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Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)

Doctorate Degree Programme
(Postgraduate)

Focuses on industrial research so that the research findings and the skills acquired can be easily transferred to the local industry.

Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)


Overview

This Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is primarily intended for science, engineering and technology graduates who:

  • are interested in pursuing a career in applied research
  • seek professional advancement,
  • wish to enhance their understanding of a particular field or discipline within the domain of science and technology, and
  • aspire to contribute to science and technology at the highest academic level and gain concomitant recognition of their effort and achievements.

Unique Features of the Programme

This PhD programme focuses on science, engineering and technology research with consideration of the social impact so that the findings and the skills acquired are useful to the industry and society.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, other residents, as well as international students. Potential candidates should possess at least an Honours degree or its equivalent.

All applications are considered individually on merit. Applicants not meeting the formal academic requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While it is not compulsory to do so, applicants are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor prior to applying. You may browse through the School of Science and Technology Faculty Listing to identify suitable faculty members who may complement your proposed area of research.

As part of the application process, interested applicants are also required to submit the following:

  • A latest CV;
  • A personal statement stating your motivation for pursuing a PhD, reason for selecting SUSS and your post PhD career aspirations;
  • Two academic reference letters. Referees are required to submit the reference letters directly to the Graduate Studies department at [email protected];
  • A proposed topic or area of research stating the following:
    • Proposed research topic;
    • Proposed potential supervisor(s) from SUSS School of Science and Technology;
    • Background, motivation and/or relevance of the chosen topic;
    • Brief literature review; and
    • Research method(s).
You are advised to follow this format.

Programme Structure

  • Qualifying exam
  • 8 graduate level courses
  • 1 PhD dissertation

Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD programme is meant for those who aim to contribute to the body of knowledge within the areas of science, engineering and technology.

Graduates from the PhD programme will have acquired the advanced knowledge and skills to function as R&D professionals in industry and academia.

  1. How many intakes are there in a year for Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PDENG)?
    Two intakes a year; every January and July.

  2. Is there an admission interview for shortlisted applicants?
    Yes, either face-to-face or telephone interview.

  3. Do applicants need to submit the research topic or proposal together with their admission application?
    It will be advantageous if applicants submit their:
    • proposed academic supervisor (with PhD qualification) from Singapore University of Social Sciences' School of Science and Technology; and
    • research topic and proposal.

  4. Is GRE Score necessary to apply for MEng or PDENG? What is the minimum GRE score I should obtain?
    Applicants without a degree from local universities may have to furnish GRE scores of at least 600 (verbal) and 650 (quantitative) based on the old scale, or GRE scores of at least 160 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) based on the new scale.

  5. What are the minimum and maximum durations to complete MEng and PDENG?
    The durations to complete the MEng and PDENG programmes are 2 – 5 years and 3 – 7 years respectively.

  6. What are the class schedules for MEng and PDENG?
    There will be classroom sessions but attendance is not compulsory. Each course is conducted once a week for six weeks and 3 hours per session.

  7. What is the required credit units required to complete the course?
    120 cu for PDENG and 60 cu for MEng.

  8. What are the courses available for Credit Recognition Course I (RES001) and Credit Recognition II (RES002)? What would be the areas covered in these two courses?
    RES001 and RES002 are generic course codes to capture information of students who take postgraduate courses from other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) for credit recognition.

  9. What is the learning structure of RES001 and RES002 for PhD students?
    The learning structure will follow the format of other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) that the courses are taken.

  10. What does the Qualifying Examination consist of?
    The QE consist of (i) a written report that details the research work done after one year, as well as the plan for future research direction, and (ii) oral defence.

  11. The admission criteria for MEng and PDENG are the same, how should I decide which to apply?
    Both the MEng and PDENG are industry-based research. Whether they are to apply for MEng or PDENG depends on the level of research complexity that they do in your workplace. As a guideline, applicants may refer to the following websites that describe the standard expected at the PhD and Master by research degrees.
    - Doctoral degree characteristics
    - Master's degree characteristics

  12. If I do not have a topic in mind, will Singapore University of Social Sciences provide a list of research topics for selection?
    There is no specific list of topics as the topics are proposed from the successful applicant's company and refined by the University's appointed supervisor. Expertise can be found from the individual CVs of SST Academic staff.

    Only those with PhDs are allowed to be academic supervisors.

    Applicant needs to propose someone from his/her company who has PhD to be Industry Supervisor.

  13. When is the submission deadline for thesis/dissertation?
    There is no specific submission deadline for the thesis/dissertation. These are submitted after satisfying the supervisors that the research thesis/dissertation meets the appropriate standard within the candidature period of 3-7 years for PhD and 2-5 years for MEng.

  14. Are there criteria for students to progress to PDENG from MEng?
    Students may apply to PhD programme after graduating with the MEng degree. Alternatively, applicants may directly apply to PhD without a master's degree, so long as he/she fulfils the admission requirements.

  15. Is there a CGPA requirement in order to graduate with MEng or PDENG?
    Students should maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 and 3.0 for PhD and MEng programmes respectively.
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