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Degree Programmes and Requirements
Degrees by Research
The research programmes lead to the award of the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy.
Candidates pursue an independent but supervised research in 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. There may also be other additional requirements depending on the individual schools.
All successful applicants are admitted as Research Students in the first instance with the students expected to be confirmed as PhD candidates after a confirmation exercise.
Candidates who are admitted will have to undergo a Qualifying Examination as well as a Confirmation Exercise. The courses, Qualifying Examination and Confirmation exercise must be completed within a specific period of time. The timeline for the confirmation of your candidature is 2 years for PhD after commencement of your candidature.
Candidates will each be assigned one or more supervisors to guide them in their research. Candidates are required to keep in regular contact with their supervisors whom they may consult on any matter relating to their research. Once a year, the supervisors will submit a report on the progress of each candidate under their supervision.
On the completion of the research, the candidate is required to submit a thesis on his/her research for examination. For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, there is also an oral examination on the subject matter on his/her thesis and other related subjects.
Candidates whose progresses, in the opinion of the University, have not been satisfactory may be required by the University at any time to terminate their candidature.
Degrees by Coursework and Dissertation
Master of Science (Strategic Studies)
Synopsis
With a paradigm shift in the business of war and political violence today, the M.Sc. (Strategic Studies) programme is an imperative discipline that aims to equip students with the ability to decipher strategic theories and emerging security issues, and develop their own concepts to deal with real-world situations.
Programme Objectives
The M.Sc. (Strategic Studies) programme is designed to help students better comprehend the changes in the world of strategy, security and war. This programme aims to:
- Develop security analysts who will be familiar with pressing strategic issues in the Asia-Pacific and beyond;
- Introduce contemporary thinking across a whole spectrum of strategic and security-related issues;
- Convey a systematic understanding of the theories that explain the nature of interactions between states as well as non-state actors in an increasingly globalised international system.
Programme Relevance
Today, security is becoming increasingly complicated. While traditional security issues – revolving around the security of the state and territorial integrity, and the use of military force – remain an important element in the security calculus of states, this military focus to security is no longer exclusive. Economic and ecological concerns, migration and other non-military issues have begun to feature prominently in the security agenda. Against the backdrop of this transitional environment, conflict management has become more challenging. The relevance and dominance of traditional approaches to security and order are being challenged by concepts of common, comprehensive and cooperative security. At the same time, global and regional multilateral institutions are experimenting with new techniques of dealing with conflict, such as preventive diplomacy, and humanitarian intervention, often with mixed results.
Programme Benefits
It is vital for professionals in the fields of defence and security management to not only be conversant with the new security concepts and strategic theories, but also well-acquainted with the intricacies of strategic planning, design and policy analysis. Such knowledge is also useful for corporate planners grappling with the complexities of the current security paradigms.
Programme Content
The M.Sc. (Strategic Studies) programme has been specially designed to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including
- The study of the use of force in international politics;
- Traditional security issues in the Asia-Pacific region;
- The nexus between non-traditional security issues and the use of force;
- Regional geopolitical issues and its impact on regional security.
Students are required to take two core courses. In addition, Masters students completing a dissertation must take five extra elective courses, while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven electives.
Certificate in Terrorism Studies (CTS)
MSc (Strategic Studies) students may also opt for a specialized coursework track that would lead to the conferring of both a MSc (Strategic Studies) degree from Nanyang Technological University as well as a special Certificate in Terrorism Studies from the School's International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR).
MSc (Strategic Studies) students opting for the CTS track must take 2 MSc (Strategic Studies) core courses. In addition, students completing a dissertation on a terrorism-related topic will take 3 CTS and 2 non- CTS courses or 4 CTS and 3 non- CTS courses for students in the non-dissertation stream.
The courses for MSc (Strategic Studies) students on the CTS track are:
Core Courses (CTS)
S6014 The Evolution of Strategic Thought (T1)
S6007 Professional Skills Enrichment (T1)
Primary/ Electives (CTS)
AS6005 Religion and Identity in Asia (T2)
AS6008 Contemporary Maritime Security in Asia (T3)
AS6010 State and Politics in Modern Indonesia (T3)
IR6021 Islam and the West (T2)
S6016 The Study of War (T3)
S6019 Terrorism, Intelligence and Homeland Security (T3)
S6024 Problems in Combating Insurgency and Terrorism (T1)
S6026 Intelligence and National Security (T3)
S6028 Countering Religiously-Motivated Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Issues & Challenges (T2)
S6030 Special Forces (T2)
Master of Science (International Relations)
Synopsis
With a paradigm shift in the political powers of today, the M.Sc. (International Relations) programme is an integrative discipline that aims to equip students with the ability to decipher international relations theories and develop their own concepts to deal with real world situations.
Programme Objectives
The M.Sc. (International Relations) programme is designed to help students better comprehend the ever-changing international scene. This programme aims to:
- Develop international relations analysts who will be familiar with pressing strategic issues in the Asia-Pacific and beyond;
- Introduce contemporary thinking across a whole spectrum of strategic and security-related issues;
- Convey a systematic understanding of the theories that explain the nature of interactions between states as well as non-state actors in an increasingly globalised international system;
- Provide a sound basis for policy analysis in an increasingly complex world.
Programme Relevance
Today, security no longer revolves solely around the military. Economic and ecological concerns, migration and other nonmilitary issues have begun to feature prominently in the security agenda. Against the backdrop of this transitional environment, conflict management has become more challenging. The relevance and dominance of traditional approaches to security and order are being challenged by concepts of common, comprehensive and cooperative security. At the same time, global and regional multilateral institutions are experimenting with new techniques of dealing with conflict, such as preventive diplomacy and humanitarian intervention, often with mixed results.
Programme Benefits
It is vital for professionals in the fields of defence and foreign relations to not only be conversant with the new security concepts and strategic theories, but also well-acquainted with the intricacies of strategic planning, design and policy analysis. Such knowledge is also useful for corporate planners grappling with the complexities of globalisation.
Programme Content
The M.Sc. (International Relations) programme has been specially designed to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including
- Theories of International Relations;
- The making of foreign policy;
- Business planning and technology management
- Area studies, specifically on the Asia-Pacific region.
Students are required to take two core courses. In addition, Masters students completing a dissertation must take five extra elective courses, while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven electives.
Synopsis
Politics and economics are intertwined. In today’s globalised world, understanding one area and not the other makes the comprehension incomplete. Analysing and drafting effective policy requires knowledge about the interaction between economic and political goals and objectives.
Programme Objectives
The M.Sc. (International Political Economy) programme provides the link between politics and economics by examining relevant theoretical and practical concepts from both disciplines.
Programme Relevance
This programme sits at the intersection of politics and economic markets. Many political scientists have studied political decisions divorced from the economic context. Similarly, economists have often studied the mechanisms of the market as though the economy works without manipulation from political actors. However, these two areas cannot be regarded separately. Governments frequently intervene in markets by setting wages, prices, tax levels and so forth. On the other hand, investors sometimes flee states, markets or currencies that are following objectively sound macroeconomic policies to invest in inefficient projects elsewhere in the world.
Programme Benefits
Under this programme, students are taught to analyse the interaction between the production, distribution and use of wealth with politically-driven rules and institutions in the global environment. Using real-world examples coupled with a host of other international seminars and conferences, the IPE programme offers comprehensive insights into contemporary developments in world economics and politics such as the uneven impact of globalisation on states and societies, and the ongoing arguments over the formal and informal rules underpinning global governance.
Programme Content
The M.Sc. (International Political Economy) programme has been designed to ensure that students gain a sound understanding in:
- Theoretical and methodological issues in International Political Economy (IPE);
- The basics of economic analysis, with an emphasis on macroeconomics;
- Trade, finance and production networks;
- Key political trends and developments that may affect the world economy and vice versa.
Students are required to take two core courses. Those completing a dissertation must take five extra elective courses, while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven electives. Students with no economics background are strongly encouraged to take IP6001, Economics for IPE.
Please note that IPE at RSIS is not a course in international economics. Although economic concepts are given serious consideration, the focus is mainly on political determinants and their impact on economic outcomes.
Master of Science (Asian Studies)
Synopsis
Interest in Asian Studies amongst scholars is a growing phenomenon as political developments in the region take a new turn and the economic strength of Asia gains influence.
Programme Objectives
With a focus on history, comparative politics, international relations and economics, the M.Sc. (Asian Studies) programme is designed to:
- Help candidates interested in Asian political economy and security issues obtain the necessary analytical tools and historical perspectives to appreciate the dynamics and implications of exciting new trends;
- Help candidates develop an in-depth understanding of these dynamic changes, using approaches rooted in the disciplines of history, comparative politics, international relations, and economics;
- Acquire relevant analytical tools and historical perspectives to keep them attuned to new trends emerging on the Asian horizon. This will enable them to better appreciate and understand the dynamics and course of contemporary developments in Asia.
Programme Relevance
On the political front, many Asian states are experiencing profound historical transitions with many potential flashpoints in this region, including the Korean Peninsula issue, the Taiwan issue, the South China Sea issue, regional arms races, resource scarcity and environmental degradation, and the rising influence of Islamic fundamentalism. At the heart of the region lies the concern associated with the rise of China as an economic and military powerhouse, the emergence of India and a more assertive Japan. These phenomenon have been arousing keen interests among key observers and policymakers globally. In view of this development, many Southeast Asian countries are now moving in new directions politically and economically. The rise of ASEAN as an international organisation plays a crucial role in shaping the relationships among major powers and in cultivating East Asian regionalism.
Programme Benefits
Under this programme, students are instantly connected and attuned to the latest developments in the region with ample opportunities to meet foreign policy makers and prominent Asian specialists from think-tanks, non-profit organisations and universities throughout the world. Students will also have the opportunity to further hone their linguistic skills in Singapore, which is home to various communities that converse in many Asian languages. The cutting-edge knowledge and skills offered in this programme will benefit students in their professional careers in the private or public sector.
Programme Content
The M.Sc. (Asian Studies) programme is empirically driven and area-centric. The programme places strong emphasis on a range of issues, including:
- Political economy and security;
- Key diplomatic, economic, governmental and security issues with contemporary policy implications.
The programme is tailored to the interests of individual students who may choose to focus on a specific country or develop extensive expertise in a certain area of interest.
Students are required to take two core courses. In addition, Masters students completing a dissertation must take five extra elective courses, while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven electives.
The Nanyang MBA (International Studies) – jointly offered with Nanyang Business School, NTU
Synopsis
This interdisciplinary degree combines the best of both worlds. It allows students to obtain an excellent international studies education at RSIS and a well-recognised MBA from the Nanyang Business School (NBS), one of Asia’s foremost business schools.
Programme Objectives
This exciting new programme aims to give students a firm foundation in international affairs, while equipping them with a rigorous education in business studies at the top-ranking NBS.
Programme Relevance
Today, businesses are no longer conducted in silo. There are political influences that can affect the economy, which will in turn have significant impact on businesses. The marriage between politics and business implies that it is imperative to have a strong grasp of both disciplines in order to have an edge in the corporate world.
Programme Benefits
Besides acquiring key professional business skills, students will obtain specialised knowledge in the field of international relations and international political economy. Students will be better equipped to manage the challenges of operating businesses or other international pursuits in an increasingly globalised economy through networking sessions and working with leading industrial corporations.
Set against Singapore’s cosmopolitan environment, this MBA gives students the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and insights in an integrated and efficient manner, enhancing their ability to handle issues in an international setting.
Programme Content
Students will take three core courses from RSIS:
- International Relations
- International Political Economy
- S6007 Professional Skills Enrichment
Students are then allowed to select any one of the four electives from the broad range of courses offered by RSIS in International Relations, International Political Economy, Strategic Studies, or Asian Studies.
Students need to take nine courses from the Nanyang Business School. In addition, students are required to either:
- Complete an individual 10,000-word research dissertation, supervised by a faculty at RSIS; or
- Participate in an overseas Business Study Mission supervised by NBS; or
- Complete two additional courses at either RSIS or NBS. We anticipate that the minimum period of study for full-time students is four trimesters, and six to eight trimesters for part-time students. In addition to the requirements imposed on all RSIS applicants, Nanyang MBA (International Studies) applicants should note that they are required to submit a good GMAT score, demonstrate at least two years of work experience, and be prepared for a personal interview before gaining acceptance into the programme.
Applicants intending to pursue their studies at RSIS on a part-time basis should note that most M.Sc. classes are conducted between 9:30am and 5pm on weekdays.
Candidature Periods
| M.Sc. Programmes |
|
Maximum Candidature |
| M.Sc. full-time |
3 trimesters |
9 trimesters |
| M.Sc. part-time |
6 trimesters |
12 trimesters |
| MBA (International Studies) full-time |
3 trimesters |
6 trimesters |
| MBA (International Studies) part-time |
5 trimesters |
15 trimesters |
Candidature Periods
The programmes leading to the degrees of MSc (Strategic Studies), MSc (International Relations), MSc (International Political Economy) and MSc (Asian Studies) comprise:
- two core courses
- three primary and two elective courses
- a dissertation of 10,000 words
OR
- two core courses
- five primary and two elective courses
The programme leading to the degree of The Nanyang MBA (International Studies) comprises:
- 9 core courses offered by NBS
- 7 courses (2 core and 4 electives) and S6007 Professional Skills Enrichment offered by RSIS
- An individual dissertation (RSIS) or an overseas Business Study Mission (BSM – group report) or
complete two additional courses in either RSIS or NBS (one of which must be non-examinable)
Why choose RSIS?
Our programmes benefit:
- Public officials working in the areas of security, defence, foreign policy and economic relations;
- Students of international relations, strategic studies, international political economy and regional studies;
- Corporate planners and business professionals interested in the Asia-Pacific region
(Each programme will also serve as a firm foundation for those who may wish to pursue a PhD thereafter.)
Admission Requirements
- A good Bachelor degree from a university approved by the Academic Board.
- For applicants whose medium of instruction at tertiary level is non-English, a TOEFL score is required. Test dates must be within 2 years or less from the date of your application. IELTS can also be used in place of TOEFL .
- For applicants to The Nanyang MBA (International Studies), a good GMAT score is required and at least two years work experience.
Final Year Undergraduates [For MSc programmes only]
If you are an existing final year undergraduate, you may apply for admission with photocopy of provisional degree certificate and / or yearly examination results to date. The original degree certificate and academic transcripts / complete yearly results must be provided for verification at the point of matriculation. Otherwise you will not be admitted to the Masters programme. If you are unable to produce your original degree certificate in time, you need to give us an original letter issued by the home university certifying that all requirements for the bachelor degree have been completed.
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