NGS recognizes that solving many of the most challenging problems in science, engineering, and/or medicine requires an integrative research approach. Our PhD programmes are firmly anchored in cross-disciplinary research. NGS offers an overarching spectrum of research areas, spanning science, engineering, related aspects of medicine, and interactive & digital media. Students have access to ample resources, a world-class infrastructure, and receive supervision from top-flight academics from NUS and research institutes under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

NGS PhD programmes are entirely student-centred. Students can select a research area of their own personal interests, and devise their research projects jointly with their carefully chosen research supervisors. This allows students to switch to a new discipline, if they wish. To support their research, each student can tailor-make his/her coursework from a menu of courses. Students can select up to three research supervisors from different disciplines. Through the course of their PhD journey, each student will have innumerable opportunities to apply their new knowledge and skills in novel and integrative ways.

NGS 4-year, highly research-intensive, fully-funded PhD programmes, are open to outstanding Bachelor degree holders (and above, e.g. Masters), with excellent research potential, from all branches of life, physical, computer, and engineering sciences, medicine, and interactive & digital media.

NGS’ PhD programmes are made up of the following:

1. Coursework

   Composed of courses in the various fields and workshops relevant to the research topic, laboratory rotation, undergraduate teaching, and research supervision. Click here for the details. 

2. Research project and thesis

   Our PhD students are given guidance throughout their candidature by not only their supervisor(s), but also a panel making up their Thesis Advisory Committee. The thesis and oral examination enable students to effectively present and discuss all aspects of their research.

3. Publication of first- or second-authored research papers in top-tier journals.

Interaction between students, faculty and postdocs is greatly encouraged. In addition to lab work and supervisor meetings, NGS provides numerous platforms for idea exchange, presentation skills and networking. Each year, supervisors and students will have poster sessions and presentation forums. An annual Academic Staff-Student Retreat takes place for brainstorming; as well as a student-organized Symposium, attracting lecturers from around the world. All of the events foster a greater sense of unity among staff and students alike.

Prospective students are encouraged to research their options and determine if NGS is the right graduate school for you. It will be a challenging programme, full of amazing rewards and outcomes!