NUS Bulletin AY2025/26

The Faculty of Dentistry provides a dynamic environment for basic, translational, and clinical research, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure and dedicated facilities.

In our research programmes, research students conduct independent research under the guidance of dedicated Thesis Advisors, attend coursework, and submit a thesis based on their research findings.

Aligned with our mission to champion person-centred care, we integrate innovative research with transformative education.

The Faculty of Dentistry offers numerous opportunities for those pursuing advanced research degrees, including Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programmes.

We are committed to advancing cutting-edge science
and translating it into innovative, patient-centered solutions. Our research is organized around three key thrusts:

• Value-Driven Care
• Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics
• Oral Craniofacial Health Surveillance and Promotion

These thrusts are supported by interdisciplinary teams with expertise in:

• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Population Oral Health and Services Research
• Precision Dentistry

Being a small Faculty, we are highly selective in admitting candidates with suitable qualifications. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature are as follows:

Research candidates may be admitted as full-time or part-time students. However, foreign students on student pass must pursue their studies on a full-time basis. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature for both full-time and part-time programmes are the same.

For MSc candidates:

• A good GPA with Bachelor degrees in dentistry, medicine, life sciences, biomedical engineering or related fields

For PhD candidates:

• A good GPA with degrees in dentistry, medicine, life sciences, biomedical engineering or related fields.

Other Requirements:

• Interview (at the discretion of Faculty);
• Proficiency in English Language (both verbal and written);
• All applicants except those from universities in Singapore, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines are to submit evidence of English language proficiency:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – minimum 580 (paper-based score) / minimum 237 (computer-based score) / minimum 85 (internet-based score) OR
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – the score should be 6 and above

[Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.  Candidates need to submit fresh scores if they took the test more than two years ago]

• GRE Scores [PhD applications only - Optional]

Aggregate minimum score of 320 is set for the GRE Verbal (V) and Quantitative (Q) sections and a minimum score of 3.5 is set for the Analytical (A) section

Coursework Requirements

MSc (+ thesis not exceeding 40,000 words)

• 1 compulsory Statistics course – MDG5108 Biostatistics for Basic Research or IE5002 Applied Engineering Statistics
• 1 compulsory DY 5190 Graduate Seminar course
• 1 compulsory course NG5001 Academic Communication for Graduate Researchers
• Any 1 elective course (at level > 5000 and > 4MC)

PhD (+ thesis not exceeding 80,000 words)

• 1 compulsory Statistics course – MDG5108 Biostatistics for Basic Research or IE6002 Advance Engineering Statistics
• 1 compulsory DY5190 Graduate Seminar course
• 1 compulsory course NG5001 Academic Communication for Graduate Researchers
• 1 compulsory course NG5002 Research Ethics for Graduate Researchers
• Any 3 elective courses (at level > 5000 and > 4MC)

Please visit this link for details on the NUS Research Scholarships

Research scholars are required to render a nominal 6 hours of work per week without remuneration. The work rendered will be in the nature of research done by the research scholar for supervisors or other related academic work as designated by the thesis advisor or Vice Dean (Graduate Studies and Lifelong Learning) Office. Please note that the University does not guarantee employment to research scholars upon completion of their candidature.