MSc in Precision Scientific Instrumentation
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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.
Curriculum
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: Nano-photonics Technology, Chip Technology, Interdisciplinary AI and Quantum Communication 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 30 Academic Units (AU), with 3 AU of compulsory courses, 12 AU from the chosen specialisation (Prescribed Electives), and 15 AU from other Electives courses; including optional 25-week 6AU internship/projects:
| Compulsory Course (3 AU) | |
|---|---|
| Compulsory course | 3 AU |
| Elective Courses (12+15 AU) | |
|---|---|
| Prescribed Electives of the chosen specialisation* | 12 AU |
| Unrestricted Electives | 15 AU |
| Total | 30 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 Course
| PH6701 Precision Instrumentation Laboratory | 3 AU |
Prescribed Electives Courses
Nano-Photonic Technology
Nano-photonics is the study of light interaction with nanometer-scale materials and structures, enabling control beyond conventional optics. It leverages phenomena like plasmonics and quantum confinement for innovations in high-speed communication, sensing, and energy harvesting. This field plays a vital role in miniaturised technologies, though it faces challenges in precise fabrication and efficient integration.
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.
Interdisciplinary AI
Interdisciplinary AI in manufacturing and industry integrates artificial intelligence with advanced instrumentation, integrated circuit (IC) design, manufacturing processes, and physical sciences. This synergy addresses complex challenges such as efficient production, device reliability assessment, fabrication optimisation, and chip design. By harnessing AI, engineers and scientists can uncover hidden patterns, enhance production efficiency, reduce fabrication costs, drive innovation in powerful devices, and accelerate breakthroughs in both fundamental and applied research.
| PH6725 AI for Sciences | 3 AU |
| PH6651 Quantum Information and Quantum Computation | 3 AU |
| PH6723 Computational Methods in Physics | 3 AU |
| PH6733 Silicon Photonic Chip Technology | 3 AU |
Quantum Communication 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 |
| PH6654 Quantum Optics | 3 AU |
Unrestricted Electives Courses
Indicative Academic Timeline
Academic Year 2026/2027
For Trimester Calendar (for Graduate Programmes only), please click here.Admissions
Admission Requirements
- A good Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative programme such as physics, engineering, materials science, etc.
- A TOEFL score of 85 or more, or IELTS score of 6.0 or more, for graduates from universities in which English is not the medium of instruction.
- A Good GRE or GMAT score is preferred but not required.
- All recommendation letters or referee reports are (no longer accepted)
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
1st Intake | Course Commencement: TBA |
2nd Intake | Course Commencement: 10 November 2025 |
| 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.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for Academic Year 2026/27 are as follows:
| Tuition Fees | S$47,611.20 |
| Deposit Fees | S$5,450 – This amount will be deducted from the first billing. |
| Payment Schedule | Full-time students will be billed in three trimesters; |
*All fees shown are inclusive of 9% prevailing GST.
Please note the following:
1. All fees shown are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST).2. The above fees are based on the shortest candidature period. Additional fees will be determined and applied on a case-by-case basis.
3. There is an application fee of S$50.
4. A one-time miscellaneous fee will be billed every academic year. Please click here for details.
5. Tuition fees do not include the cost of recommended textbooks and other course materials. The costs of travel, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses must be borne by the student.
6. All grants will be distributed evenly across the entire billing period, whether it is 3 trimesters for full-time students or 6 trimesters for part-time students. The tuition fee will be paid in three instalments at the beginning of each trimester. Study grants and other incentives will also be applied to these three installments.
7. This programme is not eligible for government subsidies. The university currently has no scholarship, government service agreement, or service obligation scheme available for students.
8. The fees and grants are reviewed annually and subject to revision.
SPMS PGC Studentship:
SPMS awards studentships to outstanding candidates to nurture talents for the competitive quantitative field. Studentship applicants must possess vital/strong academic records and demonstrate leadership qualities and potential.
This studentship is open to candidates of all nationalities except those already receiving a scholarship.
All applicants will be considered for the awards, and the shortlisted candidates will receive interview invitations.
The successful candidates will receive a studentship letter together with the offer letter.
Financial Assistance
- Singapore Citizens (SCs): enjoy a study grant of S$10,000 + prevailing GST (S$10,900).
- Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs): enjoy a study grant of S$5,000 + prevailing GST (S$5,450).
- Needy SCs and SPRs may apply for financial aid (up to S$10,900) in addition to the SC/SPR study grant).
- NTU Alumni: in addition, a 10% grant of the tuition fee (S$4,368 + prevailing GST (S$4,761.12)). Eligible for holders of bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees obtained from NTU Singapore.
- Other grants include Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Schemes (PTAS) and study grants. (Subject to approval)
Contact Us
For general enquiries, email mspsi@ntu.edu.sg.
The programme director is Associate Professor Wang Xiao, Renshaw (renshaw@ntu.edu.sg).