The research degree provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken. A thesis advisor(s) will be appointed for each candidate. Candidates are required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.

The following Masters and Doctoral degrees are awarded upon completion of the research programme:

• Master of Arts;
• Master of Social Sciences; or
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

In addition, there is a Joint Doctoral Programme available with selected departments at King's College London. Please click on the link for more details.

• Joint Doctor of Philosophy with King's College London

Research programmes are offered by the following Departments / Programmes:

• Chinese Studies
• Communications and New Media
• Comparative Asian Studies (PhD only)
• Cultural Studies in Asia (PhD only)
• Economics
• English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies
• Geography
• History
• Japanese Studies
• Malay Studies
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sociology and Anthropology
• South Asian Studies
• Southeast Asian Studies

All the departments/programmes offer a Semester I (August) intake. Some departments/programmes also offer a Semester II (January) intake. Please refer to Application & Application Periods for details.