PhD in Public Policy

This programme aims to train the next generation of thought leaders with the analytical skills and substantive knowledge needed to generate, evaluate, and communicate research in public policy. It provides advanced training for candidates to assume positions in academic institutions, international organisations, governments and NGOs with significant research commitments.

The diversity of culture, socio-economic conditions, natural resources, environmental risks and associated policy challenges in Asia makes the region a fertile ground for research study related to climate change. The PhD programme provides a comparative advantage to study this diversity.

Generous scholarships, in addition to access to a range of teaching and research assistantships, are available. Admission to this programme is highly competitive. Only about six-eight candidates are admitted every year.

Class Profile

Below is a snapshot of some our PhD Students and PhD Candidates.

“My PhD dissertation relates to agricultural policies in low income and lower-middle income countries, where I evaluate the impact of governmental spending in agriculture and the factors that shape it. I am also interested in the role behavioural sciences can play in public administration, especially in a non-western context. Through my research I hope to contribute towards evidence-based policy making.”

Stuti Rawat,PhD Candidate

“The LKY School is Asia’s leader in water policy research and the region around it is rife with problems related to drinking water, this makes the school an ideal place for me to do context relevant research in water issues.”

Masood Ahmed,PhD Candidate

“I am working in the field of international economic and financial policy with a focus on Asia. My current research looks at real exchange rates, capital flows and monetary policy effectiveness for Asian emerging economies. I have a strong interest in the macroeconomic policy issues and development. The School’s focus on Asia provides a platform for me to tackle the policy puzzles in the region."

Ruijie Cheng, PhD Student

Click here to view full PhD student profiles.

Curriculum

PhD students are expected to complete the programme in four years, and must complete seven core modules, two electives, and a PhD qualifying examination and dissertation.

Click here for more details.

Tuition Fees & Financial Aids

Subsidy is available for International Students and Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. There are also financial aids in the forms of scholarships. Click here to learn about the cost of fees, and here for the financial aids available.

Admissions Criteria

The PhD in Public Policy programme is a very competitive programme, where only a handful of students, typically six-eight a year, from more than 100 applicants will be selected.

Click here for more details on admissions criteria and required documents.

FAQs

Click here to find out common questions asked on the PhD Programme.

Enquiries

Aside from the comprehensive information on our admissions page, if you have any other queries or would like to receive a copy of our programme brochure, please submit your request via our query form. Alternatively, you may also speak to our admissions officers at +65 6516 8004.