HOW TO APPLY > APPLICATION DOCUMENTS (PHD)

Application Documents to Submit

Mandatory Documents

The following supporting documents are mandatory for all applicants. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

  1. A copy of passport personal particulars page or NRIC (for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents)

  2. A most recent colour passport-sized photograph

  3. Official Master’s Degree transcripts and graduation certificate *
    If you have not completed a Master’s degree, please submit your official Bachelor’s degree transcripts and graduation certificate.

    *Note: Non-English documents must be accompanied by an official English translation.

  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    Your CV should include significant contributions and demonstrable professional accomplishments in music-related fields.

  5. Personal Statement (1000 words)
    Describe your motivations for pursuing the PhD programme, your artistic and research interests, and the relevance of the programme to your long-term goals. The statement should also highlight significant achievements, professional experiences, and how these have shaped your artistic practice and academic aspirations.

  6. Artistic Portfolio
    Submit an artistic portfolio comprising the five most significant projects that best demonstrate the depth and scope of your artistic trajectory. Each project should be accompanied by a brief description outlining its concept, context, and your role in its development.

    The portfolio should include sample works of each project, submitted in digital format (e.g. videos, audio recordings, scores, compositions, essays, images, or other relevant documents/media) that effectively showcase your creative achievements and artistic direction. Please upload your sample works to a shareable online drive and provide the link to the folder in your portfolio documentation.

  7. Thesis Proposal
    Submit a proposal for the research you plan to embark on for your thesis as part of the PhD programme. The thesis proposal should clearly articulate the connections between the research and your artistic practice. It must include a proposed artistic output, strong research questions with sub-questions, significance of the project, and a brief outline of the proposed methodology. The proposal should be 2500 to 4000 words in length, written in prose format.

    In addition to the proposal, you are required to submit a proposed budget as a supporting appendix. The budget should broadly outline the anticipated costs associated with the proposed project.

  8. Two References
    Your references should be from referees who are in the most suitable position to comment on your artistic and research abilities.

    Your referees will receive an invitation link (via email) to submit their recommendations online; this notification can be triggered from the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA3). Instructions can be found here.

    Applications without completed referee reports may not be considered.

Additional Documents

English Language Certificate

Applicants whose first language is not English, or whose degree (minimum duration of four years) was not taught entirely in English in one of the recognised English-speaking countries, must submit proof of the required minimum English proficiency for admission through one of the following:

  • TOEFL, with the minimum acceptable scores of at least 100 for the internet-based test and a minimum score of 22 for the writing section; or
  • IELTS, with the minimum acceptable score 7.0

Please refer to English Requirements for admission to PhD in Music Practices.