Master of Social Sciences
(Social Work by Research)

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking to enrol for a Master of Social Sciences (Social Work by Research) should have the following qualifications:

• An NUS Honours degree (at least Distinction / Second Class Upper Division) or equivalent (e.g. a four-year Bachelor's degree with an average grade above B) in social work, subject to approval by the Faculty, on a case-by-case basis; or
• A Bachelors degree in social work with at least two years of relevant work experience, subject to approval by the Faculty and Board of Graduate Studies, on a case-by-case basis; and
• Graduate Examination Record (GRE), where applicable.
• TOEFL/IELTS, where applicable.

GRE Scores

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test report is optional.

However, do note that evidence of strong quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills through GRE scores, in conjunction with evidence of research skills and experience will significantly strengthen your application. The GRE scores are reportable for five years and score reports are valid only if our University receives them directly from Educational Testing Service. The University Code is 0677. For more information on the GRE General Test and to register for the test, please visit http://www.ets.org/gre.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native tongue or medium of university instruction is not in English should submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.

Minimum Score Required
TOEFL	IELTS (Academic)
580 (paper-based)	7.0
237 (computer-based)
85 (internet-based), with minimum score of 22 for the writing section

TOEFL and IELTS are only valid for two years after the test and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the research programme. The Faculty's TOEFL institution code is 9081.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has indicated that score reports are valid only if our University receives them directly from ETS.

General Information

Please refer to https://fass.nus.edu.sg/prospective-students/graduate/research/application-information/ for general information on application periods, application materials and fees.

There is one intake per academic year, in August.

Application Period Application period for the August intake opens from 16 May to 1 November (in the year preceding the intake).

Application Outcome All applicants will be informed by 31 May (for the August intake).

Application Process Applications for graduate research programmes can be made online here. You are encouraged to decide on your thesis advisor(s) in consultation with faculty who are interested to supervise your project. More information on application can be found here.

Application Documents Supporting documents required during application are: Personal particulars such as passport, re-entry permit or Singapore NRIC or citizenship certificate. Transcripts and educational certificates GRE score report, where applicable TOFEL/IELTS score report, where applicable Two academic referees and their email addresses Research proposal (Refer to the guidelines for reference) Documentary evidence of financial support