Master of Science in Physics by Coursework

Important: Candidates are strongly encouraged to check with Registrar’s Office for any possible official updates.

  • Advanced training in both experimental and theoretical Physics, with all graduate courses offered at the Department of Physics and the Centre of Quantum Technologies (CQT) being elective courses for MSc Physics students.
  • Graduates of this programme have various career options. They can join institutes, universities or government agencies as research associates, educators, or take jobs like staff scientists, R&D managers, project managers, etc. in the private sector.
  • Graduates from this programme are encouraged to apply for PhD programmes in NUS and/or other world-class universities.
  • Opportunities for Physics teachers and other professionals to further upgrade their professional skills and qualifications.

Track 1 – 40 units

Read and pass 40 units

i. At least 24 units of PC5XXX or QT5XXX courses (excluding PC5198 and PC5287); and

ii. Up to 8 units of PC4XXX courses; and

iii. Up to 8 units of level 5000 courses offered by other departments, subject to approval.

iv. Students may choose to complete a research project in lieu of courses – PC5286 equivalent to 8 units.

Track 2 – 80 units

Read and pass 80 units

i. At least 28 units of PC5XXX or QT5XXX courses (excluding PC5198 and PC5287); and

ii. Up to 36 units of PC4XXX courses; and

iii. Up to 8 units of PC3XXX courses; and

iv. Up to 8 units of level 5000 courses offered by other departments, subject to approval.

v. Students may choose to complete a research project in lieu of courses – PC5286 equivalent to 8 units

Guidelines for MSc (Physics) Project Course PC5286 From AY 2022 onwards

The programme has one intake per year, with candidates joining in August every year. This programme is offered as a full-time programme and a part-time programme.

TrackFull-timePart-time
12 – 4 semesters (or 1 – 2 years)4 – 8 semesters (or 2 – 4 years)
24 – 6 semesters (or 2 – 3 years)6 – 10 semesters (or 3 – 5 years)

Most courses will be scheduled during the day and are conducted in person. As part-time and full-time students will be reading a common set of courses, part-time students are expected to make their own arrangements to attend the day classes. Please refer to the timetable published on our website for reference (Navigation: Current Students > Timetable).

One intake per academic year in August.

  • Applicants have completed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Physics or Applied Physics.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a specialisation on semiconductors, electronics, photonics, or materials science may also be considered.
  • Applicants whose native language or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English must have a TOEFL or IELTS score of minimum 85 or 6, respectively.
  • Candidates with other qualifications and achievements deemed to be suitably prepared for the MSc in Physics programme may also be considered.

Why Apply for Early Admission?

Early Admission allows you to make your decision sooner and gives you more time to prepare and complete the required application materials. If you have maintained a strong academic track record and notable achievements, applying early can be a strategic advantage, as it gives you the chance to secure a place in our programme ahead of others.

An added benefit: if you are not shortlisted during the Early Admission cycle, your application will automatically be reconsidered during the Regular Admission cycle—giving you a second opportunity for selection.

Application Period

  • 16 May to 15 July (Early Admission cycle). Application outcome by 30 September.
  • 1 October to 15 March (Regular Admission Cycle). Application outcome by 30 May.

Selection is conducted in multiple rounds on a rolling basis. Applicants are evaluated on a competitive basis, with each round assessing candidates based on their individual merits.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The outcome of the application evaluation is final, and no appeals will be entertained.

Application Fee

Non-refundable S$100 (inclusive of GST)

Offer Acceptance Fee

S$5,450 (inclusive of prevailing GST)
This is a non-refundable and non-transferable fee, payable upon acceptance of the offer.

Supporting Documents

Proof of Residence
  • For Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents: Identity Card (Pink/Blue NRIC)
  • For International Applicants: Passport with valid dates (information page)
  • For Work Pass (Employment Pass), Long-Term Visit Pass, Dependent’s Pass and other Passes (if applicable)

Please provide both the Front and Back of these documents in full colour.

Transcript(s)
  • Official transcript from each university or college attended. (From bachelor’s degree onwards)
  • The university’s grading system (usually indicated at the back of the transcript)
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) document, if your transcript does not reflect the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) or weighted average score.
Degree Scroll(s)
  • For students who have graduated at the time of application, submission of the degree scroll is required. A degree scroll is the official document awarded to a student upon completion of all required courses and graduation requirements for their undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
  • Students who have not yet graduated from their undergraduate studies at the point of application are to provide a Student Status Letter from their university. The letter should contain their enrolment status and candidature period.
Valid TOEFL/IELTS score report
  • Applicants from countries whose native language is not English and who’s medium of university instruction is not conducted completely in English will need to upload the official score sheet of TOEFL (≥85) or IELTS (≥6.0) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
  • The TOEFL/IELTS scores must be valid for two (2) years from the test date and should not have expired at the point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
Financial support
  • Applicants will need to select “Self-Support” under the Source of Finance field and upload a financial statement.
  • International applicants must submit documentary evidence of their ability to support their study (i.e. bank statement of at least SGD $48,000 (or its equivalent) for Track 1 applicants, or SGD $84,000 (or its equivalent) for Track 2 applicants).
  • Applicants who are sponsored by an individual or organisation will need to provide a letter from the sponsor with details of the sponsorship.
  • Applicants who are working in Singapore and are applying for admission to the part-time programme may upload a copy of their recent payslip.
Other Supporting Documents
  • Resume/CV summarising your education qualifications, work experience and achievements.
  • Personal Statement (Share your motivations for applying to the programme)
  • Scholarships, awards and prizes received, etc., if applicable.
  • Professional certificates, etc., if applicable.

Please note:

  • All applicants should apply online via the Graduate Admission System (GDA3).
  • Applicants should browse the Applicant Guide to the Graduate Admission System before applying.
  • All supporting documents must be uploaded (in pdf format) by the application closing date. Official English translations must be provided if the original document is not in English.
  • All supporting documents must be named in English before uploading them in the Graduate Admission System.
  • The total file size of all uploaded documents in the application portal is 10 MB.
  • Applicants do not need to arrange to send the official IELTS/TOEFL test scores from the test centre to the programme. Applicants will only need to upload the scanned copy of the IELTS/TOEFL test certificate and indicate the test scores in the application system.
  • No candidate may concurrently be a student for more than one degree or register as a NUS candidate and of another university/institute.
  • Applicants must produce the originals of all supporting documents when requested if admitted to the programme.
  • Applications that contain inaccurate or false information, lack necessary supporting documents, or are submitted without payment of the application fee will be deemed invalid. The University reserves the right to reject incomplete or inaccurate applications. Applicants who gain admission based on false information may face expulsion.

Important:
The University does not appoint or collaborate with external agencies for graduate student recruitment. All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications directly to the University. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.

Track 1
Track 2
Other fees component
FOS ASEAN Master’s Study Award

The FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award is offered to support outstanding students from ASEAN member countries (excluding Singapore). Each scholarship will be granted as a partial tuition fee waiver for the programme. All FoS Coursework Master Programme applicants from the ASEAN region who have accepted the admissions offers will automatically be considered for FoS ASEAN Master’s Study Award and will not be required to submit a separate application for the scholarship.

The recipient must meet all below requirements to be eligible:

  • Citizens of an ASEAN* member country, excluding Singapore
  • Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and active participation in community service or extracurricular activities during their undergraduate study.
  • Accepted the admission offer to the full-time FoS Coursework Master Programme
  • Non-NUS alumnus who will receive the prevailing tuition fee rebate at university level
  • Not a recipient of another NUS Scholarship/Study Award/Financial Aid

*ASEAN member countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam), excluding citizens or permanent residents of Singapore.

  • Submit an Enquiry
  • Mailing address: MSc by Coursework Programmes, Department of Physics, Block S12, Level 2, 2 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117551