Research Experience for PhD Admission at NUS: What You Need to Know

The Importance of Research Experience

To be accepted as a PhD student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the extent of research experience required can vary by department and program. Generally, a recent masters thesis is considered a strong asset, especially if it demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research, formulate research questions, and apply relevant methodologies.

Key Points to Consider

Research Experience: Having a master’s degree with a thesis is often sufficient, especially if you have engaged in research projects during your studies. Relevant research experience such as internships, assistantships, or publications can strengthen your application. Quality of Research: The quality of your research work, including the originality of your thesis and any contributions to your field, can be more important than the quantity of experience. Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation from faculty members who can speak to your research abilities and potential for doctoral study are crucial. Fit with the Program: Demonstrating a good fit with the research interests of potential supervisors at NUS can enhance your chances of acceptance. Interviews and Proposals: Some programs may require you to submit a research proposal or participate in interviews where you can showcase your research experience and ideas.

In summary, a recent master’s thesis is generally good enough but supplementing it with additional research experience and strong recommendations will significantly improve your application.

Admission Requirements and Expectations

To be a PhD student in NUS Singapore, you need to be academically gifted, typically graduating near the top of your cohort in a top university locally or a top-ranked university overseas. Your master's thesis will be vetted as part of the requisite requirements for acceptance.

Research Experience is Not Mandated

Judging from the profile of those who are admitted to NUS PhD programs, the answer is 'not much.' It's quite rare for admitted PhD students to have extensive research experience. Most of them have only an undergraduate thesis and maybe one or two stints as short-term undergraduate research assistants.

However, NUS places a significant emphasis on your undergraduate GPA and where you did your undergraduate studies.

Comparison with European Departments

If you have completed a master's degree or are about to complete one, it might be better to go to a European department. NUS requires PhD students to take 24 credits of coursework, usually six modules, and there is also a qualifying examination. While the coursework is rarely a problem, it can distract from research. The qualifying examination, depending on the department, might be a problem or a distraction from research, or both.

By contrast, going to Europe allows you to skip all these requirements and delve straight into research.

Conclusion

While a recent master's thesis is generally sufficient for PhD admission at NUS, enhancing your application with additional research experience and strong recommendations from faculty members can give you a significant advantage. If your primary goal is to focus on research, considering European departments might be a wise choice, as they often have a more research-oriented approach and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.