graduate programme handbook 2011

8/4/2019 Graduate Programme Handbook 2011

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School of HSS Research Programme Handbook

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HANDBOOK FOR

HIGHER DEGREE CANDIDATES

(RESEARCH)

School of Humani t ies and Social Sciences


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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY, AND THE SCHOOL ........................................................ 1

2. THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND KEY STAFF ...................................................................... 4

3. ACADEMICS POLICIES AND GUIDELINES ........................................................... ......................... 6

3.1 Research Programme................................................................................................ 63.2 Academic Year .......................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Period of Candidature ................................................................................................ 7

3.4 Course Registration ................................................................................................... 7

3.5 Exemption, Transfer of Credits & Pass/Fail Courses .............................................. 7

3.6 Grade Point Average (GPA) Grading System and Graduation Requirements .......... 8

3.6.1 Definition of Grade Point Average ............................................................................. 8

3.6.2 Grades With Grade Point .......................................................................................... 8

3.6.3 Notations Without Grade Points ................................................................................ 9

3.6.4 Subject Exemption and Transfer of Credits .............................................................. 93.6.5 Fail Grade .................................................................................................................. 9

3.6.6 Graduation Requirements and Academic Performance ........................................... 9

3.7 Confirmation Exercise.............................................................................................. 10

3.8 Academic Paths ....................................................................................................... 11

3.9 Selection of Research Projects / Match with a Supervisor ...................................... 13

3.10 Graduate English Course & Small Group Teaching Course ................................... 13

3.11 Overseas/Local Conferences and Overseas Research Attachment ....................... 13

4. UNIVERSITY AND SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ...................................................... 15

4.1 Honour Code, Programme Regulations .................................................................. 154.2 Unofficial Leave Granted by School ........................................................................ 15

4.3 Official Leave of Absence (LOA) for Research Students .... 15

4.4 Medical Leave .......................................................................................................... 16

4.5 Change of candidature / Conversion from MA to PhD candidature ........................ 17

4.6 Request to transfer to another School ..................................................................... 17

4.7 Withdrawal from research programme .................................................................... 17

4.8 Consultation ............................................................................................................. 17

4.9 Printing and Photocopying services ........................................................................ 17

5. FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION / FEES PAYABLE ..................................................................... 185.1 University Fees ........................................................................................................ 18

5.2 Research Scholarships ............................................................................................ 18

5.3 Financial Assistance (Tuition Fee Loan) ............................................................... 189

6. REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF RESEARCH CANDIDATES ........................................ 20

6.1 Milestones and study plan for PhD research students ............................................ 20

6.2 Milestones and study plan for Master of Arts research students ............................ 23

6.3 Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) .......................................................................... 26

6.4 Submission of Annual Progress Report for Renewal of University Award .............. 27

6.5 Submission of Confirmation Report for Master / PhD Candidature ......................... 276.6 Notification & Final Submission of Thesis ............................................................... 27

6.7 Application for Extension of Thesis Submission Deadline ...................................... 27


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6.8 Presentation for Oral Defense of Thesis ................................................................. 28

7. SERVICES AND INFORMATION ................................................................ ................................... 29

7.1 Central Administrative Offices and Services ........................................................... 29

7.2 NTU Library ............................................................................................................. 30

7.3 Other Information ..................................................................................................... 31

8. Living and getting around the Yunnan campus ................................................................... ............ 32

8.1 Public Transport in Yunnan Garden Campus .......................................................... 32

8.2 Dining at NTU .......................................................................................................... 34

8.3 NTU Medical Centre ................................................................................................ 34

8.4 Banking .................................................................................................................... 34

8.5 Retail ........................................................................................................................ 34

8.6 Sports and Recreational Facilities ........................................................................... 35

9. Important Phone numbers ................................................ ......................................................... 35

10. NTU Yunnan Garden Campus Map ........................................................................................... 36


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The School of Humanities and Social Sciences:Our Philosophy and Mission Statement

Our Mission"... to fulfil the ideals of teaching and scholarship in thehumanities and social sciences, enabling graduates andresearchers to confront the challenges of the 21st-centuryworld."

Our Vision

"... to be a leading intellectual centre of humanities andsocial sciences in Asia, making valuable contributions tothe advancement of knowledge and human life."

Our Graduates

"... will develop breadth of imagination and depth ofperspective...will be proactive rather than reactive in afast-changing 21st-century environment... alive to local,regional and global issues...able to take the initiative inanalysing and improving the world around us - intelligently,inventively, critically, and creatively. And make thedifference..."

We hope that your time at HSS will be happy and that you will find studyingfor a postgraduate degree with us to be an enjoyable, rewarding and

productive experience.

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Dear Research Student

Welcome to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)

I would like to personally welcome you to our school. We are very pleased that youhave chosen us for your graduate studies, and I sincerely hope this will be anenriching journey.

This Handbook is a helpful guide for new and current research students. This shouldbe viewed as a HSS-specific companion to the other Universitys guides andregulations. As a matriculated student, you are advised to familiarise yourselves withthe policies, regulations and guidelines of the University, and particularly those of theSchool and our Graduate Studies Office.

In HSS-Graduate Studies, we will provide you with assistance and guidance in all

academic and non-academic matters, but there will also be active involvement byyour individual Divisions. The services that we in the HSS-Graduates Studies Officeprovide include:

new student registration, orientation, and advising assisting with subject registration, and appeals to take specific subjects the award and funding for your studies, and the administration of the awards academic advising, and graduation requirements interpretation of University and School policies private appointments to resolve problems referral to other offices in the University

Our team is available during office hours Monday to Friday. You may phone us (referto the contact numbers listed below in Contact Information for Key SchoolOffices), or drop us an email. You are also welcome to send to me comments,questions, and concerns regarding our research programmes at any time.

I hope you will have an enjoyable and enriching experience pursuing research in ourSchool.

Sincerely

Associate Professor Francesco Cavallaro

Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)


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School of HSS Research Programme Handbook 1

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY, AND THE SCHOOL

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one of the two corporatised universities inSingapore, which receive funding from the government. NTU has its origins in the Nanyang

Technological Institute (NTI), which began operations in 1982 with 582 engineeringundergraduate students. As the Institute developed, more courses, both at the undergraduateand graduate levels, were introduced. Research too was targeted as a vital part of itsacademic activities. Generous funds were made available for research projects, scholarshipsand recruitment of staff such as post-doctoral research fellows. Interdisciplinary researchcentres were established in technological areas that were considered to be of strategicimportance to Singapores economy. In 1991 NTI was reconstituted and renamed as theNanyang Technological University. NTU saw to it that the momentum begun by NTI wasincreased and reinforced. Today NTU has established a worldwide reputation for itsexcellence in technological teaching and research.

The University is organised into Colleges which are headed by a Dean, and the NationalInstitute of Education, and other learning and research institutes. Each College comprises of

several Schools, each headed by a Chair. Each School is further divided into smalleradministrative units known as Divisions. The Universitys Schools are located at the maincampus- Yunnan Garden Campus.

YUNNAN GARDEN CAMPUS

College of Engineering (which comprises 6 Schools)

College of Business (which comprises the Nanyang Business School)

College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, which comprises the following 3 Schools: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Communication and Information School of Art, Design and Media

College of Science (which comprises 2 Schools)

National Institute of Education (which comprises various academic groups providingeducational and teachers training).

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) in NTU was set up in 2003, startingwith a small core of professors and students, and has grown to 150 faculty members, 2400

undergraduates, and 130 graduate students, of which about 70 are enrolled in the researchMasters and PhD programmes.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at Nanyang Technological University(NTU) is home to six Divisions: Chinese, Economics, English, Linguistics & MultilingualStudies, Psychology and Sociology; and two minor programmes: History and Politics & PublicAdministration. The School offers research programmes in all of these disciplines; the Doctorof Philosophy (PhD) programme is offered by all Divisions and minor programmes, while fiveof the Divisions, Chinese (), English, Linguistics & Multilingual Studies, Psychology,and Sociology, also offer Master of Arts (MA).

Our aim is to achieve excellence in education and research. Singapore is in a uniquegeographical position to nurture a research environment relevant to contemporary Asia andthe global community. As an integral part of NTU, a historically engineering-focused universitywith an outstanding tradition of research and innovation, the School registers a dynamic


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presence on campus. Graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences act as a centralfeature of this vibrant intellectual life.

Key aspects of graduate studies in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences include: Global and comparative perspectives Broad-based intellectual stimulation

Multi-disciplinary approaches Complex cultural awareness Contemporary Asian relevance International network of researchers

Candidates pursuing graduate degrees by research work towards a thesis on an approvedtopic working work closely with their supervisors, and also take courses in their chosendiscipline.

PhD and MA programmes are offered in the following disciplines and key research areas:

Chinese ( )Pre-Modern China: Literature, History, and Thought ();

Modern China: Literature, Culture, and History, ();

Linguistics and Chinese Linguistics (); Translation Studies

(); Studies of Ethnic Chinese ()

English

English Renaissance Literature; Eighteenth-Century Literature; Literature of theRomantic period; The Nineteenth-Century Novel; Victorian Literature; SE AsianLiterature and Culture; Contemporary Fiction; 20th Century Irish Literature; Scienceand Literature; Contemporary Drama; Postcolonial Studies; Asian American

Literature and Film; Film Studies and Asian Cinema; Literary and Critical Theory;Post-Jungian Psychology and Literature; Gender Studies; Creative Writing, Poetry;Medieval Literature; 19th Century American Literature; 20th Century AmericanLiterature; Elizabethan Literature; Shakespeare; Modernism in Euro-America andEast Asia;Globalization; Performance Studies; Magical Realism; HistoricalMaterialism; The Long Eighteenth Century

Economics(PhD only)

International Economics; Chinese Economy; Southeast Asian Economies;Macroeconomics; Macroeconometric Modeling; Econometric Modeling; LabourEconomics; Development Economics; Environmental Economics; BehaviouralEconomics; Industrial Organisation; Nonlinear Economics; Game Theory

History

Asia in Global and Transnational Perspectives; Modern and Contemporary China;Sino-Southeast Asian Interactions; Asian Diasporas and Migration; History of South

Asia; History of Singapore in the Regional Context; Modern/Contemporary History ofScience, Technology, and Medicine; Business History; Environmental History

Linguistics & Multilingual Studies

Bilingualism and Multilingualism; Child Language Acquisition; Chinese Linguistics;Computational Linguistics; Language and Culture; Language and Gender; LanguageAttitudes and Identity; Language Contact and Language Change; LanguageDescription, Documentation and Typology; Language Maintenance and Language
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/HSS/chinese/courses/graduate/byresearch/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/HSS/chinese/courses/graduate/byresearch/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/english/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/econ/courses/graduateprogrammes/byresearch/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/econ/courses/graduateprogrammes/byresearch/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/econ/courses/graduateprogrammes/byresearch/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/english/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/HSS/chinese/courses/graduate/byresearch/default.htm


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Shift; Language Policy and Language Planning; Morphology; Neurolinguistics;Phonetics and Phonology; Pragmatics;Psycholinguistics; Semantics; Syntax; WorldEnglishes

Psychology

Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Science;Cultural and Social Psychology; Personality Psychology; Humans and Technology;Evolutionary Psychology and Animal Behaviour; Lifespan Development;Organizational Psychology, Quantitative Psychology

Politics & Public Administration (PhD only)

Leadership; Public Relations; Crisis Management; Politics and Governance ofSingapore; Administrative Reforms; Corporate Governance; China-ASEAN Relations;Chinese Overseas; Public Administration Theory; Chinese Public Administration;Public Management; Public Governance; Citizen Participation; PerformanceManagement in Public Sector; E-government and Comparative Public Administration

Sociology

Cultural Sociology; Economic Sociology; Political Sociology; Social Inequality;Organisations; Globalisation; Development and Social Change; Migration ; Scienceand Technology; Environmental Sociology; Media; Cities and Urban Life; Religion;Language ; Deviance and Subcultures; ; Popular Culture ; Social Psychology; Family;Gender and Sexuality; Tourism; Education;Sociology of Southeast Asia; ChineseSocieties

Applicants with other research interests and in multi-disciplinary areas are welcome to apply.
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/psychology/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/psychology/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/psychology/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/sociology/courses/graduate+programmes/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/sociology/courses/graduate+programmes/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/psychology/courses/graduate/default.htmhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/hss/psychology/courses/graduate/default.htm


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2. THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND KEY STAFF

Professor Liu Hong Chair, School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Assoc Prof Yohanes Eko Riyanto Associate Chair (Academic)

Assoc Prof Low Chan KeeAssociate Chair (Administration), and Acting Head of Divisionof Economics

Assoc Prof Rebecca Ang Pei-Hui Associate Chair (Research)

Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s OfficeAssoc Prof Francesco Cavallaro Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)

Ms Ivy Goh Ai Wei

Ms Sitinur Ain Yuza Binte Ngatimin

Assistant Manager (Graduate Studies)

Executive Officer (Graduate Studies)

Division of Chinese

Assoc Prof Cheung Chiu-Yee Head of Division of Chinese

Assoc Prof Lee Guan Kin Graduate Studies Coordinator

Ms Choo Siew Hong Senior Assistant ManagerMs Goh Siew Hiang Executive Officer / Secretary

Division of EconomicsAssoc Prof Low Chan Kee

Associate Chair (Administration), and Acting Head of Divisionof Economics

Assoc Prof Tan Kim Heng Graduate Studies Coordinator

Ms Ivy Teo Siok Mui Secretary

Ms Julianna Yik Soh Yuen Higher Clerical Officer

Division of English

Assoc Prof Neil Murphy Associate Dean of College(HASS) and Head of Division ofEnglish

Asst Prof Daniel Keith Jernigan Graduate Studies Coordinator

Ms Priscilla Yong Su Lin Assistant Manager

Ms Suzana Binte Abdul Tayep Executive Officer

Division of Linguistics andMultilingual Studies

Assoc Prof Ng Bee Chin Head of Division of Linguistics and Multilingual Studies

Assoc Prof Alexander Coupe Graduate Studies Coordinator

Ms Maya Ram Gopinath

Ms Chua Mei Fen, Ann-Marie

Secretary

Senior Assistant Manager

Division of Sociology

Assoc Prof Kwok Kian Woon Head of Division of Sociology

Asst Prof Md Saidul Isam

Asst ProfGenaro Castro-VzquezGraduate Studies Coordinators

Ms Neirmaladevi Nathan

Mr Koh Hwei Keong

Secretary

Assistant Manager

Mr Kadhiresan Bala Executive Officer

Division of Psychology

Professor Anthony Hayes Head of Division of Psychology

Asst Prof Wendy Jiann-Yun Cheng Graduate Studies CoordinatorMs Lydia Seah Hui Lin

Ms Lela Ahmad

Senior Assistant Manager

Executive Officer
http://portal.hss.ntu.edu.sg/sociology/genarocastrovazquez.htmlhttp://portal.hss.ntu.edu.sg/sociology/genarocastrovazquez.htmlhttp://portal.hss.ntu.edu.sg/sociology/genarocastrovazquez.html


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Ms Siti Nurzilah Binte Abu Secretary

History Group

Prof Liu Hong Head of History Group

Public Administration GroupAssoc Prof Wu Wei Head of Public Administration GroupAsst Prof Wenxuan Yu Graduate Studies Coordinator

Ms Jeslyn Teo Siew Lan Executive Officer / Secretary

For a complete listing of the Schools faculty and staff and their qualifications, experience andresearch interests, please refer to the Schools website at http://www.hss.ntu.edu.sg


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3. ACADEMICS POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

3.1 Research Programme

Research Students (also termed as research candidates) reading for a higher degree byresearch pursue independent but supervised research on an approved topic based on which

a thesis must be submitted for examination (refer to regulations and format of thesis).

Students are also required to complete the coursework required and to attain the stipulatedGPA grade (refer to para 3.4 below) in the stipulated number of courses ( which you may referto as subjects). The number of courses for the research programmes is: at least 3 forMasters candidate and 6 for PhD candidates. Selection of courses is made after consultationwith the research supervisor. At HSS, the research programme that candidates pursue willlead to the award of the degree of Master of Arts (MA) or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy(PhD).

The research thesis is a partial fulfillment of the degree being pursued, and candidates haveto also fulfil the required courses and attain a good GPA score to be awarded the degree theyare pursuing.

Research candidates work closely and keep in regular contact with their assigned supervisoron their research project. Supervisors will submit regular yearly reports on the progress ofeach candidate under their supervision.

In addition to being examined on the thesis, a candidate for the degree of Doctor ofPhilosophy must pass an oral examination on the subject matter of his thesis and otherrelated subjects. For M.A. candidates, the oral examination may be prescribed at thediscretion of the Board of Examiners.

3.2 Academic Year

The academic year, which commences in August each year, is normally divided into twosemesters. For updates, please visit the Graduate Studies Office website via:http://www.ntu.edu.sg/collegesandprogrammes/acadcalendar/Pages/gradcalendar.aspx

The division of a semester into 2 halves has implications for application for official leave ofabsence from your studies, and thus fee payment.
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/collegesandprogrammes/acadcalendar/Pages/gradcalendar.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/collegesandprogrammes/acadcalendar/Pages/gradcalendar.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/collegesandprogrammes/acadcalendar/Pages/gradcalendar.aspx


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3.3 Period of Candidature

Candidates may be admitted as full-time or part-time students. The minimum and maximumperiods of candidature are as follows:

Full-Time Part-Time

Programmes Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

Doctor of Philosophy 2 years 5 years 2 years 7 years

Master's Degree 1 year 3 years 1 year 4 years

Please note the need to fulfil the residential period of candidature, that is, how long you needto stay at NTU for the research programme and degree you are pursuing. For Masters'candidate the minimum is one year, and for PhD candidate at least two years. Do take intoaccount the residential period of candidature if you are applying for overseasattachment/research, and also applications for official leave of absence.

3.4 Course Registration

To register for courses or to check registered courses, please access the Course RegistrationSystem: New Research students are to register their courses only after matriculation, andafter their data have been updated

log on to GSLink

in the system. Students cannot access the GraduateCourse Registration System immediately after their matriculation as GSO needs time totransfer their records and update their data. Students should access the GSLink 5-7working days after their matriculation. Do so by navigating to the NTU home page andthen

click Course Registration

Students are strongly advised to read the instructions on the Course Registration websitewhich provide important information.http://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspx

Students must register courses within the stipulated period.

A course dropped within the stipulated registration period will not appear in your result slipand official transcript. For courses not dropped within the stipulated registration period,you will be deemed to have sat and failed the course and a grade F will be reflectedin your result slip and official transcript. (Please note that such a failed course equalsto ZERO mark

The Registration Period for the next term of study is announced after the release of yourexamination results.

for computation of GPA, refer to section 3.6)

3.5 Exemption, Transfer of Credits & Pass/Fail Courses

The following are the regulations on the number of courses allowed for exemption, transfer ofcredits and Pass/Fail courses :

Programmeof Study

Combined Total No. of CoursesAllowed for Exemption, TransferCredits and Pass/Fail Courses

Minimum No. of Courses Required(including exemption, creditstransferred and Pass/Fail courses)

Masters 1 3

PhD 3 6
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/Academic/graduates/courseregistration/Pages/whentoregister.aspx


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Example 1: A PhD student was granted one course exemption and has transferred credits fortwo courses to his NTU candidature. This student would not be allowed for more courseexemptions, transfer of credits or any Pass/Fail course.

Example 2: A PhD student was already granted two course exemptions and now wants toregister for two Pass/Fail course. He will only be allowed to register for one Pass/Fail

course.

Every research student, regardless of his admission year, is allowed to take two additionalcourses. Please note that additional courses are

Additional Courses

included in the CGPA calculations

.

Important

: A student who has earlier satisfied the coursework requirement (i.e. completedthe minimum number of courses and satisfied the minimum CGPA required) will not be barredfrom taking the two additional courses, if he/she so wishes. The additional courses are,however, not a requirement for confirmation or graduation.

3.6 Grade Point Average (GPA) Grading System and Graduation Requirements

The Grade Point Average (GPA) grading system applies to all research students.

3.6.1 Definition of Grade Point Average

TGPA represents the grade point average of all subjects attempted by a studentin any term of study.

Term Grade Point Average (TGPA)

TGPA =SUM of (Grade Point x AU* for subject attempted in the term)

Total AU* attempted in the term of study

Term refers to semester as a defined period of study in each programme.

CGPA represents the grade point average of all subjects attempted by a student.Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

CGPA =SUM of (Grade Point x AU* for subject attempted to date)

Total AU* attempted to date

*AU = Academic Unit: Each subject is assigned a certain number of AUs. It is ameasure of the student's workload associated with both class attendance andpreparation.

The TPGA and CGPA will be reflected in the students transcripts of academic records.

3.6.2 Grades with Grade Point

Letter Grade Grade PointA+ 5.00A 5.00A- 4.50B+ 4.00B 3.50B- 3.00C+ 2.50C 2.00D+ 1.50

D 1.00F 0.00


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3.6.3 Notations without Grade Points

Notations will also be used in the academic records. They have no assigned grade point andthus will not be counted in the calculation of TGPA or CGPA.

* - Subject with Pass/Fail grading onlyAT - By attendance onlyIP - In ProgressW - WithdrawalX - Absent

3.6.4 Course Exemption and Transfer of Credits

Courses that are exempted and courses with approval to transfer credits will not be countedin the calculation of TGPA or CGPA. However, they will be counted towards the AUrequirement for graduation, and reflected in the transcript.

3.6.5 Fail Grade

A Fail (F) grade obtained in a subject, and a new grade attained for any subsequent repeat,will be counted in the calculation of TGPA and CGPA. The grades for all attempts will bereflected in the transcript.

3.6.6 Graduation Requirements and Academic Performance

3.6.6.1 Students in Coursework Programmes

The requirements for graduation of coursework students are as follows:Graduation Requirements

i. Successful completion of all requirements as prescribed by the programme of study; andii. A minimum CGPA of 2.50 is attained at the completion of the programme of study.

Satisfactory Academic Performance

In any term of study, a coursework student is considered to be making satisfactory progressif he attains a minimum TGPA of 2.50.

Poor Academic Performance

A coursework student with poor academic performance will be subjected to the followingactions:

1. Academic warning if TGPA < 2.50 in any term of study2. Termination of Candidature if TGPA < 2.50 for the second consecutive term of study.3. Appeal against termination on the grounds of extenuating circumstances may be made,

subject to the following rules:

i. the appeal must be submitted to the relevant School by the end of the first week of aterm. Late appeals will not be considered.

ii. normally, only one appeal is allowed per candidature

3.6.6.2 Students in Research Programmes

For graduation, a research student has to fulfill the following conditions:Graduation Requirements


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1. Successful completion of all requirements as prescribed by the programme of study orSchool; and

2. After completion of all subject requirements, a minimum CPGA of 3.00 and 3.50 must beattained for Masters students and PhD students respectively.

Satisfactory Academic Performance

In any term of study, a research student is considered to be making satisfactory progress ifhe satisfies the following conditions:

1. Attain a minimum TGPA of 3.00 for Masters students and 3.50 for PhD students;

2. Attain at least Grade Point 2.50 (grade C+) in every subject; and

3. Complete all subject requirements within the following stipulated period:

Master PhD

Full-Time Part-time Full-Time Part-Time

Period to CompleteSubject Requirements 1 year 1 year 2 years 2 years

Poor Academic Performance

A research student with poor academic performance will be subjected to the followingactions:

ResearchProgramme

Academic WarningTermination ofFinancial Aid and/orCandidature

Master

i. TGPA < 3.00 in any term of

study of study; orii. Any subject with Grade Point

less than 2.50 (below C+)

i. Failure to complete all subject

requirements within the stipulated periodas spelt out above;

or

ii. TGPA < 2.50 in two consecutive terms;or

iii. TGPA < 3.00 in three consecutiveterms.

PhD

i. TGPA < 3.50 in any term ofstudy of study; or

ii. Any subject with Grade Pointless than 2.50 (below C+)

3.7 Confirmation Exercise

The purpose of a Confirmation Exercise (CE) is to ensure that research candidatesdemonstrate a good grasp of their research area and topic; they must show generalcompetence and broad knowledge which will be assessed in a CE. At the same time theymust be able to write a research proposal with in-depth knowledge which will be assessed inthe Confirmation Exercise. The aim of having research candidates do coursework subjects isto build up their competence in those subject matters. Candidates should pass their courserequirement of 3 to 6 before undergoing the CE. The CE could also include oral presentationof papers which the students may be asked to critique.

For our School the research candidates (except for Division of Economics candidates) on theMA and PhD track must fulfill the Confirmation Exercise requirements by the end of their first

year of candidature (for MA) and second year of candidature (for PhD) respectively. TheDivision of Economics requires their research candidates on the PhD track to complete the 6courses requirement in the first year of studies. Please refer to the Academic Paths inSection 3.8.


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For PhD track research candidates who do not pass the Confirmation Exercise, they mayconsider the possible exit routes indicated in Section 3.8. For research candidates receivingan award, e.g. Research scholarship, or any other type of funding from the University who donot pass the CE, the award will be terminated

3.8 Academic Paths

. If the candidates do not have the means tocontinue on self-financed basis, they may be required to withdraw from the research

programme.

Doctor of Philosophy Programmes

FULL-TIME PART-TIME

By the end of 18 months (For January2011 Intake onwards)

Confirmation Exercise

By the end of 24 months (For August2010 Intake and before)

Complete 6 courses - Overall averagegrade = B (3.50) & at least grade C

+

(2.50) for all courses

PhD students admitted from AY2009-10onwards will have to attend and pass theEnglish course HWG703 GraduateEnglish (unless exempted), on top of the6 courses requirement

Submit an in-depth literature review of an

approved research topic

By the end of 24 months


Complete 6 courses - Overall average

grade = B (3.50) & at least grade C+(2.50) for all courses

PhD students admitted from AY2009-10onwards will have to attend and pass theEnglish course HWG703 GraduateEnglish (unless exempted), on top of the6-course requirement

Submit an in-depth literature review of anapproved research topic

Maximum = 3 courses


Maximum = 3 courses


No later than 24 months (August 2010Intake and before)

Confirmation of Candidature

No later than 18 months (January 2011Intake onwards)

No later than 12 months (Division ofEconomics students on PhD trackreceiving a scholarship)

For timely renewal of award, candidatesare advised to submit their reports totheir divisions at least 3 months beforethe expiry of the years award

No later than 24 months



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# Progress reports must be submitted tothe Schools on a yearly basis

Progress Reports

Thesis due for examination no later than 4

years (no later than 5years for self-sponsored candidates)

Progress reports must be submitted to theSchools on a yearly basis

Progress Reports

# 12 months Progress Report

# 24 months outcome of ConfirmationExercise

Thesis due for examination no later than 7years

This is a possible route for students whodo not pass the Confirmation Exerciseand have to leave the program

Exit to Masters Programme (by Coursework)

Courses taken during PhD study may be

transferred as credits towards Mastersprogramme

All fees are payable by candidates

Exit is a possible route for students whodo not pass the Confirmation Exerciseand have to leave the program

Exit to Masters Programme (by Coursework)

Courses taken during PhD study may be

transferred as credits towards Mastersprogramme


This is a possible route for students whodo not pass the PhD Confirmationexercise and have to leave theprogramme

Exit to Masters Programme (by Research)


This is a possible route for students whodo not pass the PhD Confirmationexercise and have to leave theprogramme

Exit to Masters Programme (by Research)


Masters Programmes

FULL-TIME PART-TIME

By the end of the 1st year


Complete 3 courses - Overall averagegrade = B

-(3.00) & at least grade C

+

(2.50) for all subjects

Submit an in-depth literature review ofapproved research topic

By the end of the 1st

year


Complete 3 courses - Overall averagegrade = B

-(3.00) & at least grade C

+

(2.50) for all subjects

Submit an in-depth literature review ofapproved research topic

Maximum = 1 course


Maximum = 1 course



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For timely renewal of award, candidatesare advised to submit their reports to

their divisions at least 3 months beforethe expiry of the years award



Must have taken 6 courses and passedthe Confirmation Exercise

Conversion to PhD Candidature

Conversion no later than 24 months

Must have taken 6 courses and passedthe Confirmation Exercise

Conversion to PhD Candidature

Conversion no later than 24 months

Progress reports must be submitted to thedivisions on a six monthly and yearly basis

Progress Reports

Thesis due for examination within 2 years (or3 years for self-sponsored candidates)

Progress reports must be submitted to thedivisions no later than

Progress Reports

# 18 months - outcome of Confirmationexercise

Thesis due for examination no later than 4years

3.9 Selection of Research Projects / Match with a Supervisor

All admitted research candidates are assigned by the School to work on a specific project

under the supervision of a faculty staff. Depending on your Divisions guidelines, a candidatemay be given the opportunity to select his/her research topic of interest and the supervisor.Candidates are required to complete the GSO Form G/964/96C Proposed Research Topicand Supervisor

3.10 Graduate English Course & Small Group Teaching Course

within four weeks of the starting date of their candidature, or as determined bythe Division. Candidates should find out from their Division concerning their prospective orassigned supervisor, and to learn about the facultys current research activities, and thenfinalise the selection of research topic and supervisor. The form should be submitted throughthe selected supervisorand your Division to the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s Office.

All PhD students admitted from AY2009-10 onwards will be required to attend and pass the

courses HWG702-Small Group Teaching, and HWG703 Graduate English (which isexempted for those who meet the exemption criteria). Students who fail the course will haveto repeat it until they pass. These courses will be displayed in the transcript but will not beincluded in the GPA computation. Language & Communication Centre lecturers will conductthe classes for each semester. You will be informed of the commencement date and venuefor the classes during the first week of each semester through email notification.

3.11 Overseas/Local Conferences and Overseas Research Attachment

Applications for overseas conference and overseas research attachment will be evaluatedand approved on a case-by-case basis.

Full-time PhD and MA students may apply for leave and one-time financial support, during

their candidature at NTU, to present their research papers at reputable overseas conferences.Leave and partial financial support may be granted based on the merits of each case andsubject to availability of funding.


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Since students will only be supported once for attending overseas conference, they areadvised to reserve the one-time overseas conference financial support for the presentation oftheir theses or first-authored research papers. Priority will be given to final year graduatingstudents.

If its a course requirement for students to go overseas for their research work, they will need

to submit a supporting letter as well as a form (Graduate Programmes by Research Overseas Research Attachment) signed by their supervisor and Head of Division stating thepurpose of this trip. This is granted to students that are required by their supervisor to conducttheir research overseas. The students stipend will not be withheld during this period. Theletter should also include the following information:

1. Period that student will be away2. Destination and purpose of trip3. Supervisors justification

Students must take note that they still have to complete their 6-course/3-course requirementand satisfy their confirmation exercise within the stipulated period mentioned in Item 3.8 ofthis document even though they are carrying out their research overseas.

If the overseas trip is not a requirement of the course, students will need to exhaust theirunofficial leave first and submit a supporting letter from their supervisor for the remainder ofthe trip.


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4. UNIVERSITY AND SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

4.1 Honour Code, Programme Regulations

As a student of the University, you are expected to adhere to the Honour Code, andfamiliarise yourself with the rules and regulations of the research programme. If in doubt

please check with the School, your Division, and the supervisor. For reference, see Rules,Regulations and Code of Conduct viahttps://sso.wis.ntu.edu.sg/gslink/nonpers/.

4.2 Unofficial Leave Granted by School

Based on Universitys guidelines, research students who are funded by the University e.g.holding a research scholarship, are not entitled to any vacation leave. However the Schoolmay grant these scholars unofficial leave on an exigency basis for up to 18 days per year ofcandidature (calendar year). Unconsumed leave cannot be carried forward to the next year.

Leave applications have to be supported by the supervisor and Head of Division, andapproved by the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies). You have to complete the Schools

Form Unofficial Leave ApplicationForm for Full-Time Graduate Students - by Research

andsubmit it least two weeks in advance to the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office forprocessing of your intended leave application.

Students are not allowed to take any leave during term time when they are required to attendcourses and/or have been allocated teaching responsibilities, unless special approval hasbeen granted by Head of Division under special circumstances. Leave cannot beaccumulated and carried forward to the next year of candidature

Students stipend will not be deducted during the leave period approved by the School;however, for leave of long duration the stipend may be withheld until the student reports backto School by personally reporting to their supervisor and the Division.

No leave should be taken without prior application and approval. If students are found to haveleft the country without the Schools approval, they will be issued a warning letter and havetheir stipends deducted.

The above guidelines on application and granting of unofficial leave are applicable to fundedstudents. For self-financed and part-time students, it is not necessary for you to do so.However if a student intends to be away for a period of time and thus unable to continue withtheir studies, we request that they keep their assigned supervisor and Division informed oftheir absence. The other matter to keep in mind is that if they have registered for a course,and missed classes, and do not obtain the minimum GPA grades, their candidature in theprogramme will be reviewed and they may not be able to continue and may be asked towithdraw from the research programme.

4.3 Official Leave of Absence (LOA) for Research Students (including maternityleave)

Application for official leave of absence (LOA) must be submitted to GSO through theSupervisor, Division Head and Associate Chair (Graduate Studies). The candidate shouldsubmit the LOA application to the supervisor at least 7 working days in advance of theleave. Reasons for the application must be clearly stated and relevant supporting documentsmust be attached.

Leave of absence granted will be counted towards the permitted maximum period ofcandidature. If the leave period applied for goes beyond the permitted maximum candidature,student must seek approval from the School for extension of candidature before the LOA can

be processed. The candidature extended must be able to cover the leave period and theadditional time needed to complete the thesis. There is no automatic extension of candidatureto account for the period of leave. In addition, should the student submit the thesis forexamination during the leave period, the student will be liable for fees for the semester.
https://sso.wis.ntu.edu.sg/gslink/nonpers/https://sso.wis.ntu.edu.sg/gslink/nonpers/https://sso.wis.ntu.edu.sg/gslink/nonpers/https://sso.wis.ntu.edu.sg/gslink/nonpers/


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The period of leave of absence is counted towards the permitted maximum period ofcandidature.

Students who are granted LOA after having attended lessons beyond the second week of anew semester (14 days or longer) shall be liable for payment of research fees

for the entire

semester.

Students who are granted LOA but have not attended lessons beyond the second week ( 13days or less) of a semester shall not be liable for the payment of research fees but will beliable for an administrative fee of $53.50 per semester to retain their names on the higherdegree register. Students who are approved to be on leave for a full semester will pay theadministrative fee. Students granted leave for half a semester (either for the first half orsecond half) will still be required to pay half the semester fees but is not required to pay anyadministrative fee.

Please note that retrospective request for LOA is not permitted; fees owed has to be paid upand fees already paid will not be refunded.

Students funded by the University on research scholarship are paid a monthly stipend. Thesestudents are required to be on campus and to work on their research/thesis. To be away fromthe University such funded students have to apply for official LOA, or approved unofficialleave granted by School. No stipend will be paid during the period of official LOA.

The research scholarship will be suspended during the period of LOA, and will be resumedupon confirmation of students return from leave. The scholarship suspension will be countedtowards the maximum period of the scholarship. That is, if the maximum period of scholarshipfor a Ph.D. student is 4 years and the student has taken 2 years of LOA, the student willreceive only 2 years of scholarship.

Special concession may be given to married female research scholars to apply for maternityleave with full scholarship stipend up to a limit of 8 weeks per occasion of childbirth. Approval

is at the discretion of the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) of Schools on case-by-casebasis. Application must be supported by a medical certificate issued by a registered medicalpractitioner in Singapore. The student will be required to submit her thesis within thescholarship tenable period. Request for maternity leave must be submitted in the samemanner as normal official LOA.

Full-time international students granted leave of absence for more than 3 months are requiredto cancel and surrender their Student's Pass as required by Immigration & CheckpointsAuthority, and re-apply for a new Student's Pass through the University at least 4 weeksbefore they resume study.

Research students need not apply for official LOA to go for reservist, and there is nosuspension of RSS stipend during the reservist period either.

Students applying for LOA will need to fill up the Higher Degree Candidature (By Research)Application For Leave of Absence form, which can be found in the GSLink.

4.4 Medical Leave

All medical certificates should be submitted to your supervisor for endorsement, followed bythe Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office. This is applicable only for full-time studentswho are receiving research scholarship or the teaching assistantship funded by the Universityor the School.

More information on leave matters can be found here:http://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/StudentServices/admin/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/StudentServices/admin/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/StudentServices/admin/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/Services/StudentServices/admin/Pages/default.aspx


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4.5 Change of candidature / Conversion from MA to PhD candidature

For change of candidature (e.g. converting candidature from full-time to part-time, convertingcandidature from MA to PhD, etc), candidates must write through your supervisor and theHead of Division, to seek approval from the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office. Thedecision will be conveyed to you by the GSO.

4.6 Request to transfer to another School

Request for transfer to another School has to be submitted IN WRITING through theAssociate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office to the Chair (School of HSS), and to the Chair ofthe School to be transferred to. The student must satisfy the entry requirement of theprogramme he/she wishes to transfer to the other School. The Chairs of both Schools mustapprove of the transfer.

4.7 Withdrawal from research programme

If you wish to withdraw from the programme of study, you must write through your supervisor,

Head of Division, to inform the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office with the form

Students who matriculated their candidature but subsequently withdraw from the programmewithin 13th day of the first semester (i.e. less than the first two weeks), shall still be liable forpayment of the matriculation fee, student card fee, computer fee and amenities fee. However,they will not be liable for research fee and examination fee.

HSS/569/96B Termination of Research Scholarship /Candidature

Students whose request for withdrawal is received after the second week of a semester (14days or longer) shall also be liable for the payment of research fees for the semester.

4.8 Consultation

If you encounter any problem during the course of your candidature, you may consult your

Divisions Graduate Studies Coordinator or the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office.

Associate Chair (Graduate Studies): Assoc Prof Francesco Cavallaro (ext 5302)Assistant Manager: Ivy Goh (ext 7999)

For general enquiries, you can ask the administrative staff, or the secretary of your Division,

4.9 Printing and Photocopying services

All full-time candidates are allowed access to the photocopy and printing facilities located atthe Graduate Students Centre. The quotas are granted to research candidates during yourstudies, up till the submission of thesis for examination, as follow:

The printing quota for Master Research Students is 7,000 pages. The photocopy quota for Master Research Students is 3,000 pages. The printing quota for PhD Research Students is 20,000 pages. The photocopy quota for PhD Research Students is 8,000 pages.

Do keep in mind the quota is only meant for your studies and research. If you are helping asa teaching assistant, research, or with other administration duties, (whether paid or unpaid)you are to use the printing and photocopying provisions of the Divisions, or the faculty whoengaged you to do the work.

If you use up your quota, you will have to pay for your own additional printing andphotocopying.

The Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)s office will provide you with a pin number to accessthe above once we have your login user ID.


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5. FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION / FEES PAYABLE

5.1 University Fees

Fees are revised yearly. As and when fees are revised, the new fees will apply to all existingand new students. All fees are listed in Singapore dollars and are inclusive of Goods and

Services Tax (GST). The University Council reserves the right to alter fees at any time withoutnotice. Fees for each academic year must be paid in advance and within the stipulatedperiods. The fees for the various academic years can be found here:http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspx

Students are also required to pay other miscellaneous fees upon admission.

Other Fees

Matriculation Fee (non-refundable, payable only onceupon admission)

Details of these fees can be found here:

http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspx

Student Matriculation Card Fee(non-refundable, payable onlyonce upon admission)Examination Fee(payable onsubmission of thesis)- Master's Degree- Degree of Doctor of PhilosophyComputer Account Fee (peracademic year)(Payable onadmission)Amenities Fee - applicable tofull-time students only(Payable upon billing togetherwith research fee)Group Hospitalisation & SurgicalInsurance (GHSI) Scheme- Compulsory for all InternationalStudents and SingaporePermanent Residents

The research fees are exclusive of GST. The GST for these programmes are borne by MOE.

5.2 Research Scholarships

The University provides research scholarships to candidates with outstanding academicresults to pursue higher degree studies by research on a full-time basis.

The award is given on condition that you register as a full-timestudent of the University andundertake your studies full-time. You will diligently pursue and complete the higher degreewithin the prescribed period of the award. You are advised to read the terms and conditions inyour letter of offer from Graduate Studies Office carefully. You are expected to submit yourthesis in a form acceptable for examination by the last day of the award

.

The award is tenable for one year in the first instance and is renewable subject to goodprogress. Students who pass the PhD Confirmation Exercise may have their stipendsincreased. Recommendations will be made by the School to the University to have theirstipends increased; this is subject to good performance in research and the attainment of

required standards for courses taken.
http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/R-programs/BeforeApplying-Research/Pages/Fees.aspx


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The maximum period of the award is two years for Master candidates and between three tofour years for PhD candidates; subject to good performance and progress, as well asavailability of research funding.

In addition to the monthly stipend, the award also covers the annual research fee and theannual computer fee.

The recipient shall not be on paid employment or accept paid employment or holdconcurrently any other scholarship, fellowship, bursary or top-up allowance during theprescribed period of the award without the prior approval of the University

.

For information on eligibility, quantum of award and application, please visit the GraduateStudies Office website:http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/scholarships/Pages/ResearchScholarship.aspx

For confirmed PhD candidates, you are not encouraged to downgrade to Master. Those whodowngrade after having received more than 2 years of research scholarship during their PhDstudy will be required to pay back the excess stipend (beyond 2 years

5.3 Financial Assistance (Tuition Fee Loan)

) upon downgrading toMasters candidature.

Candidates enrolled in the research programmes are eligible to apply for a Tuition Fee Loanof up to the equivalent of 90%

of tuition fee payable by Singapore citizens.

The University has appointed selected banks as agents to administer the Tuition Fee LoanScheme. For further information, please visit:http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/Pages/financialassistance.aspx#tuition
http://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/scholarships/Pages/ResearchScholarship.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/scholarships/Pages/ResearchScholarship.aspxhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/Pages/financialassistance.aspx#tuitionhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/Pages/financialassistance.aspx#tuitionhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/Pages/financialassistance.aspx#tuitionhttp://admissions.ntu.edu.sg/graduate/scholarships/Pages/ResearchScholarship.aspx


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6. REVIEW OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF RESEARCH CANDIDATES

Your supervisor and the Division will be the primary reviewer of your progress, andperformance. Please also refer to the milestone charts below:

6.1 Milestones and study plan for PhD research students

REQUIREMENTS, STUDY PLAN /WHAT TO DO WHEN / REMARKS

1. After accepting offer; be matriculated Late August for Semester 1 AugustIntake

Late December for Semester 2January Intake

2. Submit Student Data Form- Report to School after matriculating with Graduate

Studies Office (GSO).- Complete the form and submit to Associate Chair

(Graduate Studies) for endorsement.- Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) office to submit to

GSO to relay to Office of Finance.

After reporting to School and assoon as possibleFor authorisation & payrollprocessing

Form: Research Student Data form

3. Proposed Research Topic & Supervisor Form- Find suitable supervisor to work with.- Submit research topic and brief write-up- Supervisor to submit the form through Head of Division,

Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) to Chair for approval.

to supervisor.

- Approved form to be submitted by the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies) office to GSO.

After matriculation and commencingyour candidature at the University

Forms: Proposed research topic and

supervisor for Higher degreecandidates by research

4. Study Plan and Thesis Advisory Committee- Work out study plan for the candidature period with your

supervisor- Supervisor and student through the Division, form aThesis advisory Committee to approve study plan andassess students progress

- The formed Thesis Advisory Committee to be submittedto Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) to send to GSO.

Study plan needs to be approved bysupervisor, or by the Thesis

Advisory Committee, if it is formed

5. Courses Requirement- Research students in the PhD programme must take 6

courses during the first 2 to 4 semesters of your studies.- A minimum CGPA of 3.5 must be attained.- After completion of the coursework requirement to pass

the Confirmation Exercise.

- Research students may appeal for up to 3 coursesexemption on the basis of having taken graduate levelcourses in their previous graduate programme.

- Student may be required to attend weekly researchseminar.

- PhD students admitted from AY2009-10 onwards arerequired to take the English courses HWG702-SmallGroup Teaching, and HWG703-Graduate English (whichmay be exempted for those who meet the exemptioncriteria), which is over and above the 6-courserequirement.

- The School may require you to take on additionalcourses which are necessary for your research.

- You may apply to take additional courses on top of the 6-course requirement but please note that all courses taken(excluding English courses) counts toward your CGPA

Registration of courses are to beapproved by supervisor, or advisedby the Graduate StudiesCoordinator and the Division, andconveyed to the Associate Chair

(Graduate Studies)s office.

The 6-course requirements must becompleted by the second year ofyour candidature or earlier.Economics Division candidateshave to complete the 6-courserequirements by the end of the firstyear. English courses have to bepassed as well.


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score.

Note: CGPA is the Cumulative Grade Point Average.6. Start of Research & Progress Report

- Research students to work with their supervisor to submitresearch progress report every 12 months.

Note: The progress reports are also used as a basis todetermine whether your candidature will be renewed ordiscontinued.

Progress monitored by supervisorand Thesis Advisory Committee, if it

is formed

Form: Six monthly research

progress report

7. Confirmation Exercise- After completing your subjects and achieving the CGPA

requirement, you will be required to go through a andpass a Confirmation Exercise (CE). The CE panel will beformed by the Division

- You will be informed accordingly to make preparations.- You will be required to submit 5 ring-bound copies of

your confirmation report to your supervisor. The reportshould contain both the work you had done, and yourplans for future research. It should be concise andprecise. A significant part of it must contain details offuture work and a time schedule towards completing yourcandidature and the writing up of a thesis. An in-depthliterature review of your approved research topic isrequired which form part of the report.

- If you do not pass the Confirmation Exercise, you may berequired to undergo another Confirmation within a fixedperiod.

- Research students who are not confirmed may bedowngraded to Masters candidature or given an optionto exit by transferring to a Master by courseworkprogramme. Please note that the funding for yourstudies may be terminated, if you are not confirmed as aPhD candidate. For scholars the Research Scholarshipwill be terminated, and you will have to continue on self-financing basis.

- The panels report and recommendation would beconveyed through the School to GSO.

Note: The purpose of the PhD confirmation is to ensure thatresearch students demonstrate a good grasp of theirresearch area and topic.

After attaining the subjects andCGPA requirements, and by thesecond year of your candidature, orearlier for Division of Economicscandidates.

For all students, and to besubmitted to School to convey toGSO:

Form: Confirmation or conversion

of candidature /renewal ofaward / assessment ofprogress

8. Completion of Thesis- PhD student to go through Supervisor to inform the Headof Division, and the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)office to commence the appointment and approvalexaminers three months before your forecasted finalthesis submission. The appointment of examiners mustbe approved by GSO before it is deemed official.

Note: Please refer to attached Regulations and Formats forSubmission of Thesis.

To work out with your supervisor onthe expected thesis completion date3 months

ahead, and submitthrough Division.

Form: Appointment of Examiners

for Higher DegreeCandidates by Research

9. Submission of Thesis

To ensure the successful submission of thesis, students must

take note to submit the following:- Thesis with a copy of abstract;- Receipt issued by Office of Finance for examination

fee and semester tuition fees;

Thesis to be submitted according tothe deadline prescribed accordingto the period of your funding award.

Forms: Supervisor's report on

submission of thesis for


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- A copy of academic records printed via GSLink;- 3 ring-bound copies of the PhD Thesis

(Note: Please check the terms of your funding award onwhether the research fee is payable by you or paid by theaward given to you. If your funding award has lapsed, you

have to pay for the semester tuition fees and all othermiscellaneous fees. )

Note: the date your supervisor signed in form SupervisorsReport on Submission of Thesis for Examination determinesthe last date you will receive your stipend for the month. GSOwill also determine the tuition fees you are liable for, whetherfull semester or half a semester of tuition fee. You shouldsubmit the final draft to your supervisor in advance for him tohave time to review and approve your final draft.

examination

Sample Academic Recordfrom GSLink

Normally PhD candidates take 3 to5 years for their studies. This is not

tied to the length of funding you arereceiving. If the given funding hasexpired, the PhD student wouldhave to continue on self-financingbasis ie. find your own means topay for your own upkeep and allfees which are due.

To request for extension of timebeyond the deadline given tocomplete thesis, the PhD studentwould have to write in with validreasons for Associate Chairs

approval.

Form: Extension of time for

submission of thesis

10.

Examination of Thesis- For PhD thesis, the panel of examiners will consist of one

internal examiner and two 2 external examiners.

The examiners are given twomonths for examination. Takinginto account time for the thesisparcel to be sent and returned, thedecisions of the examiners may beknown in 3 months.

11.

Amendments of Thesis- If the examiners recommend amendments- the examined

thesis and required amendments and questions to beanswered would be sent by GSO through the School andsupervisor to the PhD student.

- Students should work with the supervisor onamendments and reply to questions posed.

A research student is given a 6months fee-free period to re-submitthe amended thesis and answerthe questions posed by examiners.

If the amendments take more than6 months, the research studentwould be liable to pay tuition feesand apply for extension of time tosubmit the amended thesis.

If the maximum PhD candidatureperiod of 5-year has lapsed, thePhD student has to apply to theChair for extension of the maximumcandidature.

Form: Submission of amended

thesis for re-examination

12.

Re-examination of thesis- The amended thesis certified ready by the supervisor for

re-examination is endorsed by the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies), and conveyed through the AssociateChair (Graduate Studies)s office to GSO to send for re-examination.

Examiners will be given 2 weeks toa month to re-examine the thesis.


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- If the examiners still recommend amendments theprocess as described in para 11 would be repeated.

- If the examiners accept the amended thesis, GSO willconvey the decisions to the School and your supervisorso that an oral examination can be arranged.

13

.

Oral Examination for PhD Candidate

- The student is required to submit 3 or more final ring-bound copies of his/her thesis through GSO to themembers of the Oral Examination Panel.

- Oral Examination Panel will be scheduled to review thefinal thesis, and conduct the oral examination with thePhD candidate.

- The Panel may decide whether the PhD candidate haspassed the oral examination, require another oralexamination to be held, or require further amendments tothe thesis.

- While amending the thesis for the Oral ExaminationPanels review, the student may be required to pay tuitionfees if he has already used up the 6 months fee-free

period granted for thesis amendments.- The Oral Examination Panel may recommend that a PhD

student be awarded a Master degree.- If the Oral Examination Panel recommends that the

thesis be accepted for the award of the degree of PhD;GSO would inform the candidate to submit 2 or morehard bound thesis copies. Minor corrections may still berequired which would be checked either by a Panelmember, or the supervisor.

Note: the formats for the hard bound submissions would beissued by GSO through the supervisor for the PhDcandidates compliance.

After all the examiners hadrecommended that the thesis beaccepted for the award of thedegree subject to the PhDcandidate passing the oralexamination.

The Oral Examination is scheduledaccording to panel membersavailability.

14.

Awarding of PhD Degree by the University- Once the student has passed his thesis, oral

examination, submitted his hardbound thesis and paidany outstanding fees, his name will be submitted to GSOfor the conferment of his degree.

After submission of hard boundcopies, and fulfilling all prescribedrequirements.

15.

Degree Conferred- GSO will send the conferment letters to the graduates.

The letter can be used as proof of the degree obtained,pending the Convocation Ceremony and the issue of thedegree certificates.

- Once the degree is conferred, the PhD student isdeemed a graduate of the University.

Note: if proof of status is required, the graduate may applyonline via GSLink for GSO to issue a certification letter, orpay for a copy of the transcript which would stipulate thesubjects taken and the degree awarded.

After the award of degrees.

6.2 Milestones and study plan for Master of Arts research students

REQUIREMENTS, STUDY PLAN /WHAT TO DO WHEN / REMARKS

1. After accepting offer; be matriculated Late July for Semester 1 AugustIntake

Late December for Semester 2

January Intake2. Submit Student Data Form

- Report to School after matriculating with GraduateStudies Office (GSO).

After reporting to School and assoon as possible


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- Complete the form and submit to Associate Chair(Graduate Studies) for endorsement.

- Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) office to submit toGSO to relay to Office of Finance.

For authorisation & payrollprocessing

Form: Research Student Data form

3. Proposed Research Topic & Supervisor Form

- Find suitable supervisor to work with.- Submit research topic and brief write-up- Supervisor to submit through Head of Division,

Associate Chair (Graduate Studies) to Chair forapproval.

to supervisor.

- Approved form to be submitted by the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies) office to GSO.

After matriculation and commencing

your candidature at the University

Forms: Proposed research topic and

supervisor for Higher degreecandidates by research

Request to changesupervisor(s)

Request for change of thesistitle

4. Study Plan and Thesis Advisory Committee- Work out study plan for the candidature period with your

supervisor

- Supervisor and student to keep the Division informed ofprogress in studies and forecasted review date andcandidature confirmation

Study plan needs to be approved bysupervisor, and to be monitored bythe Division.

5. Courses Requirement- Research students in the MA programme must take 3

courses during the first 2 semesters of your studies.- A minimum CGPA of 3.0 must be attained.- After completion of the coursework requirement,

students will need to pass the Confirmation Exercise.- Research students may appeal for up to one course

exemption on the basis of having taken graduate levelcourses in their previous graduate programme.

- Student may be required to attend weekly researchseminar.

- The School may require you to take on additionalcourses which are necessary for your research.

- Above the requirements stipulated, you may apply totake additional courses but please note that all coursestaken (excluding English courses) counts toward yourCGPA score.

Note: CGPA is the Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Registration of courses to beapproved by supervisor, or adviceby the Graduate StudiesCoordinator and the Division, andconveyed to the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies)s office.

The 3 courses requirements mustbe completed by the end of the firstyear.

6. Start of Research & Progress Report- Research students to work with their supervisor to

submit research progress report every 12 months

Note: The progress reports are also used as a basis todetermine whether your candidature and scholarship inthe research programme can be continued.

Progress monitored by supervisorand Thesis Advisory Committee, if itis formed

Form: Six monthly research

progress report7. Confirmation Exercise

- After completing your courses and achieving the CGPArequirement, you will be required to go through a andpass the Confirmation Exercise (CE). The CE panel willbe formed by the divisions.

- You will be informed accordingly to make preparations.

- You will be required to submit 5 ring-bound copies of

your confirmation report to your supervisor. The reportshould contain both the work you had done, and yourplans for future research. It should be concise andprecise. A significant part of it must contain details of

After attaining the courses andCGPA requirements

Form: Confirmation or conversion

of candidature /renewal ofaward / assessment of

progress


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future work and a time schedule towards completingyour candidature and the writing up of a thesis. An in-depth literature review of your approved research topicis required which form part of the report.

- If you do not pass the Confirmation Exercise, you may

be required to undergo another Confirmation within afixed period.

- The panels report and recommendation would beconveyed through the School to GSO.

Note: The purpose of the Confirmation Exercise is to ensureresearch students demonstrate a good grasp of theirresearch area and topic.

8. Completion of Thesis- MA student to go through Supervisor to inform the Head

of Division, and the Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)office to commence with search and appointment of

examiners, and to seek approval of examiners to beappointed by GSO three months before your forecastedfinal thesis submission.

To work out with your supervisor onthe expected thesis completion date3 months

ahead, and inform the

Division.

Form: Appointment of Examiners

for Higher DegreeCandidates by Research

9. Submission of ThesisTo ensure the successful submission of thesis, studentsmust take note to submit the following:

- Thesis with a copy of abstract;- Receipt issued by Office of Finance for examination

fee and semester tuition fees;- A copy of academic records printed via GSLink;

- 2 ring-bound copies of the MA Thesis

(Note: Please check the terms of your funding award onwhether the research fee is payable by you or paid by theaward given to you. If your funding award has lapsed, youhave to pay for the semester tuition fees and all othermiscellaneous fees. )

Note: the date your supervisor signed in form SupervisorsReport on Submission of Thesis for Examination determinesthe last date you will receive your stipend for the month.GSO will also determine the tuition fees you are liable for,

whether full semester or half a semester of tuition fee. Youshould submit the final draft to your supervisor in advancefor him to have time to review and approve your final draft.

Thesis to be submitted according tothe deadline prescribed accordingto the period of your funding award.

Forms: Supervisor's report on

submission of thesis for

examination Sample Academic Record

from GSLink

Normally MA candidates take 2 to 3years for their studies. This is nottied to the length of funding you arereceiving. If the given funding hasexpired, the MA student would haveto continue on self-financing basisie. find your own means to pay foryour own upkeep and all fees whichare due.

To request for extension of timebeyond the deadline given tocomplete thesis the MA studentwould have to write in with validreasons for Associate Chairsapproval.

Form: Extension of time for

submission of thesis10. Examination of Thesis

- For MA thesis there will be one internal examiner and asecond examiner (could be internal or external)appointed to examine the thesis.

The examiners are given twomonths for examination. Takinginto account time for thesis parcel tobe sent and returned, the decisions


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of examiners may be known in 3months.

11. Amendments of Thesis- If the examiners recommend amendments- the

examined thesis and required amendments andquestions to be answered would be sent by GSO

through the School and supervisor to the MA student.- MA Student to work with supervisor on amendments,

and to reply to questions posed.

A research student is given 6months fee-free period to re-submitthe amended thesis. And to answerthe question posed by examiners.

If the amendments take more than6 months, the research studentwould be liable to pay tuition feesand apply for extension of time tosubmit the amended thesis.

If the maximum MA candidatureperiod of 3-year has lapsed, the MAstudent has to apply to theAssociate Chair for extension of themaximum candidature.Form:

Submission of amendedthesis for re-examination

12. Re-examination of thesis- The amended thesis must be endorsed by the

supervisor and Chair. The Associate Chair (GraduateStudies)s office will then send the amended thesis toGSO for re-examination

- If the examiners still recommend amendments theprocess as described in para 11 would be repeated.

- If the examiners accept the amended thesis, GSO willconvey the decisions to the School and the supervisor.An oral examination can then be arranged.

Examiners given 2 weeks to amonth to re-examine the thesis.

13. Awarding of MA Degree by the University

Once the student has passed his thesis, oral examination,submitted his hardbound thesis and paid any outstandingfees, his name will be submitted to GSO for the confermentof his degree.

After submission of hard boundcopies, and fulfilling all prescribedrequirements.

15. Degree Conferred- GSO would send the conferment letters to the

graduates. The letter can be used as proof of thedegree obtained, pending the Convocation Ceremonyand the issue of the degree certificates.

- Once the degree is conferred, the MA student isdeemed a graduate of the University.

Note: if proof of status is required, the graduate may applyonline via GSLink for GSO to issue a certification letter, orpay for a copy of the transcript which would stipulate thesubjects taken and the degree awarded.

After the award of degrees.

6.3 Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)

The Division may decide to appoint a TAC for research candidates on the PhD track.Responsibilities of the TAC include the monitoring of the students progress and completingthe annual research progress report. The TAC shall recommend the renewal of Universityaward, and continuation or termination of candidature to the Chair and GSO. The TAC willalso assess the students submitted thesis and determine if it is satisfactory to be sent for

examination.

Research candidates on the MA track do not require the setting up of a TAC although the finaldecision is by the Division.


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6.4 Submission of Annual Progress Report for Renewal of University Award (bothMA and PhD candidates)

The Supervisor would need to put up a one-page annual progress report on the researchwork done by his/her student together with the students Academic Record (available fromGSLink) with the current CGPA. Additionally, the Supervisor would need to indicate whether

the students award should be renewed for the next 6 or 12 months in the progress report.

6.5 Submission of Confirmation Report for Master / PhD Candidature

You will be required to submit 3 copies (MA) or 5 copies (PhD) of your confirmation report toyour supervisor. The report should contain both the work done and your plans for futurework. It should be concise and precise. A significant part of it must contain details of futurework and a time-schedule towards completing your candidature. An in-depth literature reviewof your approved research topic is required which forms part of the report.

Students are advised to complete their course requirements as soon as possible. The coursefulfillment deadline for PhD students is 24 months or 12 months for MA students. Please referto Section 3 of this document.

Note: Full-time PhD students from January 2011 Intake onwards must confirm theircandidature within 18 months, while Part-Time PhD student will still confirm within 24 months.

6.6 Notification & Final Submission of Thesis

You are required to notify the School of the date of submission of your thesis at least threemonths in advance before your forecasted submission of your thesis in a form suitable forexamination. This is to expedite the process of appointing the examiners for your thesis.Please NOTE that you should have worked out with your supervisor on the schedule of yourdraft submissions to him, and obtain his approval of your forecasted timeframe to completethe final draft thesis.

You should submit 2 copies (for MA programme) / 3 copies (for PhD programme) of your ring-bound thesis together with the following forms to your supervisor.

R/566/96C Supervisors Report on submission of thesis for examination A copy of your Academic Record printed from GSLink to show that your courses have

been completed, and the requisite CGPA for graduation had been achieved.

Please take note of the following:

The thesis must comply with the regulations and formats of the University (refer toattached file for the Regulation and Format for submission of thesis).

The thesis must contain an abstract not exceeding 500 words. If the thesis is written

in Chinese, then an English version of the abstract has to be included. A copy of the examination fee receipt should be submitted together with the thesis. If the title of the thesis is different from the approved research title submitted to GSO

before, please submit the form Request for Change in Title of Thesis

.

6.7 Application for Extension of Thesis Submission Deadline

Students on research scholarship who are unable to submit the thesis by the last day of theaward must write in through their supervisor, Head of Division, to apply to the Associate Chair(Graduate Studies)s office for an extension of the thesis submission deadline. Do note thatyou will be continuing studies on self-financing basis, and liable to pay fees

until the thesis is

certified ready by your supervisor.

Self-financing full-time and part-time students are expected to submit their thesis by the endof their maximum candidature period. If they are unable to do so, they will have to apply for


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an extension of their maximum candidature with a forecast of when they will be able to submitthe thesis for examination.

6.8 Presentation for Oral Defense of Thesis

Prior to submission of thesis to be sent out for examination, PhD candidates must give an oral

defense presentation of their thesis.

All research students are welcome to attend the presentation for the PhD Oral defense.Announcement of these presentation(s) will be made via e-mail to all research students


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School of HSS Research Progra

graduate programme handbook 2011

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