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.
- 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.
PhD students must complete and pass the following:
- Prescribed Electives comprising core courses (12 Academic Units)
- Critical Literacy Modules comprising Epigeum Research Integrity course, Fostering Community of Respect and Support course, AI Literacy course and Communication Courses (5 Academic Units)
- Seminar Attendance throughout candidature (3 Academic Units)
- PhD Qualifying Examination
- Seminar Presentation and Research Publications
- Thesis
- Oral Examination