language communities. This makes it an ideal
place to study important linguistic topics such as
language contact, language variation, language
planning, and language and identities.
Singapore also has a significant literary tradition
within the broader context of the literatures
Theatre Studies is known for its cutting-
edge scholarship in theatre and performance
concerned with the aesthetic expressions,
cultural dynamics and social forces of a diverse
and fast-changing contemporary Asia. Inter-
Asian cross-cultural currents and Asian modernity
are at the core of our critical enquiry in theatre
and performance studies.
community in TS is vibrant and dynamic, with a wide range of research being
conducted by faculty and graduate students, and opportunities to discuss our
work at the end of every semester during TS Research Day. 99
TAN TECK HENG
(PhD, JDP-KCL & NUS, 2021)
Lecture, Language and Communication Centre, NTU
and cultures of the Asia-Pacific. Its location,
The Department offers graduate degrees in three areas:
* Theatre and Performance Studies
66 | have studied English Literature at NUS since 2009, and the department's
support has been immense, from my undergraduate years to my Masters and
now, a joint PhD with King’s College London. | received excellent supervision
and mentorship, and was given opportunities to teach and lead seminars
across various levels. My training at NUS prepared me well for the new
challenges at King’s Comparative Literature department, where | taught in
a different environment, gained access to British networks and resources,
and learnt from scholars working in an adjacent discipline. Nearer to home,
the department has forged connections with entities including the Coalition
of English Departments in Asia, and the Modernist Studies In Asia Network.
Such international presence has enhanced my research on anglophone
modernism and modern Chinese writing. Beyond the top-notch quality of the
programme, | am also grateful for my scholarship and funding support, which
allowed me to pursue my ambitions with peace of mind.
* English Language and Linguistics
* Literary Studies
at three levels
* MA by coursework (in English Language and Linguistics, and Literary Studies)
* MA by research (in English Language and Linguistics, English Literature, and Theatre and Performance Studies)
* PhD (in English Language and Linguistics, English Literature, and Theatre and Performance Studies)
31. / FASS DEPARTMENTS / ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 32
DEPARTMENT OF
Geography
The Department of Geography at the National
University of Singapore is ranked among the
top ten Geography departments in the world,
and number one in Asia. With more than 30
full-time faculty members, the Department
offers research-based graduate programmes
Department of Geography
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS2, #03-01, 1 Arts Link, Kent Ridge
Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6516 3856
Fax: +65 6777 3091
Email: geobox1@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/geog
in both human and physical geography, with a
particular focus on Asia and the tropical world.
The graduate programme in Geography plays
a central role in keeping the Department at
the forefront of geographical education and
research internationally.
Master of Science i
The programme of Master of Science in Applied
Geographic Information Systems (hereafter MSc
in Applied GIS), a single-degree coursework
Masters programme hosted in the Department
of Geography at NUS, is designed to reflect
the cutting-edge technologies and latest
developments in GIS and its applications with the
RADHIKA BHARGAVA
Applied Geographic Information System:
reputation of NUS Geography as one of the top
ten geography departments around the world.
This innovative programme provides an exciting
opportunity for the prospective students to
study at NUS, one of the top university in Asia,
as a pathway to a PhD or further practical career
in applied GIS or related disciplines.
Current PhD candidate in Geography
66 My educational journey has taken me from India to the US where | got a BS
at the University of Cincinnati and an MS at the University of San Francisco,
then to Turks and Caicos Islands where | studied marine ecology, and finally
to Singapore. My personal and professional goals led me to the NUS
Department of Geography which offered me a terrific opportunity to not
only widen my skill set but also grow in the company and under the
mentorship of an extraordinary group. | am currently a fourth-year PhD
student but due to the pandemic, | have been away for almost two years
now. A lot has happened - multiple fieldwork cancellations expired and
renewed fieldwork permits, sudden cancellations of travel plans, evacuation
from the field site, changes to fieldwork and research questions, expiring
scholarships and grants, getting infected with covid-19, and losing near and
dear ones to the disease all while staying in India, one of the countries that
were affected the most due to the pandemic. Having overcome all these
difficulties, today | stand confident and determiined for the personal and
professional goals with which | joined the department. Building resilience to
face and plan for uncertain scenarios was key during this time. This was only
possible because of the support, motivation, training, and guidance from
everyone at NUS and my family. | am looking forward to the coming year of
working hard on my thesis as an NUS student and 2021 National Geographic
Explorer. 99
Our research interests are clustered into three groups, each covering a range of more specific themes
and topics for which we welcome graduate research applications:
Social and Cultural Geographies Politics, Economies, and Space
* Children and young people’s geographies * Financialisation in Asia RACHEL KOH
* Cultural/heritage landscapes * Global production networks (M.Soc.Sci, NUS, 2019)
* Development geographies * Nature and society WWE-SG, Conservation Manager, Forests
* Geographies of urban life * Politics of economic development
¢ Migration and transnationalism * Transnational corporations from Asia 66 Myjob involves working together with other WWF offices to co-develop
* Tourism geographies * Technologies and innovations and manage conservation programmes that support forest conservation in
Southeast Asia. | also foster partnerships with key conservation staff in the
WWF-Network and with other conservation NGO partners, government
agencies and academic institutions to coordinate programmes and stay
abreast of emerging conservation priorities and opportunities. The
cross-disciplinary nature of the NUS Geography programme has equipped
me with a deep understanding of the interactions between human and
natural systems and has helped me to achieve good alignment in the
strategies and goals of a conservation organsation - balancing Human and
Nature needs.
Tropical Environmental Change
* Dynamic environmental processes, including climate change, biogeochemical cycling, land cover
transformations, extreme hydrological events
© Environmental consequences of rapid economic development and high levels of consumption,
including pollution
* Human-environment interactions, including hazards, natural resource exploitation, conservation
A
cont'd
33 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 34
CAO YIN
(PHD, NUS, 2016) Associate Professor, Department of History,
Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
DEPARTMENT OF
History
The Department of History offers degrees by
research and dissertation at both the MA and
PhD levels. The Department is especially well-
known for its concentration in Asian history,
notably Southeast and East Asian. Faculty
members also supervise cutting-edge research
in European, American, and South Asian history,
as well as in such thematic fields as military
The Department of History also offers master’s
degree course work programmes in two
designated areas. Applied and Public History
offers master’s degree to those who plan to
apply the appropriate use of history to
professional careers in diverse fields such as the
arts, business, government, and other sectors of
society. We seek to train candidates to
appropriately use history to anticipate and
exploit trends, craft policies, make decisions, and
pursue their endeavours. Asian and Global
History is designed for those who plant to study
the history of diverse cultures and societies
across Asia and the world. They will also acquire
in-depth knowledge of Singaporean history and
understand the dynamic narratives that shape
the nation-state’s national identity.
35 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / HISTORY
Department of History
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS1, #05-27, 11 Arts Link
Singapore 117573
Tel: +65 6516 3838
Fax: +65 6774 2528
Email: hisbox1@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/hist
history, the history of art, business, and science &
technology, among others. Graduates from the
Department have secured tenure-track positions
in prestigious universities in North America,
Europe, Singapore, China, and many other Asian
countries; many Honours and MA graduates
have been admitted with scholarship to top
graduate schools across the world.
The Department offers the following coursework programmes:
* Master of Arts (Applied and Public History)
* Master of Arts (Asian and Global History)
* Graduate Diploma in Applied and
Public History
* Graduate Diploma in Asian and
Global History
* Graduate Certificate in Applied and
Public History
* Graduate Certificate in Asian and
Global History
66 Before | came to Singapore to pursue my PhD degree in the Department
of History, NUS, | had very limited knowledge of Southeast and South
Asian history. The cosmopolitan atmosphere in the department (we have
graduate students and faculty members from more than ten countries with
research topics ranging from ancient Champa archaeology to the twentieth
century United States popular culture) offered me a great chance to
broaden my understanding of cultures and histories across the globe.
Thanks to the conversations, talks, and sometimes even quarrels with these
excellent colleagues during my stay in the department, | have successfully
transformed myself from a narrow-minded student who knew nothing
more than his own research subject to a global scholar based in Asia.
The department also provided me bountiful grants and fellowships
to facilitate my field work in Hong Kong and Shanghai as well as my
participation in international conferences in North America. Faculty
members of the department, my supervisor and thesis committee members
in particular, were always helpful and supportive at every stage of my
study. | was, am, and will always be proud to be a member of the history
department community.
LAU YU CHING
(MA, NUS, 2017) Lecturer, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
66 Looking back, these two years at the NUS Department of History was
when | felt most free and creative. The faculty members including my
supervisor empowered and encouraged me to explore my diverse academic
interests while ensuring that there was still some structure to my learning.
The coursework modules were challenging but they have stretched my
imagination on the range of scholarship possible. | greatly appreciate the
department's multi-disciplinary approach to studying the past, as we learnt
how anthropology, architecture, literature and film spoke to historiography
and vice versa. There were also regular seminars where we got the chance
to hear from and interact with world-renowned scholars. Through tutoring
in undergraduate modules and experiencing the inspiring pedagogies from
the professors, | have also found my calling in teaching. The cherry that
really topped the cake was the supportive graduate community — their
diverse worldviews and personalities brought much cheer to the many late
nights spent working on my thesis in the graduate room. | am grateful to
have had such a rich and fulfilling time in NUS. 99
HISTORY / FASSDEPARTMENTS /
36
DEPARTMENT OF
Japanese
Studies
The Department of Japanese Studies offers
both Masters and PhD programmes. Candidates
have to do coursework and submit an original
research dissertation to be awarded the degree.
Faculty members at the Department of Japanese
Studies specialise in a wide array of disciplines
and graduate students will work closely with
specific professor(s) in the area of their research.
We want students who are well-versed in the
Department of Japanese Studies
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS8, #05-01, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent
Singapore 119260
Tel: +65 6516 7178
Fax: +65 6776 1409
Email: fasbox61@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/jps
discipline and in their understanding of Japan
and thus we expect students to also take courses
in the disciplinary departments. Students will
normally spend time in Japan for fieldwork or
archival studies. Being located in Singapore, we
especially invite students who work on topics
that deal with Japan’‘s relationship with Asia, be
that in economics, politics or culture.
ROBERT ST JOHN COULTON CRAWFORD
Current PhD Student in Japanese Studies
66 There are a wide range of courses available to help graduates build a strong
foundationin their chosen research area not only within Japanese Studies but across
the University. The Department does a great job of helping fellow
graduates meet and share their research interests, issues and provide peer
feedback on academic work. Above all, | have been immensely impressed
and grateful for the way the Department, and in particular my advisor Dr.
Amos, has gone out of its way to provide support for my studies. | have participated in academic conferences,
been provided opportunities to publish research, lecture and get to grips with the intricacies of 19th century
written Japanese. | think it would be a struggle to find many other Japanese Departments across the globe that
are willing and able to provide that range of opportunity. If you are passionate about Japan then | thoroughly
recommend applying to NUS. It will be able to provide you an absolutely world class experience.
37 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / JAPANESE STUDIES
EVE LOH KAZUHARA
Current PhD Student in Japanese Studies
66 | first joined the MA programme at the department of Japanese Studies (JS)
whilst working full-time at a national art institution. With my background
in art history, | was looking to complement this with further knowledge
in area-studies. In no time, | found my supervisor, Associate Professor Lim
Beng Choo, who welcomed me warmly into the department and got me up
to speed in matters of research and coursework. Academically, there were
many opportunities to learn beyond my field, through the courses offered
at JS and within NUS. | also particularly enjoyed the guest lecture series,
seminars and culture workshops hosted by JS. We are a close-knit community of graduate students and professors
who provide much camaraderie and intellectual engagement. It was a juggling act with the studies, working full-
time (and being a mum to a newborn baby!) but | would not have succeeded without the tremendous support
and understanding of the faculty. My experience here was so positive that | was inspired to continue onto a PhD
programme. | am incredibly lucky to have been offered a full scholarship and was able to customise my graduate
education through department and faculty resources. Additionally, the expertise of an impressive thesis advisory
committee here at NUS has guided me to think critically about my research in a broader Japanese and East Asian
context. | am excited to advance to the next stage in my candidature. 99
SATOSHI INUZUKA
Current PhD Student in Japanese Studies
66 Having just completed my first year as a PhD candidate in the Department
of Japanese Studies, | feel that the Department and the University have
provided me with the best experience that | can think of to grow as a
scholar and a teacher. Housed in a brand-new glassed-in building adjacent
to the library, the Department of Japanese Studies has very supportive
administrative staff, incredibly caring faculty, and encouraging fellow
graduate students. The relative smallness of the Japanese Studies (JS)
community allows for close interactions. Every JS graduate student is
expected to attend a weekly graduate student seminar, where we, through exchanging feedback, refine our
papers toward an annual JS graduate students conference at the academic year-end. The rich opportunities to
work with first-rate scholars, for writing thesis, for tutorial, and while taking modules, were precious and that,
above all, made me grow as a scholar the most. My supervisor Dr. Hendrik Meyer-Ohle, while granting freedom
for my academic pursuit, gives me invaluable advice and guidance whenever | needed it. Besides these experiences
as a scholar, | had precious experience to serve as a tutor for the department. Being the best university in Asia,
NUS attracts a diverse body of impressive students. It was such a privilege to teach for the intelligent, upright,
and surprisingly hard-working students who did inspire me to study harder. The university’s annual tutor training
session and the semester-end student feedback scheme are also helpful for making adjustments. 99
Py Gui
JAPANESE STUDIES / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 38
SITI HAZIRAH BINTE MOHAMAD
Research Associate, Centre for Ageing Research & Education
Duke-NUS Medical School
66 Being a Malay Studies graduate student has been an immensely fulfilling
39
DEPARTMENT OF
Malay Studies
The Department runs a Graduate Programme
for Masters by research and PhD Graduate
courses that cover theoretical frameworks as
well as more in-depth examination of specific
issues pertaining to Malays and Malay societies.
These modules expose students to ideas and
perspectives which they can apply in the course
of their independent research. The Department
welcomes 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. Since a good working knowledge
of Malay is required in order to conduct research
/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / MALAY STUDIES
Department of Malay Studies
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS8, Level 6, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent
Singapore 119260
Tel: +65 6516 4640
Fax: +65 6777 6608
Email: fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/mls
on the Malays, students will be required to take
a Malay/Indonesian language course if they have
not done so. This could be done either before or
during the course of their research.
From Literature and Art to studying the elite and
intellectuals in Malay society, understanding the
change of modernisation faced by Malays as well
as examining the development of capitalism and
Malay culture are some of the key areas of this
programme. A forum is also made available for
students to share their research and to engage
one another in discussion of their research
projects.
SYED MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN SYED NASIR
Current PhD student in Malay Studies
experience. From being pushed to think outside the box, to constantly
reminding me to question my assumptions, the guidance and academic
tutorship | have received at the Department is unparalleled. No matter
how tough the topic of choice, be it for an essay or a thesis, the professors
have never discouraged me or tried to divert my attention towards easier
or more familiar paths. Instead, they have encouraged me to transcend
the limits of my boundaries and to constantly strive for excellence beyond
what is expected of me. My time at Malay Studies was also enriched due to
the diversity of topics explored and the ways in which were continuously
exhorted to think about the applicability of the discussions beyond the
classroom setting. The fieldtrips and study trips conducted by the passionate
professors also allowed me to explore the knowledge learnt in a wider and
more relevant context.
MYSARA BINTE MOHAMAD ALJARU
Current Masters student in Malay Studies
66 Prior to pursuing my Masters, | was a current affairs journalist and producer
working on local stories. | knew | wanted to join a faculty that studies
the historical and lived socioeconomic realities of the Malay community
critically, so Malay Studies was an obvious choice. It has also allowed me to
question my own understanding of issues and to relook and understand
them in a more critical manner, which | can then apply in my work -
whether it’s academia, journalism or films.
The professors are encouraging and often push me to achieve more than
what | thought | could. They have also always been friendly and open to
conversations and thought-provoking discussions. While moving from
journalism to social sciences might have been a big jump, the Malay Studies
Department has always made me feel right at home and it was definitely
the right choice for me.
66 Having worked in the arts and museum industry for the past 10 years,
coming to NUS to pursue my PhD was a welcome respite in my professional
development. The Malay Studies Department has been very supportive of
my intellectual pursuits and crucial in further enhancing my understanding
of cultural issues within the Malay World. | look forward to more productive
engagement with the department and hope that | can contribute to the
larger academic environment in NUS.
MALAY STUDIES / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 40
DEPARTMENT OF
Philosophy
Department of Philosophy
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Bik AS3, Level 5, 3 Arts Link
Singapore 117570
Tel: +65 6516 3891
GABRIELE LEONIE ESCOFFIER
Current PhD student, Department of Philosophy, FASS, NUS
" > 66 NUS dynamic and multicultural background is a fantastic research

environment. As a student in Chinese Philosophy, | can specialize in my

philosophical interests.

DARYL OO! SHEN

field while meeting constant opportunities to broaden and enrich my

Current Masters student, Department of Philosophy, FASS, NUS

66 Reading philosophy allowed me to think more deeply about questions |
think many of us have had since we were young - what is the nature of
right and wrong, what is the meaning of life, how do | know whether what

Fax: +65 6777 9514
Email: philsjm@nus.edu.sg

41

The Department of Philosophy at NUS is one
of the very few departments in the world that
offers specialisation at the graduate level in
four independent traditions of philosophical
research: Anglo-American (Analytic) Philosophy,
Continental (European) Philosophy, Chinese
Philosophy, and Indian Philosophy. Our recent
graduate students have completed theses in a
diverse array of topics cutting across the East-
West divide, ranging from a Confucian approach
to the tragedy of the commons to the political
implications of Kantian ethics and to David

/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / PHILOSOPHY

fass.nus.edu.sg/philo

Lewis’ modal realism. Though the faculty's
research and teaching interests cover a wide
variety of topics, the Department has particular
strengths in normative philosophy (both ethics
and political philosophy), classical Confucianism,
philosophy of language, epistemology, mind,
and philosophy of science and technology.
Our students hail from different regions of the
world, thus making the Department especially
attractive to those students who would like to
study in Asia in a cosmopolitan environment.

I believe is true. 99

LOO WEI LING, JANE

(MA, NUS 2015) Tutor, Department of Philosophy, FASS, NUS

getting published in a journal.

PHILOSOPHY / FASS DEPARTMENTS

66 My professors made all the difference to studying Philosophy. They instilled
in me a love for the subject and a desire to keep learning. They were always
available for a chat, be it about coursework, applying to graduate school, or

/

42
43

DEPARTMENT OF

Political Science

The Department of Political Science is recognised
globally for the quality of its faculty. Students
benefit from working closely with such a large
and growing pool of faculty members who are
internationally prominent researchers as well as
committed teachers.

Our graduate modules stress theoretical and
conceptual analyses, provide practical research
skills, and allow diverse methodological
choices. Students are encouraged to adopt
a multidisciplinary approach and think how

Department of Political Science
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
National University of Singapore
Blk AS1, #04-10, 11 Arts Link
Singapore 117573

Tel: +65 6516 6067

Fax: +65 6779 6185

Email: polbox1@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/pol

politics connects to society, the economy, culture,
religion, morality, and other aspirations.

The Department is particularly strong in the study
of Asian politics, governance and international
relations with specific focus on China and
Southeast Asia. However, the curriculum covers
many other subjects such as democratic theory,
political economy, public policy, international
security, state-society relations, political thought
(Western and Eastern), and development studies.

It offers comprehensive education and systematic training in four areas or subfields - Comparative
Politics, International Relations, Governance & Public Policy, and Political Theory.

1. Comparative Politics deals with the political systems within individual countries as well as cross-
national comparisons. Comparativists seek to understand how the domestic political systems and
institutions work in specific countries, including Singapore. Modules are focused on the major
world regions or specific themes that are relevant across multiple contexts.

2. International Relations is the study of political and diplomatic relationships among countries. In
dealing with issues related to the governing of the global order of nation-states, the subfield
covers themes such as conflict, security, diplomacy, international economy, international
organisations, and globalisation and the state.

3. Governance & Public Policy represents the applied domains of state politics, policy and
administration. It deals with institutions and activities involved in public bureaucracy,
government organisations, and public policy. While focused specifically on Asian regions or
countries (including Singapore), the subfield highlights the significance of interregional and
cross-national comparison.

/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Theory covers major thinkers and texts of major philosophical traditions; political
ideologies and their comparison; and constitutional practices and debates. It also deals with the
dissemination of political ideas through persuasion; the embeddedness of politics in cultural
means (arts and music); and the implications of political and normative aspirations such as
human rights perspectives.

GEORGE EDWARD MAY

Current PhD student in Political Science

66 The NUS Political Science department has provided an intellectually
nourishing environment in which | have grown more confident and
competent as a researcher and teacher. The academic staff in Political
Science and across FASS have driven me to read, think, critique, and write
more broadly and deeply than | have elsewhere. Coursework modules have
introduced me to aspects of social science | would not have encountered
had | remained in the UK, as well as a deeper understanding of how
my interests - which originate in IR - relate to other sub-disciplines in
Political Science. As a gateway to Southeast Asia, NUS has provided the
ideal base from which to undertake extended fieldwork in the region.
The opportunities the department have provided for teaching - and the
inspiring students | have had the chance to work with - have been truly
enriching, professionally and personally. Last but not least, my peers in
FASS have been a vital source of inspiration, motivation, and comradery
through tougher times. 99

MARY ANN JOY QUIRAPAS FRANCO

Research Fellow, Energy Studies Institute

66 For years, | worked as a policy practitioner and researcher. My PhD
experience at NUS has given me further skills and knowledge to conduct
better research. The modules stressed the importance of theoretical
foundations and methodological rigour before any practical applications
of political science concepts. The program also gives me the opportunities
to expand my professional network through summer schools, overseas
workshops, and field research trips that are always helpful in building a
successful career after obtaining a PhD. Finally, what | really value most
with the whole experience is the people | meet during programme- the
faculty, fellow graduate students and administrative staff. The meaningful
discussions and lasting friendships with them make the PhD program more
fruitful and memorable.

POLITICAL SCIENCE / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 44
45

DEPARTMENT OF

Psychology

Department of Psychology

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

National University of Singapore

Blk AS4, #02-07, 9 Arts Link

Singapore 117570

Tel: +65 6516 3749

Email: psybox2@nus.edu.sg (Research Programmes)
Email: psybox6@nus.edu.sg (Clinical Programmes)
fass.nus.edu.sg/psy

The Department of Psychology offers two research graduate programmes and a clinical graduate

programme.

Resear duate Programmes

The Department's two research programmes comprise specialisations in six major psychological

disciplines:

1. Clinical Science and Health Psychology
2. Cognition

3. Developmental Psychology

4. Quantitative Psychology

Training in these specialisations comprises
coursework and a research thesis conducted
under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Degrees are offered at the Masters and PhD
levels. Scholarships and other forms of financial
support are available on a competitive basis. The
Department has also introduced a Concurrent
Degree Programme [B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) and M.Soc.
Sci.] which enables psychology majors to make
a seamless transition from the undergraduate
programme to the graduate programme, and
earn both an honours degree and a Master's
degree in five years.

research

Our Department's core areas

/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / PSYCHOLOGY

5. Social and Cognitive Neuroscience
6. Social, Personality, and Industrial-
Organisational Psychology

largely overlap with the areas of graduate
specialisation. Across these specialisations, we
have several areas of strength, two of which
are as follows. First, a number of our staff are
studying language and speech. Apart from
access to special populations such as children
or individuals with language impairments, the
multilingual context of Singapore makes this
work particularly attractive. Emotion research
forms a second area of strength. Here, our
staff are exploring the relationships between
emotions and mental or physical health, the role
of emotions in social interactions and decision
making as well as the neuronal processes that
mediate emotional experiences. These, and

other research areas, leverage on a supportive
research infrastructure that enables access to
state-of-the-art technology and equipment
for psychophysiological measurement (e.g.,
electroencephalography, heart rate monitoring),
eye-tracking, and functional magnetic resonance
imaging. Our Department also houses a suite of

Clinical Graduate Programme

Our Department offers a graduate degree
programme in Clinical Psychology. The two-year
programme consists of a combination of
coursework, research and practical placement
experience. Completion of requirements is
recognised with a Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Degree. The programme is based on the
scientistapractitioner model and builds on the
theoretical knowledge and core competencies
for clinical practice. It provides entry-level
training for students who seek a professional
career in Clinical Psychology. The programme
has its annual intake in August.

Applicants can apply for the scholarships listed
below:

* MOH Holdings (MOHH) Healthcare Graduate
Studies Award

* NCSS Social Service Scholarship

* NUS-Mental Health Counselling Scholarship

* NUS Health and Well-Being Scholarship

*Kindly note for, NUS scholarships, only applicants who had
secured a place in the programme will be eligible to apply.
Applicants may also check with their respective organisation
WEWALAARACHCHI THILANGA DILUM
(PhD, NUS, 2019) Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychology, NUS
dedicated labs and common space for behavioural
observation and psychological testing. Staff
research projects and collaborations involve
other research institutes within and outside
Singapore, including the Duke/NUS Graduate
Medical School, the Institute of Mental Health,
and A*Star.

The Clinical and Health Psychology Centre
(CHPC) provides an array of specialised
psychology services to the public. It is the
training clinic for the NUS Master of Psychology
(Clinical) programme. Thus, the Centre is staffed
by clinical psychology interns who are under the
supervision of master/ doctoral-level clinical
psychologists. The external clinical training sites
include the hospitals, community services,
ministries, and private practices. Across the
placements, students will gain a broad range of
skills to work with children and adults.

Students are required to undertake research as
part of programme requirements. There are
usually several research projects that are offered
by the clinical and non-clinical faculty as well as
external supervisors. Our clinical faculty staff
have a wide range of interests spanning from
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Body

Dysmorphic Disorder, Emotional Regulation and
Parenting,
Disability.

Schizophrenia to Intellectual

66 With the scholastic resources offered by the PhD Psychology programme
in NUS, | was able to pursue my research passion in developmental
psycholinguistics. My research interests lie in the area of lexical tone and
bilingual language acquisition, which made Singapore the perfect place
to do this research. | am particularly grateful to the strong emphasis
and importance given to research excellence in NUS, which has been
instrumental in my growth as a scholar. 99

cont'd

PSYCHOLOGY / FASSDEPARTMENTS /

46

®
cont'd

~~ «6 WANG YUSHI
(MA, NUS, 2019) Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, NUS

66 Being part of the Concurrent Degree Programme was a very fulfilling and
enriching experience. The academic rigor of the program facilitated my
intellectual growth, and also rendered me with greater confidence at being
prepared to join the workforce. One of the greatest highlights of my time
in the programme was being able to present findings from my integrated
thesis at a conference in Paris—a destination on my bucket list! 99

WONG TAK WEE CHRIS
(M.Psych (Clinical), NUS, 2016) Clinical Psychologist,
Community Psychology Hub Singapore

66 The two years in the programme had been a wonderful journey of personal
and professional growth. Lasting friendships and memories were forged,
and a robust training in the scientist-practitioner approach has equipped
me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to continue
developing as a clinical psychologist. 99

TAN SZE YING CHRISTIE

(M.Psych (Clinical), NUS, 2016) Clinical Psychologist,
Psychological Services Unit, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd. Singapore

66 The “trials and tribulations” of the programme helped me develop a
strong foundation in my clinical and research skills. Additionally, there
were many wonderful memories created together with the rest of my
cohort mates, which were invaluable in my personal growth. 99

47 1 FASS DEPARTMENTS / PSYCHOLOGY

LAVANY.
BALACHANDRAN
Graduated in 2017 with a
PhD in Sociology

WHAT OUR
STUDENTS SAY

MIGUEL ESCOBAR
VARELA

Graduated in 2015 with a
PhD in Theatre Studies
49

—a-

DEPARTMENT OF

Social Work

Social Work as a subject in the University
first started in 1952, when it offered the
first professional social work qualification in
Singapore, the two-year Graduate Diploma in
Social Work. Since then, it has evolved with the
changing times, circumstances and requirements
of the country into its present form.

At the graduate level, the Masters and PhD
degrees offer graduate students, depending
on the course they are enrolled in, a range
of modules for advanced direct and indirect

Core Research Areas

* Ageing

* Community and Social Development
¢ End-of-life and Palliative Care

* Family and Community

Research in the Department of Social Work is
integrated with our practice and teaching of
social work. Many of our research projects are
collaborations with local community partners
and international researchers. The projects
analyse trends on issues of societal concern,
and evaluate policies, programmes and direct

/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / SOCIAL WORK

Department of Social Work

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

National University of Singapore

Blk AS3, Level 4, 3 Arts Link

Singapore 117570

Tel: +65 6516 4472

Fax: +65 6778 1213

Email: swkbox1@nus.edu.sg (Research)
Email: swkbox3@nus.edu.sg(Coursework)
fass.nus.edu.sg/swk

social work practice that includes clinical social
work intervention with specific client groups,
policy analysis and social planning, agency
management and programme development,
social work research and programme evaluation.
The Master of Social Work programme aims to
produce the leaders of social work profession
in direct practice, social policy and research,
and social administration and development. In
addition, the Graduate Diploma in Social Work
enables non-social work degree graduates to
pursue professional social work education.

* Offender Rehabilitation
* Programme Development and Evaluation
* Social Work Practice

practice for populations in need with a focus
on enhancing social work theory, practice skills,
critical thinking and policy contribution in the
social services. Research also provides hands-on
learning to students who are engaged in the
projects

ANG CHAI YUN RACHEL

(M.Soc.Sci, NUS, 2020) Instructor,

Department of Social Work, NUS
~" @@ One day, while in a class about social theory in social work, | looked out of
our seminar room window and saw that the theories provided windows
from which to look at the current landscape of social work practice. This,
is the ethos of the Social Work education at the National University of
Singapore (NUS) - a marriage of academic rigour and practice relevance.
Having received my Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Social Work from
the Social Work Department at NUS in 2010 and now pursuing my Master of
Social Work (by research) in the same department, the department is like my
second home. | have benefitted from the mentorship of many renowned Social Work educators, both professionally
and personally. As a full-time master’s student and graduate teaching fellow, | am grateful for the exposure to
academic life and the various opportunities to deepen my research knowledge and skills such as conducting my
research project through the independent study module and participating in the brownbag research seminars
conducted by the department. These experiences have ignited my intellectual curiosity, amplified my critical
thinking, and nourished me to be a more independent researcher. The teaching experience has been immensely
gratifying and enriching. Gratifying because | get to share my knowledge and experience to the next potential
generation of social workers; enriching because often, | learn from them as much as | teach. Overall, | strongly
believe that the exemplary world class education | am receiving, will allow me to contribute and value add to any
path that | will pursue. 59

MICHELLE SHANTHINI GUNASILAN

Masters student in Social Work

6@ The opportunity to undertake the Master of Social Work programme at
NUS has been an experience that | am grateful for. The modules that | have
undertaken have allowed me to deepen my clinical skills while providing
me with opportunities to enlarge my views about social work leadership
and management. Through various modalities, the lecturers created
learning environments that supported lively discussions, promoted critical
analysis and creative ways of addressing social issues. | have also enjoyed
the opportunities to learn from my classmates from different professional

fields who contributed towards a challenging yet nurturing learning journey. This programme has enriched my

professional development and has equipped me with knowledge and skills that | hope can value add to the social

work sector. 99

b- NG SIANG KIAT

Current PhD student in Social Work

€@ The PhD journey is hardgoing. | had to constantly juggle my PhD studies
with being a stay-at-home mum to three school-going children, active
involvement in church and counselling in my private practice. Taking up this
endeavour is nothing short of calling. So when purpose transcends present
circumstances, it helps me look beyond challenges to find meaning in the
research topic, in fieldwork experience with participants and fulfilment in
being a voice for the marginalised in the world of social work practice and
research. 99

SOCIAL WORK / FASSDEPARTMENTS / 50
DEPARTMENT OF Department of Sociology

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Me National University of Singapore
Sociology Blk AS1, #03-06, 11 Arts Link
Singapore 117570

Tel: +65 6516 3822
Fax: +65 6777 9579

Head, Sociology Programme
School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences
Singapore University of Social Sciences

66 | joined the Department of Sociology at NUS as a PhD student in 2010.
These five years have been fulfilling and memorable for me. The
scholarship, fieldwork funding, and conference funding have enabled me
to concentrate on studying and researching and to attend international
conferences and training programme. The NUS Central Library has a
fantastic collection of books and a rich subscription to electronic journals,
databases, and other resources, which has been extremely helpful to
my coursework and research. | have also learnt a lot from the seminars,
talks, and conferences organised by the Department of Sociology, Asia
Research Institute, Centre for Family and Population Research, and other
departments and research institutes of NUS. Daily interactions with
my fellow graduate students of various national, ethnic, religious, and

The Department of Sociology at NUS has been
ranked first in Asia, and among the top 20 in
the world (QS World University Rankings for
Sociology). With over 30 staff members, we
are also one of the largest departments in
the FASS at NUS. From its earliest beginnings,
our Department has combined the disciplines

Email: socbox1@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg

of Sociology and Anthropology. Students
therefore benefit from learning a wide range
of theoretical and methodological approaches
within both disciplines. Teaching and research
in the sociology and anthropology of Asia, is
one of our major strengths.

The department offers three research programme:

1. Master of Social Sciences in Sociology

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

The Deparment’s research and teaching interests
are wide-ranging. While many of our staff
specialise in research on Singapore society and
culture, a number are also engaged in
comparative research on other Asian countries,
including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,

2. Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

include: deploying diverse research methods
such as ethnography, focus group interviews and
statistical analyses of survey. Our main research
areas include: ageing, demograhy, family and
kinship, gender and sexuality, health, media and
popular culture, migration, politics and power,

cultural origins have broadened my horizons. Some of them have become
my closest friends and the time we spent together are and shall remain my
fondest memories of NUS graduate student life.

CHONG WU LING
(PhD, NUS, 2014) Senior Lecturer, University of Malaya, Malaysia

66 | am grateful to the NUS for offering me a Research Scholarship to pursue

my PhD study in Sociology. | learned how to conduct research effectively
and write a good thesis, thanks to the guidance of my supervisor and
other lecturers in the NUS who were knowledgeable and helpful. | had
also benefited a lot from the rich collection of the NUS Library. Overall,
| gained a lot of invaluable experience that is essential to my academic
career throughout the period of my study in the NUS.

Pildoo Sung

(PhD, NUS, 2020) Research Fellow, Centre for Ageing Research
and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School

Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, race and ethnicity, social networks, and
Thailand, and Vietnam. Our main research areas — urbanism.

66 The Department of Sociology serves as an excellent base to deepen one’s knowledge about the discipline. Highly
integrated into a dynamic and fast-growing region, and fueled by faculty and graduate students from around the
world, NUS is an intellectual hotspot that inspires new ways of thinking about our society. As someone who studies
Southeast Asia, the ability to travel throughout the region and engage with locally-based scholars made studying
and working in Singapore ideal. But more importantly, as someone who was born and educated in the United
States, studying in Singapore has shifted my worldview and has trained me to see issues from a completely
different, more global perspective. | highly encourage those interested in challenging themselves to pursue a PhD
in our department.

Dr George Radics, Senior Lecturer, PhD in Sociology, NUS

51. / FASS DEPARTMENTS / SOCIOLOGY

14 | joined the Department of Sociology in 2015. First of all, my PhD journey
would not have been possible without the research scholarship from the
National University of Singapore. During the programme, | have learnt
in-depth knowledge and skills from introductory and advanced modules
from sociology, as well as from the teaching assistant experience. The
interdisciplinary courses offered by other departments (psychology,
business, communication and new media, and economics), and seminars
organised by department and Centre for Family and Population Research
broadened my intellectual capacity. Also, the conference funding allowed
me to attend an international conference in Toronto. Last and foremost,
guidance from my supervisor and dissertation committee members has
been an invaluable asset for my academic career. 99

SOCIOLOGY / FASSDEPARTMENTS /
53

South Asian
Studies

PROGRAMME

The South Asian Studies Programme (SASP) at the
NUS offers degrees by research and dissertation
at both the MA and PhD levels. The scope for
research is extensive and the interests and
backgrounds of the supervising teaching staff
are wide-ranging and eclectic. Fluency in English
is essential, as all theses must be presented in
that language, but the Programme encourages
and supports the use of research materials which
draws upon South Asian languages.

The Programme has a particular focus on topics
which relate to contemporary South Asia. The
academic staff includes specialists working
in the disciplines of Contemporary History,
Political Economy and Development, Religious
Studies and Anthropology and Diaspora and
Trans-national Studies. An idea of the scope
of the Programme's range of interests may be

South Asian Studies Programme
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

National University of Singapore

Block AS8, Level 6, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent
Singapore 119260

Tel: +65 6516 4640

Fax: +65 6777 6608

Email: fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/sas

gained from its list of faculty members and their
specialities. The cohort of students in SASP is
highly cosmopolitan and students have come
to pursue graduate studies from South Korea,
China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines,
Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, the USA and India.
Graduate alumni of the NUS South Asian Studies
Programme have found rewarding career
opportunities in university teaching, the media,
the civil service, policy think-tanks, consulting
and independent research and writing.

The University’s Central Library has extensive
holdings on South Asia. There is also a significant
collection of digital and microfilm holdings, in
addition to a significant collection of secondary
materials which include printed books and
journals.

Funding opportunities are available, though by a highly competitive selection process.

/ FASS DEPARTMENTS / SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES

(MA, NUS, 2016) Researcher, National Skills Development Corporation,
New Delhi, India

66 The courses you will do at the South Asian Studies Programme will excite

Assistant Professor, Institute for International Strategy,

PRISCILLA ANN VINCENT

you. The modules will inform you of the dynamism, paradoxes, mysteries,
uniqueness and challenges within the region. | was so inspired by the
Programme that | returned to do my Masters with them. The knowledge
and exposure gained, has allowed this Singaporean to work well with both
the private sector and Government in India. The best part is the long lasting
friendships that | have formed with fellow students and professors at the
Programme. We still keep in touch, sharing our adventures and explorations
from time to time! 99

SOJIN SHIN

Tokyo International University

66 The five years of my learning in South Asian Studies were intensive and

extensive. | not only trained rigorously with a political scientist for my
doctoral research, but also travelled to various academic subjects in the
differing regions of South Asia with historians, anthropologists, and
sociologists. The South Asian Studies at NUS would be a good place where
one can advance a multidisciplinary approach with great support and
encouragement from senior faculty members having excellent academic
backgrounds, South Asian Studies at NUS was a worthy challenge for me to
change the substantial level of understanding politics, society, development,
and culture in South Asia. | am very proud to be an India specialist through
the training. 99

SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES / FASS DEPARTMENTS = /

54
DEPARTMENT OF

Southeast
Asian Studies

The Masters of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) research programme 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. Graduates are prepared for academic
careers and employment in research intensive
professions with working knowledge of Southeast
Asian languages

55 / FASS DEPARTMENTS / SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES

Department of Southeast Asian Studies
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

National University of Singapore

Blk AS8, Level 6, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent
Singapore 117569

Tel: +65 6516 4640

Fax: +65 6777 6608

Email: fasbox58@nus.edu.sg
fass.nus.edu.sg/sea

SOL DOROTEA ROSALES IGLESIAS

(PhD, NUS, 2018) Senior Manager, Public Policy (APAC),
JUUL Labs, Singapore

66 With prior training in political science at the graduate level, pursuing
my doctorate in Southeast Asian studies opened new vistas into thinking
about my main subject (the Philippines) comparatively. | mean this both
in terms of comparisons within the region as well as through insights
from other disciplines such as sociology, anthropology and history. | have
greatly benefited from the different kinds of expertise that our Faculty
has to offer, as well as the considerable time and thoughtful effort that
they put into guiding our research. Moreover, Singapore is an ideal base
from which to study the rest of the region.

VILASHINI SOMIAH

(PhD, NUS, 2019) Senior Lecturer,
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Malaya

66 Whilst researching for the right PhD programme several years ago, |
was told to look for one that could both enrich and challenge me as a
scholar and also where the professors recognised me for my abilities
and potential, as well as to question, shape and motivate. It was at
the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at NUS that | was able to
find all of this. Every semester | was presented with bigger and better
opportunities that allowed me to progress and improve as scholar
through departmental lectures by visiting professors, regional language
programmes, conferences and workshops. This is indeed an exemplary
world class department in an envious position and | consider myself
privileged to be given the opportunity to join its ranks.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES / FASS DEPARTMENTS /

56
GRADUATE STUDIES DIVISION

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, NUS
Level 6, The Shaw Foundation Building
AS7, 5 Arts Link, Singapore 117570

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fass.nus.edu.sg/graduate