MSc in Precision Scientific Instrumentation
The Master of Science in Precision Scientific Instrumentation programme is a postgraduate coursework-based programme on advanced technical instrumentation. It covers the principles and operation of instruments used in the physical sciences and high-tech manufacturing.

Quantitative measurements are performed in every area of science, engineering and technology. High-tech enterprises rely on a variety of precision scientific instruments for the design, development, and manufacturing of new products. This postgraduate programme incorporates coursework from multiple scientific and engineering disciplines, including solid-state physics, microelectronics, optoelectronics, and materials science. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamental physical principles behind modern scientific instrumentation.
This postgraduate programme is suitable for recent graduates as well as working professionals in the semiconductor industry and other advanced manufacturing industries (non-volatile memory, photonics, etc.). With the ongoing boom in demand for talent
in these industries, both in Singapore and around the world, the skills and knowledge taught in this programme are more valuable than ever.
The MSc in Precision Scientific Instrumentation (MSPSI) Programme is an intensive one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme by coursework taught in 3 trimesters per academic year. The curriculum comprises four specialisations: Nanotechnology, Chip Technology, Optoelectronics and Quantum Technology. The courses are delivered in intensive periods of 12 weeks. All courses are conducted at the NTU main campus evenings (6:30 PM-10 PM) on weekdays or Saturdays (9:30 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-5:30 PM or Full day).
The programme consists of a total of 32 Academic Units (AU), with 8 AU of compulsory courses, 9 AU from the chosen specialisation (Prescribed Electives), and 15 AU from other Electives courses:
Compulsory Courses (8 AU) | |
---|---|
Compulsory courses | 8 AU |
Elective Courses (9+15 AU) | |
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Prescribed Electives of the chosen specialisation* | 9 AU |
Unrestricted Electives | 15 AU |
Total | 32 AU |
*Prescribed Elective courses of one specialisation could be Unrestricted Elective courses of another specialisation.
Note:
Successful completion of all coursework requirements, with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, is required for completion of the programme.
Course List
Compulsory Courses
PH6601 Solid-State Electronic Devices | 4 AU |
PH6701 Precision Instrumentation Laboratory | 4 AU |
Prescribed Electives Courses
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology in the semiconductor industry has opened new possibilities for developing smaller, more powerful, and more efficient electronic devices. As research in this area continues, we expect to see further advancements. Nanotechnology has significant potential in precision engineering and is expected to play an increasingly important role in developing high-precision components and devices.
PH6403 Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces | 3 AU |
PH6404 Physics of Low Dimensional Structures | 3 AU |
PH6711 Applied Solid State Physics | 3 AU |
Chip Technology
Advancements in chip technology have enabled the development of increasingly powerful and efficient electronic devices. As the demand for smaller and more powerful devices continues to grow, the semiconductor industry must innovate and develop new chip technologies to meet these demands.
PH6717 Experimental Methodology in Solid State Physics | 3 AU |
PH6733 Silicon Photonic Chip Technology | 3 AU |
PH6747 Magnetism and Spintronics Devices | 3 AU |
Optoelectronics
The semiconductor industry is continuously innovating and developing new optoelectronic devices and technologies. Nanotechnology has opened up new possibilities for developing optoelectronic devices with greater efficiency and functionality, playing a crucial role in the semiconductor industry. It is expected to continue to grow and evolve in the future.
PH6730 Advanced Techniques for Spectroscopic Research and Engineering | 3 AU |
PH6732 Optoelectronic Technology | 3 AU |
PH6733 Silicon Photonic Chip Technology | 3 AU |
Quantum Technology
Quantum technology is expected to significantly shape future trends in various fields, including computing, communication, sensing, and cryptography. It involves the development and application of quantum systems, devices, and algorithms. As the field of quantum technology continues to mature, It can expect to see new applications and technologies that leverage the power of quantum mechanics to solve some of the semiconductor industry's most pressing problems.
PH6651 Quantum Information and Quantum Computation | 3 AU |
PH6652 Quantum Devices for Quantum Communication and Sensing | 3 AU |
PH6653 Quantum Mysteries and Quantum Mechanics | 3 AU |
Unrestricted Electives Courses
Academic Year 2023/2024
For Trimester Calendar (for Graduate Programmes only), please click here.Admission Requirements
- A good Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative programme such as physics, engineering, materials science, etc.
- A good TOEFL or IELTS score for graduates from universities in which English is not the medium of instruction.
- A Good GRE or GMAT score is preferred but not required.
- A recommendation letter/referee report is preferred but not required.
Refer to the Coursework Programmes Admission Guide for the general requirements for admission.
NOTE: Complete set of supporting documents (must be legible) have to be uploaded via the fully digital application portal. Do not send a hardcopy admission package unless requested.
Application Procedure and Timeline
ApplicationApply online here | November 2022 to February 2023 |
Offer and Acceptance | March to April 2023 |
Matriculation | June/July 2023 |
Course Commencement | August 2023 |
Check Application/Result Status |
Owing to a large number of applicants, we are unable to attend to phone or email enquiries on application status/results. Click here to check your application status after you have made a successful online payment. |
Medical Check-Up
Enrolling students must go to the Medical Centre in NTU to do the medical check-up and obtain a receipt certifying that they are medically fit for studies. This certification must be presented before matriculation.
The programme fees for Academic Year 2023/24 are as follows:
Singapore Citizens | S$ 27,000 |
Singapore Permanent Residents | S$ 32,400 |
International Students | S$ 43,200 |
*This programme fee is calculated based on the current Singapore GST rate of 8% and will be revised from 1 January 2024 due to the adjustment of GST to 9% in 2024.
** Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to revision. There is no service obligation option available for international students.
Instalment Schedule
Singapore Citizens
Deposit* (non-refundable) Due upon acceptance of the offer. | S$ 5,400 |
First Payment Due at the start of Trimester 1. | S$ 8,100 |
Second Payment Due at the start of Year 1 Trimester 2 for full-time students or the start of Year 2 Trimester 1 for part-time students. | S$ 13,500 |
Singapore Permanent Residents
Deposit* (non-refundable) Due upon acceptance of the offer. | S$ 5,400 |
First Payment Due at the start of Year 1 Trimester 1. | S$ 10,800 |
Second Payment Due at the start of Year 1 Trimester 2 for full-time students or the start of Year 2 Trimester 1 for part-time students. | S$ 16,200 |
International Students
Deposit* (non-refundable) Due upon acceptance of the offer. | S$ 5,400 |
First Payment Due at the start of Year 1 Trimester 1. | S$ 16,200 |
Second Payment Due at the start of Year 1 Trimester 2 for full-time students or the start of Year 2 Trimester 1 for part-time students. | S$ 21,600 |
*The deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer and is non-refundable.
**This programme fee is calculated based on the current Singapore GST rate of 8% and will be revised from 1 January 2024 due to the adjustment of GST to 9% in 2024.
Contact Us
For general enquiries, email [email protected].
The programme director is Associate Professor Wang Xiao, Renshaw ([email protected]).