Curriculum

To graduate, a PhD student must complete the following:

  • 8 Core modules
  • 1 Independent Study module
  • 1 Elective module
  • a PhD Qualifying Examination, followed by a thesis

Students are expected to complete the programme in 4 years.

Core Modules

Below is a list of modules for the PhD programme.

  • PP6702 Foundations of Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)

    This module focuses on how the discipline of Public Policy has evolved and the possible future directions it may take. The interdisciplinary integrative nature of the public policy analysis focusing on real world problems will form the basis for selection of analytical frameworks, concepts and case studies used in the module. More specifically, the module will attempt to integrate economics, political science, management and related disciplines in analysing public policy. It prepares students for PhD Qualifying Examinations in the subject.

  • PP6703 Foundations of Public Administration (4 Modular Credits)
    This module examines literature in the field of public administration. It focuses on the various schools of thought in the field and their relations to the field of public policy. The readings are drawn from prominent scholars in various sub-disciplines including but not limited to public management, public sector reform, bureaucracy, human resource management, budget management, network management and governance. It prepares students for PhD Qualifying Examinations in the subject.
  • PP6704 The Economics of Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)
    This module aims to provide economic perspectives on selected features of economic systems, and on design, implementation, and outcomes of various public policy issues. The first part of the module covers broad areas such as the nature of market systems and capitalism, the economic boundaries of the State, and economics of globalization. The second part of the module focuses on selected public policy themes (such as, inequalities) and issues such as social security, health, education, state enterprise reform, taxes and subsidies, and environment. The module emphasizes that while economic principles are universal, their application must be contextual and capability-driven.
  • PP6705 The Politics of Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)
    This module is a Doctoral-level research seminar on institutional theory, emphasizing: (i) frontiers of research on institutionalism (from the fields of public administration, organizational sociology, and political economy) and (ii) new research directions. The aim is to train students in theory-building and the conduct of original research in institutional analysis and design, which requires developing an ability to critique extant literature and identify open questions that are ripe for investigation.
  • PP6706 Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Research (4 Modular Credits)

    The second in a two-module series in research methods, this module provides an overview of the theory and practice of quantitative empirical methods used to study the causal effects of policy on observed outcomes. It will focus on the applications of econometric techniques to policy research with real world data sets.

  • PP6707 Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research (4 Modular Credits)
    The purpose of the course is to enable students to develop advanced skills in designing and implementing qualitative and mixed research methods for public policy research. Upon completion, students should 1) be able to differentiate the various ontological and epistemological approaches to qualitative research; 2) have an in-depth knowledge of qualitative research designs for descriptive, exploratory and explanatory research, along with their potentials and limitations; 3) be able to put together a research proposal on a given research topic in their chosen fields; and 4) gain practical experience in applying techniques of qualitative analysis using computer software.
  • PP6708 Research Design in Public Policy (4 Modular Credits)
    This is the first and introductory of a three-module series on research methods that is required for all first-year PhD students in Public Policy. The purposes of the module are to introduce to students key concepts in research methods, and to help them to develop skills in the design of empirical research used in the analysis of policy problems. The aim is that students are able to apply various research designs in conducting rigorous policy research in their chosen fields, as well as develop the ability to critically evaluate policy research outputs.
  • PP6770 Public Policy Graduate Seminar (4 Modular Credits)
    The purpose of this module is to facilitate the development of students’ conceptualization and execution of dissertation research. Invited speakers such as faculty members from within and outside the school, advanced PhD students, and public policy scholars will present their research at the seminar, with emphasis on their insights into different stages in research development. Each student is required to develop and present research proposal or draft chapters at seminars. Attendance in the seminars is compulsory after first year of enrolment in the PHD program.

Electives

You can choose to read 1 Elective modules. For a list of all Elective modules offered, click here.

Transfer of Credits and Exemptions

There will be no limit to transfer of credit for modules that have not been used towards another degree at NUS or elsewhere. For modules that have been credited towards another degree at NUS or elsewhere, up to 50% of the credits required in the coursework component may be exempted.

Only relevant graduate-level courses taken in the past five years will be considered for credit transfer or exemption.

PhD Qualifying Examination

The PhD Qualifying Examination comprises of a comprehensive written examination consisting of two parts and successful defence of the PhD thesis proposal.

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.