Back to top

Master of Engineering

Master's Degree Programme
(Postgraduate)

Focuses on industrial research so that the research findings and the skills acquired can be easily transferred to the local industry.

Master of Engineering


Overview

The industrial Master of Engineering (MEng) programme is primarily intended for science, engineering and technology graduates working in local industries who:

  • are interested in pursuing a career in applied research
  • seek professional advancement, and
  • wish to enhance their understanding of a particular field or discipline within the domain of science and technology.

Unique Features of the Programme

The MEng programme focuses on industrial research so that the research findings and the skills acquired can be easily transferred to the local industry. Each candidate will be guided by an industry supervisor, in addition to an academic supervisor, in order to ensure industry relevance.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

In addition, potential candidates should meet the following requirements:

  • Possess at least an Honours degree or its equivalent.
  • Currently doing research in science, engineering or related fields.

Applicants without a degree from the local universities will have to furnish GRE scores of at least 160 (verbal) and 163 (quantitative), which are obtained within 5 years before the date of application.

This programme is currently unable to take in international students, i.e., you must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or a resident in Singapore (e.g., Employment Pass holder) in order to apply for admission.

All applications are considered individually on merit. Applicants not meeting the formal academic requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Programme Structure

  • Qualifying exam
  • 4 graduate level courses
  • 1 MEng thesis

Master of Engineering

The MEng programme is meant for highly skilled professionals in the industry who wish to earn their masters degree by research on an in-employment basis while continuing their career progression track.

Graduates from the MEng programme will have acquired the advanced knowledge and skills to function as research and development professionals.

  1. How many intakes are there in a year for Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PDENG)?
    One intake a year; every July.

  2. Is there an admission interview for shortlisted applicants?
    Yes, either face-to-face or telephone interview.

  3. Do applicants need to submit the research topic or proposal together with their admission application?
    It will be advantageous if applicants submit their:
    • proposed industry supervisor (with PhD qualification) from their organisation;
    • proposed academic supervisor (with PhD qualification) from Singapore University of Social Sciences' School of Science and Technology; and
    • research topic and proposal.

  4. Is GRE Score necessary to apply for MEng or PDENG? What is the minimum GRE score I should obtain?
    Applicants without a degree from local universities may have to furnish GRE scores of at least 600 (verbal) and 650 (quantitative) based on the old scale, or GRE scores of at least 160 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) based on the new scale.

  5. What are the minimum and maximum durations to complete MEng and PDENG?
    The durations to complete the MEng and PDENG programmes are 2 – 5 years and 3 – 7 years respectively.

  6. What are the class schedules for MEng and PDENG?
    There will be classroom sessions but attendance is not compulsory. Each course is conducted once a week for six weeks and 3 hours per session. Research Methods in Science and Engineering (RES511) and Data Analysis (RES513) are conducted on Mondays.

  7. What is the required credit units required to complete the course?
    120 cu for PDENG and 60 cu for MEng. See below:

    Schematic diagram for PhD programme structure
    Coursework requirementThesis requirement
    RES511 Research Methods in Science and Engineering (5 cu)
    RES513 Data Analysis (5 cu)
    RES515 Seminar Course I (5 cu)
    RES517 Seminar Course II (5 cu)
    RES799 Phd Thesis (90 cu)
    Credit recognition course from local AUs (5cu)*
    Credit recognition course from local AUs (5cu)*
    Sub-total30 cu90 cu
    Grand total120 cu
    * A maximum of 10 cu credit recognition may be awarded for successful applicants at the point of admission on the basis of prior courses taken at the graduate level (i.e. at level 5 or above)

    Schematic diagram for MEng programme structure
    Coursework requirementThesis requirement
    RES511 Research Methods in Science and Engineering (5 cu)
    RES513 Data Analysis (5 cu)
    RES515 Seminar Course I (5 cu)
    RE517 Seminar Course II (5 cu)
    RES699 MEngThesis (40 cu)
    Sub-total20 cu40 cu
    Grand total60 cu


  8. What are the courses available for Credit Recognition Course I (RES001) and Credit Recognition II (RES002)? What would be the areas covered in these two courses?
    RES001 and RES002 are generic course codes to capture information of students who take postgraduate courses from other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) for credit recognition.

  9. What is the learning structure of RES001 and RES002 for PhD students?
    The learning structure will follow the format of other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) that the courses are taken.

  10. What does the Qualifying Examination consist of?
    The QE consist of (i) a written report that details the research work done after one year, as well as the plan for future research direction, and (ii) oral defence.

  11. The admission criteria for MEng and PDENG are the same, how should I decide which to apply?
    Both the MEng and PDENG are industry-based research. Whether they are to apply for MEng or PDENG depends on the level of research complexity that they do in your workplace. As a guideline, applicants may refer to the following websites that describe the standard expected at the PhD and Master by research degrees.
    - Doctoral degree characteristics
    - Master's degree characteristics

  12. If I do not have a topic in mind, will Singapore University of Social Sciences provide a list of research topics for selection?
    There is no specific list of topics as the topics are proposed from the successful applicant's company and refined by the University's appointed supervisor. Expertise can be found from the individual CVs of SST Academic staff.

    Only those with PhDs are allowed to be academic supervisors.

    Applicant needs to propose someone from his/her company who has PhD to be Industry Supervisor.

  13. When is the submission deadline for thesis/dissertation?
    There is no specific submission deadline for the thesis/dissertation. These are submitted after satisfying the supervisors that the research thesis/dissertation meets the appropriate standard within the candidature period of 3-7 years for PhD and 2-5 years for MEng.

  14. Are there criteria for students to progress to PDENG from MEng?
    Students may apply to PhD programme after graduating with the MEng degree. Alternatively, applicants may directly apply to PhD without a master's degree, so long as he/she fulfils the admission requirements.

  15. Is there a CGPA requirement in order to graduate with MEng or PDENG?
    Students should maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 and 3.0 for PhD and MEng programmes respectively.
Back to top