Applicants must apply online. Please access the online system and complete the application.

You will only be required to submit your application online. There is no need for you to send anything to us by post by the application deadline. If your application is shortlisted for admission, you will be contacted by the department after the deadline and will be asked to submit your application package to them by post.

In general, applicants without a background in Sociology or Anthropology can be considered for admission. However, the minimum criteria are as follows:

Sociology/Anthropology

1. A good first degree, usually the equivalent of a good NUS Honours degree, such as a Bachelor degree earned from a four-year programme. For PhD applicants, a Masters degree from a relevant discipline would be an added bonus, but those without such postgraduate qualifications will not necessarily be disadvantaged;
2. A deep interest in the discipline. Applicants are to submit relevant official documentation proving that they have adequate training and/or ability to undertake the proposed course;
3. An original research thesis proposal.

Please note that admission is highly competitive – meeting the minimum criteria for admission does not imply automatic acceptance into any of the programmes hosted by the Department. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews, either face-to-face or via telephone.

As mentioned, a research proposal is required as a supporting document. The proposal must be of your own design and concept. You may approach any faculty member for advice. However, please do not expect them to work out a proposal with/for you. After all, the primary purpose of submitting a research proposal is for us to have a better idea of your potential to succeed in our research programmes.

For general guidelines to writing a research proposal, please refer to this document: Research Proposal Guidelines for Applicants. In addition, this document provides a few tips to get you started: How to Write a Research Proposal.

Prior to submitting the application, applicants may seek the consent of any faculty member to be the thesis advisor. However, for successful Sociology candidates, the Department reserves the right to assign a thesis advisor(s) and will make arrangements for a mentorship programme, whereby a mentor will be assigned to guide the Sociology newcomer for the first semester. Subsequently, if the partnership works out well, the mentor will become the official thesis advisor. Students are expected to communicate regularly with their thesis advisor about their progress.

There are a variety of NUS research scholarships available to postgraduate applicants. Please visit FASS website to learn more.