Why pursue graduate study in
South Asian Studies?
The National University of Singapore (NUS) South Asian Studies Programme (SASP) has the unique distinction of being the only programme in ASEAN focusing on South Asia.
The scope for research is extensive and the interests and backgrounds of the supervising teaching staff are wide-ranging and eclectic. Fluency in English is essential, as all theses work must be presented in that language, but the Programme encourages and supports the use of research materials which draw upon South Asian languages.
SASP has a particular focus on topics which relate to contemporary South Asia. The academic staff includes specialists working in the disciplines of Contemporary History, Political Economy and Development, Religious Studies and Anthropology and Diaspora and Trans-national Studies.
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 South Asia. These modules 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:
-
- One (1) required course
- SN6770 Graduate Research Seminar (4 units)
- One (1) required course
- 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);
- Other departmental requirements, if any
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 South Asian Studies. These modules 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:
-
- One (1) required course
- SN6770 Graduate Research Seminar (4 units)
- One (1) required course
- 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);
- Other departmental requirements, if any
Job Ready
Graduates from the Department have found employment in the civil service, at research institutes and in the private sector. The employability record of SASP graduates has been outstanding. SASP graduates are now high ranking professionals in the Government (Defence, Foreign Affairs, MTI, Home Affairs, MOE), in academia, media industry, and as consultants in the private sector.
Testimonials
Priscilla Ann Vincent
Masters in South Asian Studies
The courses you will do at the South Asian Studies Programme will excite you. The modules will inform you of the dynamism, paradoxes, mysteries, uniqueness and challenges within the region. I was so inspired by the Programme that I returned to do my Masters with them. The knowledge and exposure gained, has allowed this Singaporean to work well with both the private sector and Government in India. The best part is the long lasting friendships that I have formed with fellow students and professors at the Programme. We still keep in touch, sharing our adventures and explorations from time to time!
Sojin Shin
PhD in South Asian Studies
The five years of my learning in South Asian Studies were intensive and extensive. I not only trained rigorously with a political scientist for my doctoral research, but also travelled to various academic subjects in the differing regions of South Asia with historians, anthropologists, and sociologists. The South Asian Studies at NUS would be a good place where one can advance a multidisciplinary approach with great support and encouragement from senior faculty members having excellent academic backgrounds. South Asian Studies at NUS was a worthy challenge for me to change the substantial level of understanding politics, society, development, and culture in South Asia. I am very proud to be an India specialist through the training.
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