[As this is an upcoming programme that will commence in AY24/25 Semester 1, kindly note that the information on this page is subject to change.]
Graduate Certificate & Diploma Programmes in Japanese Visual Cultures
The Japanese Visual Cultures programmes employ comparative, transregional, and transcultural approaches to explore visual cultures in Japan and beyond. The programmes addresses the increasing visualisation of information in today’s world, offering students a timely opportunity to understand how visual cultures diffuse and adapt globally, with Japan—a pioneer in the realm of visual cultural production—as a central reference point.
Courses in the programmes strike a unique balance between academic rigor and practical industry insights. Students will gain proficiency in working with diverse data sources in both English and Japanese. Students will also acquire critical thinking and innovation skills essential for navigating the intricacies of visual communication in the modern world, and for pursuing careers in the visual culture industries.
Under these programmes, candidates may apply for individual Japanese Visual Cultures modules via the NUS Online Application Portal, which can then be stacked towards a Graduate Certificate in Japanese Visual Cultures or a Graduate Diploma Programme in Japanese Visual Cultures.
Entry Requirements
Candidates seeking admission must have obtained:
- A good NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects either related to Asia or literature, media, and visual cultures or having acquired advanced Japanese language skills; or
- A good Bachelor's degree (at least an average grade of B equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to Asia or literature, media, and visual cultures or having acquired advanced Japanese language skills, and successful completion of a placement test; or exceptionally,
- Other relevant qualifications and experience, and successful completion of a placement test; however, admission is subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Relevant cases will be routed to the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS) for information.
All candidates should possess evidence of previous Japanese language study (at the elementary level or higher), any JLPT certificate or equivalent, and candidates whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with a minimum of 22 for the writing section) is required for the internet-based test or 237 for the computer-based test; while a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required.
Candidature
The programme will be offered on both full-time and part-time basis.
| PROGRAMME | CANDIDATURE | MINIMUM DURATION | MAXIMUM DURATION |
| Graduate Certificate | Full-time | 6 months | 12 months |
| Graduate Certificate | Part-time | 12 months | 24 months |
| Graduate Diploma | Full-time | 12 months | 18 months |
| Graduate Diploma | Part-time | 18 months | 36 months |
Full-time Graduate Diploma candidates will read a minimum of 12 units and not exceeding 24 units per semester, while full-time Graduate Certificate candidates will read all 12 units in one semester.
Part-time Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate candidates will read a minimum of 4 units and not exceeding 12 units per semester.
Candidates who are unable to complete the degree requirements by the maximum period of candidature may apply for extension at least three months before the candidature expires. The Department will consider such applications in accordance with prevailing NUS policy.
Candidates may convert from full-time study to part-time study or vice versa and must seek approval from the Department at least three months prior to the commencement date of the following semester.
Candidates who intend to withdraw from the programme must inform the Department in writing. The Department will take action in accordance with prevailing NUS policy.
Requirements for Award of Certification
Students are eligible for a Graduate Certificate in Japanese Visual Cultures after completing core and elective courses adding up to a minimum of 12 units (3 courses total). This may include either JSC5301 or JSC5302 but not both.
Students are eligible for a Graduate Diploma in Japanese Visual Cultures after completing core and elective courses adding up to a minimum of 24 units (6 courses total). This must include at least one core course. The remaining units can be fulfilled through the elective courses and a maximum of 4 units from other courses offered by Japanese Studies or courses offered by other departments.
Course information for the Japanese Visual Cultures Programmes can be found here: https://fass.nus.edu.sg/jps/course-information-jvc/
Grades and units earned as part of the Graduate Certificate Programme Japanese Visual Cultures or Graduate Diploma Programme in Japanese Visual Cultures may be credited towards a Master of Arts (Coursework) in Japanese Visual Cultures Degree, subject to department approval. More information regarding the transfer of units will be announced closer to AY24/25.
Application Process
Application Period: To be Announced
Interested candidates may apply for the Japanese Visual Cultures courses via the NUS Online Application Portal during the application period.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees will be paid per course under the Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma Programme in Japanese Visual Cultures. Please note that candidates may be required to pay other miscellaneous fees by the university.
The tuition fee for each course is as follows:
| NUS Alumni | Singapore Citizens/Singapore Permanent Residents | International Students | |
| Rebate | 15% | 10% | NA |
| Fee per course (incl. 9% GST) | 3,242.75 SGD | 3,433.50 SGD | 3,815.00 SGD |
*As this is an upcoming programme, kindly note that the stated figures are subject to change.
Contact
Please email jpsbox16@nus.edu.sg for any enquiries relating to the Japanese Visual Cultures Programmes.