The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has come a long way in 85 years; from its humble beginnings as a group of subjects offered as part of Raffles College in 1929, it is now one of the largest faculties in the Nation- al University of Singapore (NUS). We now offer undergraduate students 20 subject majors in 17 departments, 15 multidisciplinary minors, 13 languages, and multiple special degree options with leading partners both within NUS and internationally.

Our graduate programme has also grown from strength to strength. We offer Masters and PhD level research in 19 subjects and joint PhD programmes with King’s College London and the University of Edinburgh. In addition, graduate students can choose to enrol in coursework programmes in nine subjects.

On the research front, our faculty members have been prolific; they have received awards and/or recognition from internationally recognised associations like the American Political Science Association (APSA), the European Renal Association and European Dialysis and Transplant Association, and the Academy of Social Sciences, to name a few. As a whole, we have also made great strides in creating a conducive research environment that allows for greater collaborative work. The Faculty currently has eight research clusters looking at major social issues like the environment, health, cities, family, and migration. We are also looking forward to the launch of four new research centres in 2015.

Over the years, our students and alumni have been a great source of pride, excelling not only academically but also in terms of leadership, community and entrepreneurship. This year, in conjunction with the Faculty’s 85th anniversary, we are proud to announce the launch of two new awards, the FASS Student Leadership Award (FSLA) and the Ann Wee NUS Social Work Alumni Award. The FSLA was set up to recognise the efforts of students in areas outside of academia and in activities that have enriched the wider community. The Ann Wee NUS Social Work Alumni Award, set up in recognition of Mrs Ann Wee’s contributions to social work in Singapore, would be awarded to alumni who show the same dedication to the profession.

These 85 years have been exciting ones, where we have overcome challenges and scaled greater heights. With your support, we look forward to even greater achievements for both the Faculty and our students who pass through our doors.

Professor Brenda Yeoh
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences