Public Policy and Global Affairs offers full-time Ph.D. by research
program. Increasingly renowned in Asia for equipping our students with in-depth
quantitative and qualitative
research skills to address issues in the richly interrelated fields of Public
Policy, Public Administration, Comparative Politics and Global Affairs with an
Asia-pacific focus; the Public Policy and Global Affairs (PPGA) has become a
fast growing research-intensive program in Asia.
We attract students from various territories, from China, Europe, Japan
and Australia, which makes the student community and research environment a
very culturally lively and diverse one.
Our faculty conduct research on a wide variety of current and innovative
topics that include but not limited to: Public Policy and Management, Public
Servant Motivation, E-Government and Governance, Public Budgeting and Finance,
Public Administration Theory, Comparative Public Administration, Talent
Strategies and Management in China and Singapore, International Relations
Theory, International Security (East Asia), Foreign Policy Analysis, Chinese Foreign
Policy, The Rise of China, China in Africa and Singapore’s Foreign Policy.
Research undertaken by our students include a study of Public Sector Motivation
(PSM) in certain parts of Central Asia and a study of China’s foreign military
security policy towards Taiwan and the South China Sea from 2000 to 2017.
Our
program rigorously trains our students for research-intensive careers. Many of
our graduates pursue successful academic careers in renowned universities in
Asia, U.S.A. and the UK. Furthermore, many have entered national and
international governmental bodies such as the policy-making sectors and
non-profit sectors as well as private sectors in many regions worldwide.
Equally noteworthy, our graduates have also been employed in local and international
think-tanks.
The Ph.D. program in Public Policy & Global Affairs is a
full-time program. Part-time study or M.A. is not offered.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D.
Cohorts 2016 and before
Ph.D. students must complete and pass the following:
- Six Core Courses: Theories of Public Policy (HA9001) or Independent Studies (HA9888), Theories of Public Administration (HA9002), Quantitative Methods in Global Affairs (HA9004), Qualitative Research Methods (HA9005), Introduction to History of Political Thought (HA9006), and Theories of International Relations (HA9007) (18 Academic Units)
Cohorts 2017 and onwards
Ph.D. students must complete and pass the following:
Typically, Ph.D. students complete the
coursework requirement within the first three semesters. They should maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of
3.50. They are also required to complete Epigeum Research Integrity (online course),
HWG703 Graduate English (unless exempted),
HWG702 Small Group Teaching, Information Research & Management (online
course) and attend research seminars. Students on scholarship might have
additional requirements to fulfil. Students are encouraged to work closely with
their supervisor and the graduate co-ordinator to ensure timely completion of
all the requirements.
Ph.D.
students will have to submit and defend their thesis proposal as part of the
Qualifying Examination (also known as the Confirmation Exercise). The Qualifying
Examination should be completed within 18 months from start of candidature. The
final completed thesis will be examined by a panel of internal and external
examiners, after which, an oral examination will be held. Refer to the Timeline and Milestones for more
instructions.
Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP)
Students receiving
scholarship from the Ministry of Education (MOE) – RSS / NPGS / Grants – are
required to fulfil the Graduate Assistantship Program (GAP). GAP is a set of
hours divided into Teaching / Research / Development duties determined by the
type of scholarship and nationality. The GAP is a form of in-service obligation
effected for Cohort 2014 and onwards and has to be completed 6 months before the
submission of the thesis.