Programme Requirements

Degree Graduate Diploma (Contemporary Southeast Asia)
Start of Programme August
Language of Instruction English
Location Singapore (on-campus study option only)
Mode of Teaching 3-hour seminar-style class

  • Classes are conducted in the day or evening (Monday to Friday)
  • Classes for each course are held once a week over a period of 13 weeks (excluding final examinations, if applicable)
Mode of Study Full-Time or Part-Time

  • International students on student visa must be enrolled for full-time study
  • Students residing in Singapore may enrol for part-time study
Duration of Degree Full-Time

  • Requires at least 1 year (2 semesters) to complete the degree
  • Maximum duration allowed: 1.5 years

Part-Time

  • Requires at least 1.5 years (3 semesters) to complete the degree
  • Maximum duration allowed: 3 years
Coursework Requirements

(Effective from AY2025/2026)

 Complete and pass 24 units which include:

Two (2) core courses:

  • SEA5101 History, Politics and Economics of Modern Southeast Asia (4 units)
  • SEA5102 Societies and Cultures of Southeast Asia (4 units)

One (1) course from the following thematic specialisations:

  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Heritage, Arts and Culture
  • Regional Futures

Two (2) country studies courses

One (1) elective (may include one SE Level 4000 course, or one Southeast Asian language course at Centre for Language Studies (CLS), or a combination of special topics courses)
English Language Requirement
  • Students may be required to take the Diagnostic English Test (DET) to determine English proficiency (selected students will be notified in their offer of admission letter)
  • Depending on their DET results, students may be required to take Graduate English Course(s) or be exempted from taking the course(s) altogether
  • Students who are required to take the Graduate English Course(s) must obtain at least grade 'C' in the course(s) at intermediate level
  • Graduate English Course(s) are not counted towards the 28 units required for the coursework requirements
Workload per Semester Full-Time

  • Maximum: 24 units
  • Minimum: 12 units

Part-Time

  • Maximum: 12 units
  • Minimum: 4 units
Graduation Requirements To obtain a Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Southeast Asia, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Completed and passed 24 units (refer to coursework requirements above);
  • Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75;
  • Where applicable, obtained at least grade 'C' in Graduate English Course(s) (refer to English Language requirement above)