Gain Personal and Professional Growth through Inspiring Conversations and Research
Public Policy and Global Affairs (PPGA) offers full-time and part-time Ph.D. by research. It is a fast-growing research programme in Asia with a vibrant research community. Current faculty research interests include but are not limited to: Foreign Policy Analysis, Regionalism and Regional Integration (European Union, ASEAN), Chinese Foreign Policy, China-Africa Relations, Religion and Politics, International Security, Interstate Conflict, Contemporary Political Theory, Public Servant Motivation, Public Budgeting and Finance, Talent Strategies and Management, City Planning and Design, Smart Nations, Healthy Ageing, and Health Financing Reforms.
Our programme rigorously trains students to acquire a solid mastery of the theoretical, methodological and analytical tools to conduct independent research. Students develop their research skills by attending local and overseas conferences, giving research assistance, and preparing papers for presentation and publications. Many of our graduates pursue successful academic careers in renowned universities in Asia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Besides, some graduates have been employed in local and international think tanks. Some work in other employment sectors such as national and international governmental bodies, non-profit sectors, and private sectors in different regions.
The Ph.D. programme in PPGA is MOE-subsidised. Please visit our website for more details.
Admission Requirements
- A good Master’s degree and Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Political Science, International Relations or related field from a highly ranked university, with Honours (Distinction) or Second upper Honours and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
- A good language proficiency score: IELTS score at least 7.0 (overall); TOEFL score at least 105 – Internet Based Test Score (IBT). IELTS is preferred. The IELTS/TOEFL score must have been attained within 2 years prior to application.
- GRE is not required.
- Applicants who fulfilled either of the following criteria are exempted from the IELTS or TOEFL submission:
- Native language is English.
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree (must be at least 3 years of study) where English is the medium of instruction. A letter from the respective universities is required indicating the duration of studies, name of programme and medium of instruction.
- Applicants whose Bachelor's degree is from NTU, NUS, SMU or SUSS need not submit the letter.
- It is strongly recommended for applicants to contact one of the faculty members whom they wish to work with. Applicants can discuss their proposal with the faculty member and ask for suggestions and feedback prior to submitting the application.
Application Period & Other Information
Please click here for the Admission Quick Guide.
Enquiries can be sent to ac-sss-ge@ntu.edu.sg.
Programme Structure & Duration
Typically, Ph.D. students must complete the coursework requirement within the first three semesters. They should maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50. Students on scholarship might have additional requirements to fulfil such as teaching and service requirements. Students are encouraged to work closely with their supervisor and the graduate co-ordinator to ensure timely completion of all the requirements.
Ph.D. students will have to submit and defend their thesis proposal as part of the Qualifying Examination (also known as the Confirmation Exercise). The Qualifying Examination should be completed within 18 months from start of candidature. The final completed thesis will be examined by a panel of internal and external examiners, after which, an oral examination (viva) will be held.
Thesis submission is made at the end of four years which dovetails with the expiry of the scholarship. Candidature expires at the end of five years.
Curriculum
Ph.D. students enrolled in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme must complete and pass the following:
- Six Courses: One of the following: HA7009 Selected Topics of Research Methods In Public Affairs or HA7010 Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs or HA7011 Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs I or HA7012 Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs II; HA7888 Independent Study; HA7889 Directed Readings in Political Science and Public Policy and Three Electives.
- RI-ERIC Epigeum Research Integrity Course
- HWG702 Teaching Assistants Programme (only for full-time PhD students)
- HWG703 Graduate English (unless exempted)
- GP8000 - Artificial Intelligence Literacy Course
- Seminar Attendance
- 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation symposium organized by Graduate College
- Two Communication Courses
- Qualifying Examination
- Thesis
- Oral Examination