Program Overview

Master of Social Sciences in Geopolitics of South Asia

The Master of Social Sciences in Geopolitics of South Asia is a one-year Master’s by coursework programme commencing AY2026/2027. This programme offers a structured and intensive learning experience that equips students with both breadth and depth of knowledge across a wide spectrum of geopolitical issues. It offers an interdisciplinary, future-forward education to aspiring journalists, entrepreneurs, analysts, policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and academics to engage with one of the world’s most dynamic geopolitical landscapes.

Why Specialise in South Asian Geopolitics?

Home to nearly 2 billion people, South Asia – anchored by India – is emerging as a major global power with growing influence and impact. A deep understanding of this region is essential for navigating the complexities of global geopolitics. As an organising theme, geopolitics is of both contemporary and historical relevance with deep interdisciplinary dimensions. This Master’s programme provides a comprehensive study of South Asia, integrating historical, socio-economic, political, and policy perspectives. Uniquely designed at NUS, it offers students both insider and outsider viewpoints on the region. This programme is curated to provide students with a deep understanding of the political, economic, developmental and ideological dynamics of South Asia, and its position in the evolving global order. As Asia’s global influence increases, such specialised regional knowledge will offer graduates a distinct competitive advantage across diverse sectors.

Why NUS?

NUS provides a world-class academic environment at the heart of Asia. It offers an ideal setting for studying South Asia, combining its close geographical ties to the region with excellent resource facilities and a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary learning. Singapore’s strategic location and global connectivity make it a natural hub for international learning and professional growth.

The Master’s programme is led by the South Asian Studies Programme, in collaboration with the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) renowned for their research depth and interdisciplinary teaching. Students will have access to top-tier faculty and thought leaders in the field within a globally ranked university. The opportunity to learn South Asian languages (Tamil/Hindi)—would be an added advantage for non-native speakers seeking deeper regional engagement.

What Will Students Gain?

• A structured academic pathway to develop expertise in South Asia and its geopolitical landscape
• Critical insights into regional and global geopolitics, from academic and practitioner perspectives
• Ability to analyse and address geopolitical challenges using interdisciplinary and comparative frameworks
• Enhanced employability in media, management consulting firms, investment firms, diplomacy, think tanks, NGOs, and academia
• Foundation to become lifelong learners and thought leaders in regional and global affairs

All students will read two core courses and choose from a wide variety of electives that examine South Asia from historical, political, social, and international relations perspectives.

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Social Sciences in Geopolitics of South Asia programme should possess the following requirements.

• Academic:
  • A good NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor's degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to South Asia or Asia;
  • A good Bachelor's degree (at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in related disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, area studies, and other inter-disciplinary studies with evidence of having read subjects related to South Asia or Asia and successful completion of a placement test;
  • Other relevant qualifications and experience, and successful completion of a placement test; however, admission is subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Division of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Relevant cases will be routed to the Board of Graduate Studies for information.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Candidates whose native tongue and medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language
  • A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with a minimum of 22 for the writing section) is required for the internet-based test
  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all sections and overall score is required
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are only valid for two years from the test date and the validity should not expire before the beginning of the application period for the programme

Programme Requirements

• Mode of Study: Full-time or Part-time
  • International students on student visa must be enrolled for full-time study
  • Students residing in Singapore may enrol for part-time study
• Duration of Degree:
  • Full-time:
    • Minimum duration: 12 months
    • Maximum duration: 24 months
  • Part-time:
    • Minimum duration: 24 months
    • Maximum duration: 36 months
• Workload per Semester:
  • Full-time:
    • Maximum: 24 units
    • Minimum: 12 units
  • Part-time:
    • Maximum: 12 units
    • Minimum: 4 units
• Coursework Requirements: Complete and pass 40 units which include:
  • Two (2) core courses:
    • SNG5101 The Making of Modern South Asia (4 units)
    • SNG5102 Introduction to the Geopolitics of South Asia (4 units)
  • Eight (8) elective courses, of which:
    • A maximum of two (2) SN courses at Level 4000 (4 units each) OR one (1) SN course at Level 4000 (4 units) and one (1) Tamil or Hindi language course offered by the Centre for Language Studies (only for non-native speakers of the language) (4 units)
    • A maximum of four (4) courses offered by other departments at Level 5000/6000 subject to approval by both departments (max 16 units)
    • The remaining courses must be SNG courses (min 8 units), which may include SNG5301 Thesis (only for students with a minimum GPA of 4.20)
• English Language Requirements:
  • Students may be required to take the Diagnostic English Test (DET) to determine their English proficiency
  • Depending on their DET results, students may be required to take Graduate English Course(s) or be exempted from taking the course(s) altogether
  • Students who are required to take the Graduate English Course(s) must obtain at least grade 'C' in the course(s) at intermediate level
  • Graduate English Course(s) are not counted towards the 40 units required for the coursework requirements
• Graduation Requirements: A student will be recommended for award of degree if he/she has met the following requirements:
  • Completed and passed 40 units (refer to coursework requirements above);
  • Obtained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 for the relevant courses;
  • Where applicable, obtained at least grade 'C' in Graduate English Course(s) (refer to English Language requirement above).

Programme Fees

The programme fees for the August 2026 intake are as follows:

• Tuition Fee: S$38,150 (inclusive of GST)
  • For both full-time and part-time irrespective of nationality
• Application Fee: S$60 (inclusive of GST)
  • Non-refundable and non-transferable
• Acceptance Fee: S$5,450 (inclusive of GST)
  • Payable upon acceptance of offer of admission
  • Non-refundable and non-transferable
  • Will be credited towards tuition fee
• Miscellaneous Student Fees: As published by NUS Office of the University Registrar
  • Payable every regular semester

Financial assistance is available in the form of the following:

• NUS Master's Degree by Coursework Tuition Fee Rebate:
  • All Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (Non-NUS Alumni): 10% tuition fee rebate
  • All NUS Alumni: 20% tuition fee rebate
• NUS Master's Degree by Coursework Enhanced Tuition Fee Rebate:
  • All Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents: 40% tuition fee rebate (Only applicable from AY2024/2025 to AY2026/2027)

Students may enjoy only one form of financial assistance. The Tuition Fee Rebate is not stackable with the Enhanced Tuition Fee Rebate, or other rebates. Should a student qualify for more than one rebate, only the higher rebate will be applicable.