Why pursue graduate study in Malay Studies?
The Department runs a Graduate Programme for Masters by Research and PhD. Graduate courses offered cover theoretical frameworks as well as more in-depth examination of specific issues pertaining to Malays and Malay societies. These courses expose students to ideas and perspectives which they can apply in the course of their independent research.
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 are welcomed. Since a good working knowledge of Malay is required in order to conduct research 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.
Graduate Coordinator
Associate Professor Syed M Khairudin Aljunied
Programmes & Curriculum
About the Programme
The Department runs a Graduate Programme for MA by Research. Graduate courses offered cover theoretical frameworks as well as more in-depth examination of specific issues pertaining to Malays and Malay societies. These courses expose students to ideas and perspectives which they can apply in the course of their independent research.
Programme Structure
A student will be recommended for award of degree if he/she has met the following requirements:
- Completed and passed at least four (4) courses or 16 units, unless exemption has been granted by the University, which include:
-
- Three (3) required courses
- MS5101 Social Science and Malay Studies (4 units)
- MS5201 Critiques in Malay Studies (4 units)
- MS6770 Graduate Research Seminar (4 units)
- One (1) elective course, of which
- at level 4000 (4 units) OR
- at level 5000/6000 (4 units) OR
- MS5660 Independent Study (4 units)* OR
- from other department at level 5000 (4 units) subject to approval from both departments
- Three (3) required courses
- Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00;
- Passed the MA thesis;
- Where applicable, obtained at least grade ‘C’ in Graduate English Course(s); and
- Other departmental requirements, if any
*Note: Students should discuss with their thesis advisors before registering for Independent Study
About the Programme
The Department runs a PhD programme where courses offered cover theoretical frameworks as well as more in-depth examination of specific issues pertaining to Malays and Malay societies. These courses expose students to ideas and perspectives which they can apply in the course of their independent research.
Programme Structure
A student will be recommended for award of degree if he/she has met the following requirements:
- Completed and passed at least six (6) courses or 24 units, unless exemption has been granted by the University, which include:
-
- Three (3) required courses
- MS5101 Social Science and Malay Studies (4 units)
- MS5201 Critiques in Malay Studies (4 units)
- MS6770 Graduate Research Seminar (4 units)
- Three (3) required courses
-
- Three (3) elective courses, of which
- a maximum of one (1) MS course may be at level 4000 (4 units) OR
- at level 5000/6000 (4 units) OR
- MS5660 and/or MS6660 Independent Study (4 units)* OR
- from other department at level 5000/6000 (4 units) subject to approval from both departments
- Three (3) elective courses, of which
- Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50;
- Passed the PhD Qualifying Examination (QE);
- Passed the PhD thesis;
- Passed the PhD Oral Examination;
- Completed and passed NG5001 Academic Communication for Postgraduate Researchers;
- Where applicable, obtained at least grade ‘C’ in Graduate English Course(s); and
- Other departmental requirements, if any
*Note: Students should discuss with their thesis advisors before registering for Independent Study
Job Ready
The Department of Malay Studies graduate programmes adopt a multidisciplinary and comparative approach to covering broad issues of Malay society and Southeast Asia in general. Graduates are well-equipped to avail themselves of the various career opportunities open to graduates from other disciplines of the social sciences and humanities.
Students of Malay Studies enjoy particular advantage in careers requiring an intimate and in-depth understanding of the Malay/Muslim world of Southeast Asia, covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, be it in the private or public sector. They are also equipped with the knowledge to appreciate the dynamics of Muslim societies beyond the region.
Graduates of Malay Studies are counted among the present leaders of the Malay community, in government, public service, as well as in the private sector. They are significantly represented in the mass media industry and the education service.
Testimonials
Liao Bowen
MA in Malay Studies, Class of 2022
As a student from regions outside the Malay world, I find the Malay Studies Department definitely the right place to better my understanding of the Malay world and Malay studies. While many studies look at the region more through the lens of area studies and superpower competitions, the department affords me the critical insights for a better understanding of history, economy and social issues in the community from the local perspectives, which is mostly beneficial to my further studies and writings. I really appreciate the professors’ patience and kindness in discussion and encouragement during and after class, or even during our makan-minum session. Academia is an arduous world that needs good mentors and personal efforts, I would like my studying experience here to be my landmark in Malay studies and a springboard for me to serve as a bridge between two countries.
Liaw Pey Wen
PhD Student in Malay Studies
I am fortunate to embark on my PhD journey with Malay Studies Department at NUS. As a journalist and social activist advocating for democratic social change in Malaysia, it is essential to critically broaden my insights into the Malay-Muslim world from various perspectives. Malay Studies provides me with the instrumental lens and academic training for such examination. The professors are amicable and supportive. They adopt a critical and multi-perspectives approach to view and diagnose social problems. Sometimes, I am surprised and inspired by their viewpoints, especially in the structural dimension. I can also freely delve into other disciplines based on my interest as the department is very open-minded. I look forward to the intellectual growth from the academic training in the department. Let's explore the sea of knowledge together!
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