About RSIS

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) was officially inaugurated on 1 January 2007. Before that, it was known as the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), which was established 10 years earlier on 30 July 1996. Like its predecessor, RSIS was established as an autonomous institute within the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

The School exists to develop a community of scholars and policy analysts at the forefront of security studies and international affairs. Its three core functions are research, graduate teaching and networking. It produces research on Asia Pacific Security, Multilateralism and Regionalism, Conflict Studies, Non-Traditional Security, International Political Economy, and Country and Area Studies.

The School’s activities are aimed at assisting policymakers to develop comprehensive approaches to strategic thinking on issues related to security and stability in the Asia Pacific.

For more information about RSIS, please visit www.rsis.edu.sg.

Mission

• Provide a rigorous professional graduate education with a strong practical emphasis
• Conduct policy-relevant research in defence, national security, international relations, strategic studies and diplomacy
• Foster a global network of like-minded professional schools
• Graduate Programmes

Graduate Education

RSIS offers a challenging graduate education in international affairs, taught by an international faculty of leading thinkers and practitioners. The Master of Science degree programmes in Strategic Studies, International Relations, Asian Studies, and International Political Economy are distinguished by their focus on the Asia Pacific, the professional practice of international affairs, and the cultivation of academic depth. Thus far, students from 66 countries have successfully completed one of these programmes. In 2010, a Double Masters Programme with Warwick University was also launched, with students required to spend the first year at Warwick and the second year at RSIS. A select Doctor of Philosophy programme caters to advanced students who are supervised by senior faculty members with matching interests.

Strategic and Current

RSIS prides itself in being a gateway to more in-depth understanding of the contemporary world. Our unique programme structure is specially tailored to meet the needs of graduate students who are looking to enrich their knowledge in international studies, regional diplomacy, politics, economics, security and defence. Our programmes prepare students to respond to current global challenges by equipping them with comparative and critical perspectives, historical analogies, theoretical frameworks for ordering complex data and the technical skills needed to succeed. RSIS brings together professionals from various fields, including public officers and corporate leaders, who have found the programme a fulfilling experience.

At RSIS, courses are facilitated by highly qualified and experienced faculty. Under their guidance, students will enhance their understanding of current and historical issues. They will be given ample opportunities to interact and engage with eminent scholars. RSIS develops analytical and policy-research skills in its students, which are essential in today’s complex environment. The School offers a wide range of courses adapted to suit on-going international political and economic themes. Students will be offered the opportunity to examine the latest developments in international arenas, while tapping on the expertise of faculty members.

Invaluable Exposure

At RSIS, we expose our students to experiences beyond the lecture theatre. Students have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of networking events, seminars and distinguished lectures, and engage in conversation and debate with renowned academics and professionals. Students will learn new concepts and get acquainted with different perspectives not only inside the classroom, but also outside of it. Watch the RSIS Video to find out more.

Research

Research takes place within RSIS’ five centres:

• Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS)
• International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR)
• Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS)
• Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre)
• Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS)

Research is also conducted in the National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) and the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme. Additionally, within the Office of the Executive Deputy Chairman, the Policy Studies group identifies new emerging trends of concern in the broad national security domain that may then be gradually incubated to form new policy-relevant RSIS research programmes. The focus of research in RSIS is on issues relating to the security and stability of the Asia Pacific region and their implications for Singapore and other countries in the region.

Endowed Chairs

RSIS has four endowed professorships that bring distinguished scholars and practitioners to teach and to conduct research at the School.

International Collaboration

Collaboration with other professional schools of international affairs to form a global network of excellence is a RSIS priority. RSIS maintains links with other like-minded schools so as to enrich its research and teaching activities as well as learn from the best practices of successful schools.

Governance

RSIS is an autonomous school within NTU. It has a Board of Governors comprising distinguished local and foreign representatives from the Government, business and academic communities, and practitioners in diplomacy and national security affairs. The Executive Deputy Chairman of RSIS is presently also the Director of IDSS.