Frequently
Asked Questions on
M.Sc by Coursework
Programme
(A) ADMISSION
Is GRE
scores compulsory for coursework programmes?
Can GRE scores
be submitted later, due to test date constraints?
If I do not
have an honours degree at all (i.e. only a basic degree),
can I apply for M.Sc.?
Can I apply
for M.Sc. if my honours degree is not in the area of Statistics?
(B) REGISTRATION
How do students
select the modules they wish to read and inform the department?
(C) COURSE STRUCTURE
Are there
any guidelines on the type of modules/subjects to read for
the course work programmes?
What modules
are available for selection?
How often
are classes conducted?
Are there
classes in the evenings to cater to the needs of part-time
students?
Are part-time
students allowed to attend classes in the day?
Are examinations
held in the day or evening?
Is CAP computed
on all the modules read?
Will a "W"
grade affect CAP?
Are students
allowed to read modules outside the department?
(D) DEFERMENT, LEAVE OF ABSENCE &
WITHDRAWAL
Is it possible
to seek deferment, leave of absence or withdrawal from the
programmes if the need arises?
When is the
closing date to apply for deferment, leave of absence or
withdrawal?
(E) FURTHER QUERIES
I have not
received any emails from the university although I was told
that circulars will be sent via emails. Why is this so?
I have questions
that are not answered on this page. Who can I ask?
Is
GRE scores compulsory for coursework programmes?
It is not compulsory to submit the GRE score.
However having a GRE general test score of the following minimum scores would be an advantage:
Verbal Ability : 500
Quantitative Ability : 700
Analytical Writing : 3.5
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How
do students select the modules they wish to read and inform
the department?
All graduate students in the faculty do
online registration for Science modules. For cross faculty
module registration, a manual form will be used. Instructions,
deadlines and forms for manual registration are available
at the web site of the Division of Research and Graduate
Studies (FoS).
Part-time students who are working normal
office hours may fax their signed registration forms to
the department for processing. Forms must be completed accurately
and legibly (supervisor or graduate coordinator section
may be left blank) and faxed to the department by the stipulated
deadline (before office closes for the day). Students would
receive a confirmation slip at the end of the registration
period.
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Are
there any guidelines on the type of modules/subjects to
read for the course work programmes?
Both programmes operate 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. As a guide,
students can refer to the programme
progression path.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are
examinations held in the day or evening?
The examination time will be planned according
to class hours. If the class is held during the night, the
exam will be held during the night as well. The same applies
to day classes.
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.
Part-time students would need to take leave
from work to sit for the examinations, if necessary.
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Is CAP
computed on all the modules read?
CAP is computed based on the best of the
required course work modules for graduation. For example,
an M.Sc. student is required to pass ten modules but has
read twelve. The best ten modules that fall within the graduation
requirement would be used to compute CAP.
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Will
a "W" grade affect CAP?
A "W" grade does not carry any
grade point. In any case, it would not affect CAP as the
best of the required course work modules would be used to
compute CAP.
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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.
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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.
Existing students who wish to take a break
in the course of study should apply for LEAVE OF ABSENCE
(LOA).
Those who wish to withdraw from a course
should apply for WITHDRAWAL.
Applications for deferment, LOA or withdrawal
should be sent to the department via letter to the department.
Essential information to be included in the email are full
name, matriculation number (if any), and reasons for application.
For LOA and deferment applications, the semester of absence/semester
to commence must also be clearly indicated.
Letter Templates
Application
for Deferment
Application for LOA
Application
for Withdrawal
The Faculty will write to the applicant
on the outcome, in due course.
Please refer to Cut-off Dates & Fee
Payable for tuition fee refund policy.
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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.
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I have
not received any emails from the university although I was
told that circulars will be sent via emails. Why is this
so?
All emails to students are sent to their
NUS email accounts. If you have other personal accounts
and read those by default, then you should re-route emails
from your NUS account to your personal accounts. This ensures
that you receive all official emails and also help clear
the NUS account.
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I have
questions that are not answered on this page. Who can I
ask?
Email your query to stabox1@nus.edu.sg.
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