NIE offers graduate studies by research leading to the degree of Master of Arts (MA) in line with the increasing emphasis on research in the areas of Arts and Education.
NIE is ranked #3 in Asia and #8 globally for Education in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
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NIE offers MA (By Research) candidates research in the following areas:
- Asian Languages and Cultures
- English Language and Literature
- Humanities and Social Studies Education
- Learning Sciences and Assessment
- Mathematics and Mathematics Education
- Natural Sciences and Science Education
- Physical Education and Sports Science
- Policy, Curriculum and Leadership
- Psychology and Child & Human Development
- Visual and Performing Arts
The list of Programme Leaders can be found under "Research Area".
| Area of Research | Programme Leaders |
| Chinese Language | Asst Prof Zhan Fangqiong |
| Malay Language | Assoc Prof Roksana Bibi Bte Abdullah |
| Tamil Language | Asst Prof Kingston Pal Thamburaj |
| English Language and Literature | Assoc Prof Vahid Aryadoust |
| Humanities and Social Studies Education | Asst Prof Wang Jingyu Prof Kevin Blackburn |
| Learning Sciences and Assessment | Assoc Prof Tan Heng Kiat, Kelvin |
| Mathematics | Prof Dong Fengming |
| Mathematics Education | Assoc Prof Leong Yew Hoong |
| Natural Sciences and Science Education | Assoc Prof Chew Shit Fun |
| Physical Education and Sports Science | Asst Prof Luis Calmeiro |
| Policy, Curriculum and Leadership | Asst Prof Chang Wen-Chia |
| Psychology and Child & Human Development | Assoc Prof Gregory Arief D Liem |
| Music | Assoc Prof Tan Yuh Chaur Leonard Assoc Prof Lum Chee Hoo |
| Drama | Assoc Prof Charlene Rajendran |
| Art | Asst Prof Agnieszka Chalas |
| Special Education | Assoc Prof Tan Ai Girl |
| High Ability Studies | Dr. Letchmi Devi d/o Ponnusamy |
| Early Childhood | Assoc Prof Tan Ai Girl |
The following are minimum admission requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
A Bachelor's degree with honours at least at Second Class Upper level in the relevant areas and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview session as part of the selection process.
A valid GRE score is required for applicants who are not graduates of the Autonomous Universities in Singapore. See detailed requirements for English language on competency and GRE requirements here.
There are generally two intakes for this programme in a year (January and August). You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May / June and November / December to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.
Click here for more information on application periods.
Important
We strongly suggest you reach out to potential supervisors at least 3 months in advance of application deadline as the process of finding a potential supervisor and preparing your proposal may take longer than you anticipate.
The degree of Master of Arts by research is offered on both full-time and part-time basis. The candidature periods are as follows:
| Full-time | Up to a maximum of 3 years |
| Part-time | Up to a maximum of 3 years |
Coursework Requirements
A rigorous system is used to prepare you into the research phase. In the first 12 months of study, you will be required to:
(i) Attend classes and pass the examinations of
- 3 graduate level courses chosen from the University's Master-degree coursework programmes or from approved special topic courses and
- obtain an overall average Grade B-, and no course should have a Grade below C+
(ii) Attend the following compulsory non-credit bearing courses:
- ERWA01: Epigeum Research Integrity Course (in the first semester)
- Compulsory Anti-Harassment course (within 1st year)
- Scholarly Communication & Impact course by NTU LIBRIS (within 1st year)
Exemption of courses may be granted by the Dean if you are deemed to have already done sufficient coursework in the relevant area in a graduate level programme at a recognised university. You would have to complete a minimum of two courses after allowing for exemptions.
Yearly Progress Report
Students are required to submit a compulsory annual progress report (of not less than 2,000 words) based on work done/progress made for the year and the work planned for the coming year.
Thesis Requirement
The nature of the Masters thesis requires that the student demonstrates the acquisition of research skills and their effective application in an investigation of genuine substance and significance. The thesis should comprise a comprehensive, lucid and concise exposition on the context, objectives and conduct of the investigation and on its outcomes and interpretations.
A Masters thesis should not exceed 50,000 words (including footnotes, but excluding appendices, references, maps, charts, statistical tables, graphs, illustrations, etc). An exception is made for a Masters thesis written in the Chinese language, which should not exceed 100,000 Chinese characters.
For tuition fees, please click here.
International students who choose to pay a lower tuition fee (and thus receive higher subsidy) will have to take up a 3-year service obligation. Click here for more information on the Service Obligation scheme.
Have more questions? Browse our Frequently Asked Questions.