PhD Programmes in Singapore 2025

The PhD in Development Economics is a research degree offered by the Department of Economics and is also part of the PhD pathway, 'International Development', within the Bloomsbury Doctoral Training Partnership. The latter forms one of the few Centres recognised by the UK's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), thereby receiving financial support, and especially individual grants, for MSc and PhD students.

Sociologists examine the taken for granted “facts” of society, often exposing unsavoury and under-investigated parts of contemporary social life. NTU Sociology provides research training through full-time and part-time M.A. and Ph.D. by research, designed to give you the academic training needed to pursue your interests and produce rigorous social science.

The rapidly ageing population in Singapore, and concomitant need for trained professionals in the health, social and psychological services have given rise to an imperative need for Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Graduate Diploma in Gerontology, Master of Gerontology and PhD in Gerontology programmes. As the needs of elder people are specialised, dedicated attention within the training to address specific characteristics such as the ageing process, demands interdisciplinary courses in Gerontology.

Public Policy and Global Affairs (PPGA) offers full-time and part-time Ph.D. by research. It is a fast-growing research programme in Asia with a vibrant research community. Current faculty research interests include but are not limited to: Foreign Policy Analysis, Regionalism and Regional Integration (European Union, ASEAN), Chinese Foreign Policy, etc.

Psychology offers full-time and part-time M.A. and Ph.D. by research. Students in the programme will be situated in an opportune position to explore and choose from a wide array of research areas that the school endeavours in. From infant to elderly populations, from qualitative to neurobiological techniques, we offer extensive research prospects in social, developmental, clinical, cultural and bio-psychological fields.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme aims to develop practice-oriented thought leaders for the industry or society. It caters to those who wish to conduct applied research work that addresses issues and challenges pertinent to society, industry or professional practice. While students may choose to specialise in a specific discipline, researches that adopt an interdisciplinary approach are encouraged in view of the complexity of many contemporary issues and challenges.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme offered by School of Business of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) focuses on training students to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in selected management areas. With the training provided in this programme, entrepreneurs, senior management executives, and mid-career industrial practitioners are expected to develop rigorous and structural thinking process, acquire deeper knowledge and advanced research methodologies, and cultivate analytical skills that enable them to investigate and solve complex management problems and support evidence based strategy formulation.

The PhD in Physics programme is hosted by the Division of Physics and Applied Physics at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. PhD students take advanced courses and perform research under the supervision of a faculty member. The programme culminates in writing a scientific thesis and defending it before a panel of experts.

Our goal is to cultivate the next generation of pioneering researchers and leaders in medical science through a PhD programme that emphasises innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), NTU has an active and vibrant research environment with excellent R&D infrastructure. Our faculty hail from internationally renowned universities and at the forefront of their research fields. We pursue multi-disciplinary research and tackle issues of strategic interest.

The programme is offered by the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Graduate students take advanced courses focusing on active research topics, and perform research under the supervision of a faculty member.

Singapore Management University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral programme for scholars and senior management who aspire to pursue practice-driven research with the potential to create business impact. On top of research training, DBA candidates will examine the industrial applications of theory through coursework and develop pedagogical competencies through specialised workshops. The DBA programme will enable candidates to develop a portfolio of skills for influencing management practice, conducting applied and field research, and teaching competently.

The Ph.D. in Aviation is designed to prepare you with cognitive research skills necessary to solve acute problems facing the field of aviation and advance the discipline. Through the Ph.D. programme, you will get a chance to pursue the discipline in a diverse, intellectually versatile and multi-disciplinary environment.

A Joint PhD programme (JDP) is being offered by the College of Humanities and Social Science of the University of Edinburgh (UOE) and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

The SMU PhD in Business (General Management) is a pre-eminent executive doctorate programme for Asia's leaders, senior management and managers seeking to compete for the future. Our in-depth knowledge, relevant research and expertise on Asia's rapid economic development and challenges provide for a dynamic academic experience and engagement at the highest levels.