General Information
Can you explain the structure of the academic calendar?There are three trimesters in one academic year. Please click here for detailed schedule.
What is the candidature period of the RSIS MSc programme?
Full-time: min. 1 year (3 trimesters) and max. 3 years (9 trimesters)
Part-time: min. 2 years (6 trimesters) and max. 4 years (12 trimesters)
Are there full-time and part-time programmes?
The RSIS MSc programmes are available both on a full-time and part-time basis. Applicants intending to pursue their studies at RSIS on a part-time basis should note that most MSc classes are conducted between 9:30am and 5pm on weekdays.
What is the nature of the p/t study programme, particularly the frequency of lectures per week?
Part-time students are allowed to take a minimum one subject and a maximum two subjects in each trimester. The course students will meet once a week for a 3-hour class.
Note: All students (part-time and full-time) are required to register for the two core courses in the first trimester, 1st year of study.
Part-time students may wish to make special arrangements with their offices to allow them to attend classes during the day. This is something that most of our part-time students have been able to discuss and arrange with their employers.
How much is the programme fee?
For Academic Year (AY) 2012/2013, the programme fee is S$22,440 (subject to change) for full-time and part-time, payable over 3 trimesters and 6 trimesters, respectively. There is a S$500 enrolment fee, payable upon acceptance of the offer of admission. The S$500 is deducted from your total fees.
Assessment for the programme: Coursework or Research?
RSIS is a coursework-based programme, with an examination to be held at the end of every trimester.
What are the programme requirements and subjects available?
Please refer here for details. Due to the wide range of RSIS faculty commitments, the final line-up of courses offered across AYs may differ. The precise mix of Primary and Elective courses may vary depending on faculty availability.
How big is the class size?
We usually have about 30 students in each class, exceptionally for core classes, we have about 40-50 students.
Will my degree be conferred by RSIS only, or is it recognized by the University?
The degree scroll will be endorsed and conferred by Nanyang Technological University.
Minimum Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements for the RSIS MSc programme?- A good Bachelors degree from a university approved by the Academic Board. The admissions decision will rest primarily on the qualifications, needs and aspirations of the applicant.
- A good TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS score if English was not the medium of instruction at tertiary level.
Does the school have any requirement re the academic background of a candidate?
Our candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. It is not critical for an applicant to be a graduate in, for instance, politics or sociology. Candidates should preferably have some background in social sciences, though this is not compulsory.
As a fresh graduate, am I eligible to apply for the MSc programme?
Yes, you are eligible to apply so long you have a good 1st degree. Final year undergraduates may submit a photocopy of the provisional degree certificate and/or yearly examination results to-date.
Is work experience required?
Prior working experience is not required. The Selection Committee evaluates all information and supporting material in your application submission.
Application
How many intakes do you have per year?One. The intake commences in late July.
How do I apply?
Applications are online. Only online applications are accepted.
When should I submit the application form?
The online application opens on 1 November 2011 and closes on 28 February 2012. To receive consideration, completed applications with supporting materials must reach the below address by 29 February 2012.
Graduate Studies Office
Student Services Centre, Level 3
Nanyang Technological University
42 Nanyang Avenue
Singapore 639815
Can I apply to more than one programme?
Yes. Applicants have to submit an individual set of application forms and supporting documents as they will be reviewed by the respective selection committee. There will be a non-refundable application fee S$21.40 per programme applied (inclusive of prevailing taxes). Please note that applications without payment of the application fee will not be processed.
What materials must I submit in support my application?
Please refer to the checklist here. Do note that materials submitted to support your application are non-returnable. Send only legible photocopies of documents. Do not submit original documents.
Should I send all of my materials together?
Sending all of your materials together will aid the office in creating a file for you, allowing the Selection Committee to review your application in an orderly fashion.
What can I do after submitting my materials?
You will receive a notification email to acknowledge your application has been received and is complete. You may check your application status using the online system.
How do I find out my application status?
Owing to the large number of applicants, we are unable to take phone or email enquiries on your application status. You may check your application status here but only after you have received our acknowledgement of your application.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the application process by end May 2012. Thereafter, as and when vacancies arise, offers may still be made up to June 2012.
Standardised Test Scores
What are the minimum scores required for TOEFL?For TOEFL, the minimum score required is 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) and 100 (Internet-based).
We accept IELTS as a substitute for TOEFL. The minimum band score is 7.0.
How long is my TOEFL/IELTS score valid?
It will be valid up to 2 years from the test date.
Can I apply for the programme if my TOEFL or IELTS falls below the requirement?
A score below the minimum required standard does not rule you out from applying. The Selection Committee will review all aspects of your application.
Can I submit my TOEFL/IELTS score report at a later date?
Yes. Please submit your online application and the rest of the hardcopy supporting documents (you may indicate the date of your TOEFL/IELTS test, if any) first, and send your unofficial score report once you have taken the test.
The official score report is to be submitted via email to rsisprogrammes@ntu.edu.sg with the subject line "Application Number CXXXXXX - TOEFL/IELTS score report".
Is GRE/GMAT required for the MSc programme?
No, though you may submit, if you feel that your score is worthy of the Admission Board's consideration. A good GMAT score is required for applicants applying for the Nanyang MBA (International Studies).
Referees Reports
How many referees' reports are required?At least two (2).
Who can be my referee(s)?
- Your immediate supervisors or personnel of higher position in your present or past employments.
- University lecturers
- Business Associates (For the self-employed only)
Must my referees use the online form?
We prefer that referees accompany their letters with our form.
Selection Process
What factors are considered in the selection process?Factors considered include: academic results, TOEFL/IELTS (if needed), recommendations, work experience (if any), and the statement of purpose.
Are interviews a part of the selection process?
This will be on a case-to-case basis, depending on the Selection Committee.
Scholarship/Study Award
What scholarships are available for the MSc programme?Please click here for the list of scholarships.
How do I submit the application form?
You may submit the scholarship form together with the MSc application form and the rest of the supporting materials by the stipulated deadline, i.e. 29 February 2012. Please click here for the application form.
May I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. You may apply for more than one scholarship if you meet the eligible criteria for the respective scholarships.
How do I find out about the status of my scholarship/study award application?
Only successful candidates will be notified via email by June 2012.
Other than scholarships, is there a possibility of a financial loan?
Candidates enrolled in the coursework programmes are eligible to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan of up to 90% of the tuition fee payable by Singapore citizens. However, students holding scholarships are not eligible to apply for the loan. Please visit here for information.
MBA in International Studies programme
When is the application period?The application for AY 2012/2013 (August Admission) will open in October 2011. Deadline for Submission: Round 1 - 01 October 2011 - 31 December 2011 & Round 2 - 01 Janruary 2012 - 30 March 2012. Please refer to the MBA Website for the admission and application procedures.
What are the admission requirements?
- A good Bachelors degree from a university approved by the Academic Board. The admissions decision will rest primarily on the qualifications, needs and aspirations of the applicant.
- A good TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS score if English was not the medium of instruction at tertiary level.
- A good GMAT score is also required. For information on GMAT, please click here.
- At least two years work experience.
What are the supporting materials required?
Please refer to the checklist here.
NTU-Warwick Double Masters Programme
When is the application period?The application for NTU-Warwick Double Masters Programme is open all year round. Information about the application process and admissions policy is available here.
What are the admission requirements?
- A good Bachelors degree from a university approved by the Academic Board. The admissions decision will rest primarily on the qualifications, needs and aspirations of the applicant.
- A good TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS score if English was not the medium of instruction at tertiary level.
- MA requirement: a 2:1 UK degree, CGPA of 3.3 (or overseas equivalent) in political science or related subject.
- Diploma requirement: Students with a 2:2 or lower GPA of 3.0 to 3.3 or a non-related subject may be offered to be considered for initial registration on the Diploma with a view to upgrading to the MA subject to satisfactory academic performance.
International Students
Where can I make enquiries on the Student Pass application?Please send your enquiries to the NTU International Student Centre: ISC@ntu.edu.sg.
Am I allowed to work part-time under the Student Pass?
Full-time matriculated International graduate students may apply for approval to work part-time through the International Student Centre (ISC).
How to apply for on-campus accommodation?
You may apply for on-campus accommodation upon receipt of the admission letter. The on-campus housing is limited and demand often exceeds availability. Please click here for off-campus housing.
What is the cost of living in Singapore?
Please click here to find out about the cost of living and to learn more about Singapore.
Potential Prospects
What are my career prospects on completion of the MSc programme?Most of our graduates/alumni have been successful in finding employment in both the public sector (Ministry of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, Home Affairs) and the private sector (Journalism, Education, Banking, Academia and Research). A select few have enrolled in our PhD programme.
Is a placement service available in RSIS?
No. RSIS does not provide a placement cell for graduates. The University has its own Career and Attachment Office which has broad-based resources that may wish to consider - it provides and organizes many useful employment-related services and events, including the annual campus-wide NTU Career Fair, and on-campus interviews with prospective employers.