Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programme aims to develop practice-oriented thought leaders for the industry or society. It caters to those who wish to conduct applied research work that addresses issues and challenges pertinent to society, industry, or professional practice. While students may choose to specialise in a specific discipline, research that adopts an interdisciplinary approach is encouraged in view of the complexity of many contemporary issues and challenges.

Unique Features of the Programme

• Focus on applied research topics that are of relevance to contemporary society, industry, and professional practice.
• Encourage a multidisciplinary approach.

• Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• For SUSS graduate programmes that are conducted in the English Language, you must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
  • at least an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, or a TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based) or 85 (internet-based), or a PTE Academic score of 58, or C1 Advanced score of 180 [score must be obtained within the last 2 years at point of application].
• Applicants with an undergraduate degree that was conducted in English but awarded by a non-English medium university must produce an official letter from the university to certify as such in order to seek a waiver of the ELPR requirement.

Specific to this degree:

While it is not compulsory to do so, applicants are encouraged to connect with a potential supervisor prior to applying. You may browse through the Faculty Listing to identity suitable faculty members who may complement your proposed area of research.

As part of the application process, interested applicants are also required to submit a copy of their latest CV and a proposed topic or area of research stating the following:

• Proposed topic or area of research;
• Identified potential supervisor (if any);
• Motivation for the proposed topic or area of research, and
• Relevance of the proposed topic or area of research in addressing contemporary issues/challenges in the profession/industry/society.

Compulsory

• Doctoral Research Study I
• Doctoral Research Study II
• Doctoral Dissertation

Discipline Knowledge Electives

• Graduate Level Courses

Research Methodology Electives

• Research and Evaluation in Counselling
• Applied Research in Gerontology
• Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis
• Research Methods in Science and Engineering
• Advanced Social Research Methods and Design
• Statistics and Data Analysis
• Social Research and Programme Evaluation
• Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Students are expected to complete 40 cu of research methodology courses and discipline-specific courses before passing the Qualifying Examination. Upon successfully completing the Qualifying Examination, the student will embark on the completion of the Dissertation. The final stage of the PhD study will be the examination of the dissertation and the Oral Defence.

As the PHDG programme focuses on applied research addressing issues and challenges pertinent to society, industry, or professional practice, apart from joining institutes of higher learning as faculty, graduates from this programme may also join applied research institutions, government agencies, or private sectors organisations such as research firms and consultancy firms.