The Programme
The maximum candidature for both full-time and part-time candidates is 5 years.
Admissions
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:
|
Graduation Requirements
To successfully graduate with a PhD, students are expected to achieve the following:
- Complete and pass 6 coursework courses (at least 75 % of the total unit requirements must be at level 5000 or 6000, including an essential course SW6770)
- Compulsory course NG5001 Academic Communication for Postgraduate Researchers
- Pass a PhD Qualifying Examination
- Submit and pass a Thesis
- Pass an Oral Examination
- Obtain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50
- Where applicable, obtain a satisfactory grade in the graduate English course at advanced level
For more information on the programme requirements, please click here.
To successfully graduate with a PhD, students are expected to achieve the following:
- Complete and pass 6 coursework courses (at least 75 % of the total unit requirements must be at level 5000 or 6000, including an essential course SW6770)
- Pass a PhD Qualifying Examination
- Submit and pass a Thesis
- Pass an Oral Examination
- Obtain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50
- Where applicable, obtain a satisfactory grade in the graduate English course at advanced level
For more information on the programme requirements, please click here.
Fees and Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships are available. Please refer to the website here for a list of scholarships, the criteria, and components of scholarship value.
Applicants can apply for scholarships by indicating the scholarship they would like to be considered for on their application form.
NUS Research Scholarship
The NUS Research Scholarship will carry a monthly stipend plus tuition fee subsidy, i.e., the scholar's tuition fee will be paid for by the University. No travel or other allowances are provided.
The stipend is as follows:
Nationality |
PhD |
Master |
Singapore Citizen |
$3,200 |
$3,200 |
Singapore Permanent Resident |
$2,800 |
$2,400 |
International Student |
$2,500 |
$2,300 |
*With effect from 1 August 2015, Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions shall be provided at a rate pegged to the prevailing employer's contribution rate set by CPF, on top of the monthly stipend received.
PhD candidates who have passed their PhD Qualifying Examination are eligible for a PhD top-up of S$500 per month.
The Research Scholarship is initially awarded for one year. It may be renewed, subject to the scholar’s satisfactory progress, each semester at the University’s discretion. The maximum period of a scholarship is normally four years for PhD candidates.
Admin
Examination Matters
- No notices
Student Project/ Research
- Research Ethics Guidelines
- Claim for Student Research Projects
- 1. Guidelines on Student Project Fund
- 2. For reimbursement of claims, students are to complete and submit the following forms (hard and soft copies) to the respective administrator at the Department General Office at AS3 Level 4 for payment processing.
- i) Request for Payment Form (the fields that need to be filled up are highlighted in YELLOW)
- ii) Student Project Expense Claim Form
Other Matters
PhD Students
Testimonials
Why did you choose to study a PhD at NUS?
The Department of Social Work has a great reputation and experienced faculty staff that would help guide me in my pursuit of a PhD. From my time in Washington University doing my master's in social work, I really enjoyed the rigour of research. It is important in providing evidence-based credibility in my work with clients and programmes that we develop at MSF and also when I was working in a FSC. I have always wanted to do a PhD for a long time and with the right timing, research interest areas (supervision and trauma), family support and life stage, coupled with the research scholarship provided by NUS, it felt like the right decision.
How has the PhD in Social Work benefited you personally and professionally?
Personally, I have grown in greater confidence as a social worker – in practice and teaching and now research. Doing research is like flexing another part of my brain and I like the sense of movement and development when I meet the milestones in the research process. When I read the readings and through the research process, it gives me time to integrate learning and to document what I have learnt. I also learnt about systematic review through my independent module.
Professionally, I see how research has a direct impact on practice with clients, training of younger workers and group supervision for social work supervisors. Through the PhD journey, I also had opportunities to participate in another faculty’s research. I enjoy the rigour in finding evidence and to scan the relevant literature. In addition, I got opportunities to share parts of my research at the Australian Childhood Foundation Conference 2022 and will be sharing at the Complex Trauma Institute Conference on post-traumatic growth later this year. It also helped me connect with others who are also doing research in this area.
How has NUS Department of Social Work supported you in your PhD journey?
I have a good supervisor who is very thorough and experienced in research methodology. My supervisor also coached me along the way – giving timely advice, being always available and providing honest feedback. My thesis committee is also very supportive and supported my PHD process. This became a resource for me as I got to consult the experts in their fields. The research seminar was very helpful in formulating my thesis as I got to hear how other postgraduate students were considering in their research journey. Whenever I need to consult a faculty member in my research, they have been very helpful.