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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 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 | Assistant Prof Zhan Fangqiong |
| Malay Language | Dr. Mohd Aidil Subhan Bin MOHAMED SULOR |
| Tamil Language | Assoc Prof Seetha LAKSHMI |
| English Language and Literature | Assoc Prof Vahid Aryadoust |
| Humanities and Social Studies Education | Assistant Prof Edwark Park |
| Learning Sciences and Assessment | Assoc Prof Tan Heng Kiat, Kelvin |
| Mathematics | Assoc 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 | Assistant Prof Luis Calmeiro |
| Policy, Curriculum and Leadership | |
| Psychology and Child & Human Development | Assoc Prof Gregory Arief D LIEM |
| Music | |
| Drama | Assoc Prof Charlene Delia Jeyamani RAJENDRAN |
| Art | Assistant Prof HEATON Rebecca |
| Special Education | Assoc Prof TAN Ai Girl |
| High Ability Studies | Dr. Letchmi Devi d/o PONNUSAMY |
| Early Childhood | Assoc Prof TAN Ai Girl |
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.
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 |
Qualifying Examination
A rigorous system is used to prepare you into the research phase. In the first 12 months of study, you will be required to complete the Qualifying Examination requirements as indicated in (i) and (ii) below:
(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) Submit an in-depth literature review of an approved research topic
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.
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).
From the AY2020/2021 intakes onward, VPA Masters students on the research/practice route should have a thesis not exceeding 35,000 words (The practical component has to be documented in an archivable format). For VPA students who choose to do the full written thesis, the prevailing word limit still applies.
Masters thesis written in the Chinese language should not exceed 100,000 Chinese characters.