Graduate Coursework Programme
Graduate Coursework Programme
Master of Arts (Global Sociology and Anthropology)
Programme Overview
The Master of Arts (Global Sociology and Anthropology) is a graduate coursework-based programme designed to equip students with advanced training in Sociological and Anthropological theories and methods. Offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at NUS, the programme addresses the critical challenges and opportunities brought by globalization, especially in the context of Asia.
NUS is ranked #8 in the QS World University Rankings and #1 in Asia. The university also holds a global ranking of #15 in Sociology, and its Anthropology programme is ranked #16 worldwide and #1 in Asia.
The MA (Global Sociology and Anthropology) programme offers three specialized tracks:
- Global Asia
- Population, Aging, and Health
- Culture, Society, and Economy
This programme is tailored for both recent graduates and working professionals who want to grow their careers in areas like policy-making, business planning, research, government, media, or human resources, and more. It is also well-suited for those intending to pursue further academic studies, including doctoral work, in Sociology, Anthropology, or related fields. Students will gain interdisciplinary skills in information gathering, critical analysis, and policy evaluation, empowering them to take on leadership roles in diverse sectors across the globe.
This programme builds on the Department’s longstanding commitment to applied, practice-oriented graduate education and builds on its legacy of successful professional training initiatives from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Admission Requirements
- An NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (eg, a four-year Bachelor’s degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field; or
- A good Bachelor’s degree (at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field and successful completion of a placement test; 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
- Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
- Applicants who do not have a degree from an English-speaking university, must present evidence that they have attained the basic level of English language proficiency either with TOEFL score or IELTS score report submitted during application. Exceptions may be allowed on an individual basis.
MA Programme Fee Structure
Full programme fee: $45,000 (without 9% GST)
Full programme fee: $49,050 (inclusive of 9% GST)
Programme Fee – Payment Schedule for AY2026/2027 Intake (Inclusive of 9% GST)
For full-time students, programme fee payment will be paid across two semesters.
For part-time students, programme fee payment will be paid across four semesters.
| Candidature | Acceptance fee | First semester | Second semester | Third semester | Fourth semester |
| Full-time | $5,450 | $19,075 | $24,525 | N.A. | N.A. |
| Part-time | $5,450 | $6,812.50 | $12,262.50 | $12,262.50 | $12,262.50 |
For AY2026/2027 intake, successful applicants from the following categories will be eligible to enjoy one of the fee rebates offset from the programme fee:
| Category | Fee rebate |
| Singapore Citizen / Singapore Permanent Resident
(NUS alumni and non-alumni) |
40% |
| International
(NUS alumni only) |
20% |
| International
(non-NUS alumni only) |
5% |
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An Acceptance Fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of 9% GST) is payable upon acceptance into the programme. Please note that the Acceptance Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
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In addition, students will be required to pay the Miscellaneous Student Fee (MSF) on a semester basis. For details, please refer to the Office of the University Registrar’s website here.
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Payment of the Tuition and Miscellaneous Student Fees are to be made by the stipulated due date set by Office of Finance. If fees are not paid by the due date, a late payment charge may be imposed by NUS.
MA Application Information
| Intake | Application start date | Application closing date |
| August 2026 | 1 November 2025 | 31 January 2026 |
- All applicants are required to apply online via the NUS Graduate Admission System.
- Applicants may refer to the GDA3-Applicant-User-Guide to better equip themselves before commencing on their application.
- Applicants shall select “Master of Arts (Global Sociology and Anthropology)” as the programme.
- A non-refundable application fee of S$54.50 (inclusive of GST) is payable for each application.
- Applicants will only be required to submit their application online. There is no need to send any application documents to us by post during the application stage.
- Applicants may refer to the Applicant Checklist for MA GSA for the list of application documents to be attached with the online application.
MA Programme Curriculum
- Graduation Requirements : 40 units
- Degree Programme : Self-funded, Full-time / Part-time
- Two Major Curricular Components : 5 core + 5 elective courses
Core Curriculum
Three Specialisation Tracks
GSA5101 Graduate Research Methods (Coursework)
GSA5102 Sociological Theory (Coursework)
GSA5103 Anthropological Theory (Coursework)
GSA5104 Quantitative Data Analysis (Coursework)
GSA5105 Qualitative Data Analysis (Coursework)
•Global Asia
•Population, Aging, and Health
•Culture, Society, and Economy
Elective Courses
