Master of Science (Global Relations)

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Overview

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science (Global Relations), is a one year degree coursework based in Department of Political Science at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

This programme is designed to equip students with practical tools to understand the rapid and dramatic changes the world is undergoing, to help them navigate complicated geopolitical shifts in the world, and to push them along problem-solving.

Graduates from this programme should be able to work effectively as important members of corporate teams where strategic planning is required in managing relations between government ministries, businesses and citizen groups.

Work towards achieving those long-held aspirations by choosing from one of two specialisations:

Why This Programme?

Practical, experiential learning – Through faculty-led study tours and preparatory seminars, students bridge theory and practice, gaining first-hand exposure to global dynamics and building valuable professional networks.

Specialised pathways – With two distinct themes, students can tailor their academic journey towards their career interests:

  • Culture, Society and Governance 
  • Political Economy, Security, and Society.

World-class faculty and networks – Students benefit from the expertise of leading practitioners, while tapping into NUS’s strong regional and global research networks.

Career advancement – Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, NGOs, media, and the private sector, where advanced knowledge of global relations is increasingly in demand.

An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term (which occurs during the Semester 2 Vacation, and is divided into two parts of six weeks duration each):

  • Semester 1: Aug–Dec
  • Semester 2: Jan–May
  • Special Term (Part 1): May–Jun
  • Special Term (Part 2): Jun–Jul

MSc (Global Relations) programme will run only during Semesters 1 and 2 (there are no classes during the Special Term).

For the MSc (Global Relations) programme, there is one application period for each AY:

Specialisations Intake Application Dates

MSc (Global Relations)

Semester 1 (Aug Intake) 1 Sep to 15 Jan of year preceding the intake year

To learn about the application process and supporting documents, please click here.

Admission to the NUS MSc programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:

Academics

Bachelor's Degree (preferably with Honors: Merit/Second Class and above)

An 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) in a relevant discipline; or

A Bachelor's degree with a relevant Graduate Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.00; or

A Bachelor's degree with a relevant Graduate Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00; or

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and at least 2 years of relevant work experience; or

Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

English Language

Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not completely in English:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 100 (Internet-based) with minimum score of 22 for the writing section, or

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 7.0 and minimum score of 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

 

Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.

Others

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an admission interview.

An overall evaluation of candidate profiles will be considered for admission.

The NUS MsC in Global Relations programme is offered on the following basis (with estimated time to complete the programme indicated below):

Candidature Normal Candidature Duration Max Candidature Duration
Full-time 12 Months 24 Months
Part-time 24 Months 48 Months

Note: International applicants must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore to apply for a Student’s Pass. For more information, refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

To be awarded the Master of Science (Global Relations), the student must successfully complete a program of study with following conditions:

1.Complete and pass 40 Units of relevant courses

    • Core/Essential courses (12 Units) and
    • Elective courses (28 Units). The students should take at least four courses (16 Units) in their chosen theme.

2. Obtain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0

3. Where applicable, candidates must also obtain satisfactory grades (at least grade C) in the Graduate English Course conducted by the Centre for English Language Communication at intermediate level.

Please see also the University’s minimum standards for Continuation and Graduation Requirements.

The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.

Tuition

S$45,000.00 (excluding 9% GST)

Application

S$54.50 (excluding 9% GST)

Non-refundable and non-transferable

Limited to one application submission per intake, for up to a maximum of five programmes/courses per application

Acceptance

S$5,000.00 (excluding 9% GST)

Payable upon acceptance of offer

Non-refundable and non-transferable

Will be credited towards tuition fees

Miscellaneous Student Fees

As published by Office of the University Registrar

Payable every regular semester

The scholarships and financial assistance schemes presented here are examples of the kinds of funding from the University as well as third-party sponsors that might be available to eligible NUS Master's Degree (Coursework) programme students and applicants.

The information provided is subject to change, and warranties cannot be provided as to its completeness or accuracy. Students and applicants are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research, and refer to the relevant sponsors and/or websites for more detailed and up-to-date information.

Programme At A Glance

Intake and Application

| Next Intake
  Aug 2027

| Application Period
 1 Sep 2026 – 15 Jan 2027



Apply Now!

Questions? Contact us

We will guide you through the next steps of your transformative journey.


For enquiries, contact: polbox23@nus.edu.sg