The research degree provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken. A supervisor or supervisors will be appointed for each candidate. Candidates are required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.

South Asian Studies, as offered by the South Asian Studies Programme (SASP), focuses on the region comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. The curriculum reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the programme. At the undergraduate level, students are offered a range of modules in economics, religious and cultural studies, history, international relations, philosophy, politics and gender studies. The aim is to provide graduates of the programme with a broad understanding of the region from different points of view - knowledge that will be useful in dealing with this changing region in the 21st century.

The SASP also offers a range of opportunities for research at the graduate level. At present, a number of graduate students are engaged in research on a variety of topics from the fields of economics, cultural studies, history, sociology and philology. SASP provides a unique environment for research projects examining the social, cultural, economic exchanges between Southeast and South Asia in both their historical and contemporary aspects.

Career Prospects

The economic and political importance of individual South Asian nation states, and the entire region, has grown tremendously. India especially, has become an important member of the global trade community. Great demographic and political problems still prevail in the South Asian region. Overpopulation, poverty, a widening divide between "rich" and "poor", natural calamities and national as well as international conflicts in the region will have to be addressed.

Given this background, a combination of economic, political, historical, and sociological studies as they relate to the South Asian world will open great career opportunities in the future. Moreover, these opportunities are likely to grow with the development of the region and its international relations.

The South Asian Studies Programme is designed to be supportive of graduates who want to be administrators, educationists, analysts, policy-makers, consultants or representatives of Singaporean and international corporations and agencies with interests and operations in South Asian states.