Prospective Students

Is GRE scores compulsory for coursework programmes?
It is compulsory to submit the GRE score.    

Can GRE scores be submitted later, due to test date constraints?
Applicants are encouraged to sit for the tests as early as possible.
They may still be in time if the tests are taken and the scores are sent to us within one month from the application closing dates.

If I do not have an honours degree at all (i.e. only a basic degree), can I apply for M.Sc.?
Yes, you can apply for the Track II programme.  

Can I apply for M.Sc. if my honours degree is not in the area of Statistics?
You may still apply for the programme. All applications are assessed for relevance in background knowledge and work experience, with respect to the course.

Those that do not have statistics background but sufficient knowledge to embark on M.Sc. in Statistics may be considered favourably.

How do students select the modules they wish to read and inform the department?

For all matter pertaining to the module registration, please refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/ModReg/

Are there any guidelines on the type of modules/subjects to read for the programme?
The programme operates on the modular system. Under this system, modules are structured for teaching on a semester basis.

Based on the list of modules offered in every semester and the course work requirements outlined for each programme, students may choose to read any modules as long as these fit into their timetables.

What modules are available for selection?
The list varies among semesters but the pattern of offer remains largely similar. Please refer to the module list for the current semester.

How often are classes conducted?
Each graduate module consists of three hours’ of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week. As the class size for higher level modules are usually small, classes are usually scheduled twice weekly (2-hour block each) or once per week (3-hour sectional teaching style). The tutorials are generally held immediately after the third hour’s lecture.

Are there classes in the evenings to cater to the needs of part-time students?
Yes. Before every registration period, the timetable would be posted on the web for reference.

Changes in timetable are subject to consensus among students and lecturer in the same class. Availability of time slot and venue may also affect adjustments but the department would try its best to assist. Students and lecturer must submit to the department, a written note on proposed change/s with everyone’s name and signature.

Are part-time students allowed to attend classes in the day?
Yes, as long as they have registered for the modules and the timetable does not interfere with their working hours. Student will be asked to make declaration that they are able to attend all the lectures and tutorials.

Are the examinations held in the day or evening?
Please refer to below for exam timings.

Exam timings

AM (Mon – Sat) : 9.00am

PM (Mon – Thu & Sat) : 1.00pm

PM (Fri) : 2.30pm

Evening (Mon – Thu) : 5.00pm

Night : 7.00pm

Examinations for level 5000 or higher modules are scheduled by the Faculty. Changes in examination timetable are not allowed as these may cause adverse effects.

Is CAP computed on all the modules read?
CAP is computed based on all the modules (except for English language modules, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) and Audit modules) that the students have read in the whole candidature for graduation.

Will a “W” grade affect CAP?
A “W” grade does not carry any grade point. In any case, it would not affect CAP but the “W” grade will reflect on the transcript.

Are students allowed to read modules outside the department?
Students may read modules from other departments or faculties subjected to departmental approval. Each student can use up to two non-departmental modules out of the ten required to count towards graduation requirement.

Is it possible to seek deferment, leave of absence or withdrawal from the programmes if the need arises?

Candidates who have been offered admission to a programme or have registered for it, but wish to postpone admission should apply for DEFERMENT. Please contact the department for further assistance.

Existing students who wish to take a break in the course of study should apply for LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA).  For LOA applications, please apply through online at https://myedurec.nus.edu.sg/

Those who wish to withdraw from a course should apply for WITHDRAWAL.  Please contact the department for further assistance.

Please refer to Cut-off Dates & Fee Payable for tuition fee refund policy.  Please be noted that LOA applications submitted after week 2 of the semester 1 and week 2 of the semester 2, students are liable to pay for the school fees for that whole semester. 

When is the closing date to apply for deferment, leave of absence or withdrawal?
There are no specific deadlines since we respect that such decisions may be made in the last minute or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Nevertheless, even with valid reasons, tuition fees may not be refunded after the cut-off dates.