Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offers graduate programmes leading to the award of the degrees of Master and Doctor of Philosophy as well as Graduate Diplomas.
There are two types of graduate degree programmes - (i) by research and (ii) by coursework and dissertation.
Candidates reading for a higher degree by research pursue an independent but supervised research on an approved topic based on which a thesis must be submitted for examination. Candidates are also required to attend classes and pass the examinations in at least 3 to 6 courses. Selection of courses is made after consultation with the research supervisor.
Research candidates work closely and keep in regular contact with their assigned supervisor on their research project. Supervisors will submit regular reports on the progress of each candidate under their supervision.
In addition to being examined on the thesis, a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must pass an oral examination on the subject matter of his thesis and related matters. For non-Ph.D. candidates, the oral examination may be prescribed at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.
Candidates reading for a higher degree by coursework and dissertation follow a prescribed course of study comprising several courses and undertake a project on which a dissertation will be written. For most programmes, the dissertation can be replaced by a few extra courses. The course of study involves formal classes, lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory work and written examinations.
Classes are usually held in the evenings from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Depending on whether it is full time or part time studies, classes would range from once per week to four times per week.
