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The curriculum comprises of three core modules, three electives and a PhD Qualifying Examination (QE).
Core Modules
The coursework modules read should include the following three core modules:
Course details
PP6701 Research Methods in Public Policy
This course surveys the methods used by academic researchers to conduct scientific inquiry on contemporary public policy issues, with emphasis on quantitative and qualitative techniques. Both generic and policy specific aspects of various techniques are discussed and demonstrated through background readings and examination of actual policy research. Students are expected to apply these techniques and present analyses in their field of interest.
PP6702 Foundations of Public Policy: Theories & Methods
This module focuses on the manner in which the discipline of public policy has evolved and the possible future directions the discipline may take. The interdisciplinary integrative nature of the public policy analysis focusing on real world problems will form the basis for selection of analytical frameworks, concepts and case studies used in the course. More specifically, the course will attempt to integrate economics, political science, management and related disciplines in analysing public policy.
PP6770 Public Policy Graduate Seminar
This module is designed specifically for PhD candidates to reintroduce them to conceptualising, designing, and implementing a rigorous research project including a PhD dissertation. Since incoming PhD candidates will already have at least one advanced post-graduate degree and some may already be working on their dissertations, this module seeks to reinforce core methodological skills, tools, references, etc., with an emphasis on non-quantitative methodologies.
Under special circumstances, the Vice-Dean (Academic Affairs), after considering the views of the Thesis Committee, may exempt a candidate from taking certain core coursework modules. The candidate must then substitute these modules with other coursework modules subject to approval of the School.
A candidate who fails in a coursework module must retake and pass the examination in that module in a subsequent semester.
Continuation and Termination
A candidate’s Cumulative Average Point (CAP) should not fall below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters or 3.5 for three consecutive semesters. Termination of candidature would result if a student fails to maintain this minimum CAP stipulated.
For any semester in which a candidate’s CAP falls below the CAP required for graduation (3.5), he/she will be issued a warning. If, in the following semester, the candidate’s CAP again falls below the graduation requirement, but not sufficiently to warrant immediate termination, he/she will be placed on probation.
A candidate may also be issued a warning or placed on probation for poor performance on the Qualifying Examination, research thesis, or other programme requirements.
A candidate who fails in a module in a second attempt or fails in more than two modules throughout the course of study will be required to terminate his/her candidature.
Transfer of Credits/Exemption
There will be no limit to transfer of credit for modules that have not been used towards another degree at NUS or elsewhere. For modules that have been credited towards another degree at NUS or elsewhere, up to 50% of the MCs required in the coursework component may be exempted.
Only relevant modules at level 5000 and above will be considered for credit transfer/exemption. Credits will be transferred only on an S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) basis. Credit transfer/exemption will be allowed only for modules taken less than 5 years before the date of admission.
PhD Qualifying Examination (QE)
The PhD Qualifying Examination (QE) shall comprise:
Candidates must complete the three core coursework modules (or equivalent) with a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 3.5 before proceeding to the QE. The comprehensive written examination will be designed to test the candidate’s analytical, conceptual and integrative skills in the discipline of public policy. A candidate will undertake the oral defense of his / her thesis proposal after passing the comprehensive examination. | 
