Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences

Offers a master degree by research and is primarily designed for social science graduates who are interested in upgrading their qualifications, knowledge and skills.

Applications Open: 01 November 2019

Applications Close: 31 March 2020

Next Available Intake: July 2020

Programme Type: Graduate

Fees: View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest: Humanities & Social Sciences

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The Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences (MRESS) programme offers a master degree by research and is primarily designed for social science graduates who are interested in upgrading their qualifications, knowledge and skills.

Unique features of the programme:

The MRESS programme leverages on the research expertise of the faculty in the School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences, and draws from and integrates across the various social science disciplines. This enables students to adopt a broader perspective to social issues. Students can opt to focus on applied issues in social sciences or in positive psychology and well-being, while learning to translate their research skills and knowledge into applicable outputs and projects with real impact.

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Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and also international students.

The University offers course fee concession for some master's programmes. Please click here for more details.

Course Fee Concession – For eligible applicants and alumni.

SUSS offers a number of Sponsorships in recognition of excellent academic achievements, leadership qualities and special talents and contributions to new and continuing students. Please click here for more detail.

Students from the programme are required to complete 60 credit units (cu) to graduate. The MRESS curriculum consists of four courses (20 cu) and a research thesis (40 cu). The four courses include two compulsory core courses and two seminar courses (to be chosen from a basket of five electives).

progstruc_mress

There are courses which are eligible for SkillsFuture funding if taken via the CET/modular pathway. These courses can be recognized for credit when applying for admission to the MRESS programme.

For information about SkillsFuture funding for these courses, please click here.

For more information about graduate modular courses, please click here.

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Module Types
COMPULSORY	RSS501 Advanced Social Research Methods and Design RSS699 Master Thesis	45 cu
ELECTIVE	CSD503 Economic and Political Development for Social Well-being RSS551 Current Debates and Developments in Positive Psychology and Well-being RSS553 Contemporary Issues in Societies from a Multidisciplinary Social Science Perspective	10 cu (Choose any 2 of the 5 electives, but at least one elective must be a RSS course - RSS551 or RSS553)
RESTRICTED ELECTIVE	HDS501 Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis RSS503 Statistics and Data Analysis	5 cu

With its emphasis on using social science knowledge and developing or applying research to address evolving societal issues, the MRESS programme is suitable for those who:

are keen to formulate innovative solutions to contemporary social science issues
are interested in advancing the understanding, measurement, and application of well-being
aspire to synthesise the field of well-being from various social science disciplines
are from non-social science backgrounds but working in relevant industries.

The MRESS programme is intended for graduates who seek to gain research experience in the social sciences. The programme equips them with the advanced research and analytical skills needed to conduct high-quality research independently, enabling them to acquire the requisite research experience for a research-oriented career, a doctoral programme, or an academic career.

How many intake(s) are there in a year for Master of Applied Research in Social Science (MRESS)?
Two intakes a year (Jan and Jul semester).
What is the duration to complete the MRESS?
The duration for a typical candidate is between two and three years. The minimum candidature for the MRESS is one year and the maximum candidature is five years.
How many courses do students take in each semester?
Students are recommended to complete the two compulsory courses and two elective courses first, within the first two semesters, before proceeding to the Master Thesis.
When are the lessons scheduled?
Lessons for the four courses are scheduled on weekdays from 7.00pm to 10.00pm or on Saturdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with a lunch break of an hour.

For the master thesis:
International students should schedule meetings with the thesis supervisor and conduct the research work for the thesis in the day (i.e., during office hours).
What does the Qualifying Examination (QE) consist of?
The QE consists of a written report, and an oral presentation of the research proposal.
What does the Master Thesis consist of?
The Master Thesis consists of the QE (research proposal and oral presentation), the thesis, and oral defense.
What is the graduation requirements?
Students must attain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.0 for the 20 cu of courses and pass the Qualifying Examination and Oral Defense for the Thesis Examination.
If I am an international student, do I need to apply for visa to come to Singapore?
The university will provide the necessary information to facilitate the application of student pass. For more information, please click here.

Master of Applied Research in Social Sciences