Home Higher Degrees PhD and Masters by Research Master of Science (MSc) (Research)
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Master of Science (MSc) (Research)

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  • The programme will be opened for the January 2021 intake. Application period is from 4 May – 31 July 2020. Click here for more details.

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  • We offer higher degree studies by research leading to the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in line with the increasing emphasis on research in the areas of Sciences and Physical Education.

    Applicants reading the degree of MSc by research will pursue an independent but supervised research in an approved field of advanced study based on which a thesis should not exceed 50,000 words (including footnotes, but excluding appendices, references, maps, charts, statistical tables, graphs, illustrations, etc), except for a Masters thesis written in the Chinese language should not exceed 100,000 Chinese characters.

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  • A Bachelor's degree with honours at least at Second Class Upper level in the relevant areas and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.

    Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview session as part of the selection process.

    A valid GRE score is required for applicants who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore. See detailed requirements for English language on competency and GRE requirements here.

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  • A rigorous system is used to prepare you into the research phase. In the first 12 months of study, you will be required to complete the Qualifying Examination requirements as indicated in (i) and (ii) below:

    (i) Attend classes and pass the examinations of

    • 3 graduate level courses chosen from the University's Master-degree coursework programmes or from approved special topic courses and
    • obtain an overall average Grade B-, and no course should have a Grade below C+

    (ii) Submit an in-depth literature review of an approved research topic

    Exemption of courses may be granted by the Dean if you are deemed to have already done sufficient coursework in the relevant area in a graduate level programme at a recognised university. You would have to complete a minimum of two courses after allowing for exemptions.

    pdf-thumbnailDownload the full list of special topic courses

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  • You will have to undergo a Confirmation Exercise if you are admitted as a Research Student in the first instance in order to be confirmed as an MSc candidate. The exercise will take place either by the end of the first year of study or no later than 6 months after the Qualifying Examination.

    For the Confirmation Exercise, you will have to submit a progress report on your research work as well as present and pass a confirmation seminar.

    Your candidature may be terminated at any time if your progress has been deemed unsatisfactory by the University.

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  • Sciences
    1. Biological Sciences
      • Botany
      • Zoology
      • Molecular Biology
      • Agrotechnology
      • Biotechnology
      • Environmental Science
    2. Chemistry
      • Natural Products Chemistry
      • Polymer and Surfactant Chemistry
      • Organometallic Chemistry
      • Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
      • Materials Science
    3. Physics
      • Plasma Radiation and Microlithography
      • RF Plasmas and Materials
      • Laser-materials Interactive
      • Laser-based Biophysics
      • Computational Science

    Mathematics
    1. Analysis
    2. Algebra
    3. Mathematical Modelling
    4. Statistics

    Physical Education
    1. Sport Sciences
    2. Exercise Physiology
    3. Motor Learning
    4. Biomechanics

    Important note for matriculated students: 
    Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult your programme leader if you need clarifications.

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  • The degree of Master of Science by research is offered on both full-time and part-time basis. The candidature periods are as follows:

    Full-time

    Up to a maximum of 3 years

    Part-time

    Up to a maximum of 4 years

    From AY2020, the candidature period will be revised as follows:

    Full-time

    Up to a maximum of 3 years

    Part-time

    Up to a maximum of 3 years

  • Our tuition fees are subject to revision on a yearly basis. More details can be found here. 

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  • There are two intakes a year (January and August). The online application generally opens in May for admission in January in the following year and in October for admission in August the following year. Applicants are advised to visit the website and look out for announcements in May and October.

    Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

    Applications are to be made online.

    More information on application details can be found here.

    Depending on the area of research that you are interested in, you are advised to browse through the various Academic Groups’ webpages to seek your own supervisor prior to application. Prior to application, you may also contact the appropriate research programme coordinator or coordinators listed here.

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  • We offer research scholarships to applicants with outstanding academic records to enable you to pursue your studies by research on a full-time basis. More details can be found here. 

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  • To view, please click here.

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  • Research Studies in NIE




    GPL Video




    NIE - the place to be for your learning journey




    Developing your passion into mastery with NIE




    Hear from our professor and students

    Master of Science (Research) experience by Kelvin Chua



    Research Studies in NIE - Cheryl Tay (PESS)



    Research Studies in NIE - Professor Xu Shuyan (NSSE)




    Sharing Session at NIE Postgraduate Fair 2016

    Programme highlights and sharing session by Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) graduates



    Higher Degrees by Research in NSSE: Diversified avenues and challenging opportunities

    Doctoral Programmes: EdD and PhD by Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group

    Research projects in areas of Mathematics and Mathematics Education

    Higher Degrees in Early Childhood, High Ability Studies and Special Education

    Higher Degrees in Geography, History and Social Studies

    Empowering teaching, training and learning using technologies

    Embark on your learning journey with ELL

    For more sharing sessions videos taken at NIE Postgraduate Fair 2016, please click here.

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  • “I am grateful to my supervisors Professor John Wang Chee Keng for his superb supervision and mentorship throughout my PhD candidature. After the initial phase of effective supervision, I was encouraged and given space to conduct original, independent research. The specialized elective courses taken during the coursework deepened my understanding of theories and practices in a number of chosen fields relevant to my research. Furthermore, the regular discussion sessions held by the research interest group at PESS AG were most helpful in enabling me to complete my PhD research.”

    Dr Eugene Chew Wai Cheong
    Assistant Professor at the Physical Education & Sports Science
    Academic Group (PESS AG), NIE
    PhD student at NIE from 2008 to 2011

    “I feel myself bless to conduct my PhD research at NIE. I am most impressed with NIE’s research culture that encourages higher degree students to publish their research and to present their research in international conferences, seminars, and workshops. I discovered several new marine natural products and published seven papers in peer-reviewed high impact factor international journals, one book chapter, and five conference papers during my PhD candidature. My sound training under the exemplary supervision of Assistant Profressor Tan Lik Tong and solid performance at NIE had laid the foundation for me to become a qualified researcher and enabled me to secure a postdoctoral position at the University of Michigan, one of the world’s leading universities.”

    Dr Ashootosh Tripathi
    Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan, USA

    “I appreciated the opportunity to present my research creatively and with visual impact in the Post Competition of the NIE Graduate Student Day to fellow students and faculty. The faculty judges were wonderfully assuring and insightful with their questions and feedback.”

    Ms Gissella Lebron
    (Current PhD student at NIE)

    “Completing my PhD research studies under the wonderful supervision of A/P R. Subramaniam has allowed me to realise the importance of research in conjunction with being a classroom teacher. As part of my research studies, A/P Subramaniam guided me to look into the literature to find ways that would get my NT students excited about learning physics content while at the same time giving them room to be guided in showcasing their creativity through knowledge from physics.

    Dr Nazir Amir
    PhD graduate of Natural Sciences & Science Education (NSSE) Academic Group
    Recipient of President's Award for Teachers 2014 and Fullbright Distinguished Award in Teaching 2016
    - Getting to Know Series, 2016
      (click to read more)

    “My supervisor and coursework professors were instrumental in guiding the whole academic learning and research investigation. From research design to manuscript publication, they were always just a call / text / email away to offer a guiding hand.

    The masters programme at NIE has given me many insights in the area of sports science research. The knowledge and expertise of academic professors have empowered me to bridge the gap between the science and application in the field of strength and conditioning. This has made an impact in the physical preparation of the national athletes.

    Mr Julian Lim
    MSc (Research) graduate of Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) Academic Group
    - Getting to Know Series, 2016
      (click to read more)

    “Completing my PhD research studies under the wonderful supervision of A/P R. Subramaniam has allowed me to realise the importance of research in conjunction with being a classroom teacher. As part of my research studies, A/P Subramaniam guided me to look into the literature to find ways that would get my NT students excited about learning physics content while at the same time giving them room to be guided in showcasing their creativity through knowledge from physics.

    Dr S.M.P. Kalaiselvi
    PhD graduate of Natural Sciences & Science Education (NSSE) Academic Group
    - Getting to Know Series, 2016
      (click to read more)

    “Being a research student in NIE gives me a competitive edge as I am not only able to hone my expertise in my field of research in a laboratory which can hold its own amongst the best in the field, but also to develop my skills in pedagogical methods in the delivery of lessons."

    Mr Mark Lim
    current PhD student of Natural Sciences & Science Education (NSSE) Academic Group
    - Getting to Know Series, 2016
      (click to read more)

    “I was inspired by Associate Professor Tan Swee Ngin of the Natural Sciences & Science Education (NSSE) Academic Group, who subsequently became my supervisor. I was very impressed by her driven and forward-thinking mentality as well as her clear direction on how academic research is conducted in her laboratory. Hence, I chose to study at NIE as I strongly believed that the curriculum offered would equip their students to be well-rounded, socially and ethically responsible individuals, thus making a difference in work and society. I was well-assured that I would be able to receive the knowledge and encouragement to help me achieve my fullest potential."

    Ms Nadia Chandra
    MSc (Research) graduate of Natural Sciences & Science Education (NSSE) Academic Group
    - Getting to Know Series, 2016
      (click to read more)

    • E-mail: nieadmpp@nie.edu.sg
      (for administrative enquiries related to admissions and application)

    • E-mail: higherdegrees@nie.edu.sg
      (for administrative matters related to programme matters such as time-table, study plans)

    List of Programme Leaders (for specific academic enquiries related to the programme such as curriculum requirements):

    Areas of Research Programme Leader
    Asian Language and Cultures Chinese Language (PhD): Asst/P WANG Bing
    Chinese Language (MA by Research): Dr CHOONG Kok Weng
    Malay Language: Dr Mohd Aidil Subhan Bin MOHAMED SULOR
    Tamil Language: A/P Sivakumaran s/o RAMALINGAM
    Curriculum and Teaching Asst/P Jiang Heng
    Early Childhood and Special Education Early Childhood: A/P TAN Ai Girl
    Special Education: A/P TAN Ai Girl
    High Ability Studies: Dr Letchmi Ponnusamy
    English Language and Literature A/P Peter Teo
    Humanities and Social Studies Education Geography: Asst/P DAS Diganta Kumar
    History: Asst/P DAS Diganta Kumar
    Learning Sciences and Technologies A/P Chen Wenli
    Mathematics and Mathematics Education Mathematics: A/P ZHAO Dong Sheng
    Mathematics Education: A/P Leong Yew Hoong
    Natural Sciences and Science Education A/P Chew Shit Fun
    Office of Education Research Dr Seow Sen Kee Peter
    Physical Education and Sports Science Asst/P Masato Kawabata
    Policy and Leadership Studies A/P LIM Lee Hean
    Psychological Studies A/P Gregory Arief D LIEM
    Visual and Performing Arts Art: Asst/P Rebecca Heaton
    Drama: Asst/P Charlene Delia Jeyamani Rajendran
    Music: A/P Lum Chee Hoo and Asst/P Leonard Tan