OVERVIEW
The National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science in Social Analytics and AI, also referred to as MSc (SAAI), is a multidisciplinary graduate degree programme that taps on the deep expertise of three NUS academic units in areas pertinent to social sciences, artificial intelligence, computational methods, research methodologies and data-driven communication:
MSc (SAAI) focuses on the application, interpretation, and responsible use of AI across social, policy, organisational, and human-centred contexts. Designed for individuals interested in how AI interacts with people, institutions, organisations, and communities, SAAI combines analytical capabilities with a critical understanding of the ethical, cultural, political, and social dimensions of AI.
The programme equips students with AI literacy, computational and analytical methods, and social-science perspectives to understand complex issues, evaluate the implications of AI, and support evidence-informed decision-making. Students learn not only how to use AI and data-driven methods, but also how to assess when, where, and for whom these technologies should be applied.
The programme is particularly relevant to professionals and graduates in public service, policy, social science research, community development, communications, responsible AI, organisational strategy, and other fields where the ability to connect technological capabilities with an understanding of people and society is increasingly important.
Why This Programme?
- Develop the ability to apply computational methods and data analytics to address complex social, policy and organisational challenges, while critically interpreting AI applications within social contexts.
- Gain a unique perspective on AI through the lens of social sciences, with emphasis on critical inquiry, ethics, governance and responsible AI adoption.
- Acquire interdisciplinary skills for careers in AI governance, policy analysis, social research, responsible AI, data analytics and social impact consulting through industry-relevant learning opportunities.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
Application Period
An Academic Year (AY) at NUS consists of two semesters and a special term (which occurs during the Semester 2 Vacation, and is divided into two parts of six weeks duration each):
-
Semester 1: Aug–Dec
-
Semester 2: Jan–May
- Special Term (Part 1): May–Jun
- Special Term (Part 2): Jun–Jul
For the MSc (SAAI) programme, there is one application period for each AY:
| Programme |
Intake |
Application Dates |
| MSc (SAAI) |
Semester 1
(Aug Intake) |
1 Nov of preceding year to 31 Jan of intake year |
Additional Information
Click on the links below for more information:
Onboarding Guide
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to the MSc (SAAI) programme is granted on a competitive basis as places in the programme are limited. Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements:
| Academic |
Bachelor's Degree (preferably with Honours)
|
| Skill/Experience |
At least one year of working experience if holding a three-year Bachelor's Degree (without Honours)
Basic programming competency is preferred.
|
English Language
|
Applicants whose native tongue is not English:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 85 (Internet-based), or
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum Academic score of 6.0
Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
|
Other
|
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an admission interview, attendance of which is mandatory in order to be considered for admission to the programme.
|
Note: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application information and all supporting documents are truthful and correct. NUS reserves the right to verify information provided as part of an application. False or misleading information in an application (including but not limited to test scores, resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc.) is grounds for admission rejection, revocation and/or dismissal from the University.
MODE OF STUDY AND PROGRAMME CANDIDATURE
The MSc (SAAI) programme is offered on the following basis (with estimated time to complete the programme indicated below):
| Full-time |
12–24 months |
| Part-time |
24–36 months |
Note: International applicants must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore to apply for a Student’s Pass. For more information, refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
Elective Courses
Students must complete 20 Units of elective courses, of which at least 8 Units must be Specialised Electives, while the remaining can be General Electives. Elective course offerings are subject to change and may not be offered every semester.
|
View Courses
| Specialised Electives |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| SAAI5005 |
AI and Qualitative Research |
4 |
| SAAI5007 |
The Social Life of AI |
4 |
| SAAI5008 |
AI, Politics and Policymaking |
4 |
| SAAI5009 |
Big Data Analytics for Social Science |
4 |
| General Electives |
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| SAAI5010 |
Independent Study in Social Analytics and AI |
4 |
| SAAI5011 |
Capstone Project |
4 |
| ACE5411 |
Cultural Informatics |
4 |
| GSA5101 |
Graduate Research Methods |
4 |
| GSA5104 |
Quantitative Data Analysis |
4 |
| GSA5105 |
Qualitative Data Analysis |
4 |
| IE5006 |
Large Scale System Engineering |
4 |
| MT5021 |
Creativity and Problem Solving |
4 |
| NMC5323 |
Crisis Communications and Leadership |
4 |
| NMC5341 |
Visualising Data
|
4 |
| PLM5501 |
Psychological Bias and AI |
4 |
Note: Courses are subject to change. For more information about the courses listed above (as well as other courses offered in the current academic year), please visit NUSMODS.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from the MSc (SAAI) programme, students must meet the following requirements:
| Programme and/or Specialisation |
Read and pass a total of 40 Units, comprising:
- 20 Units of core/essential courses, and
- 20 Units of elective courses:
- At least 8 Units from Specialised Electives,
- Up to 12 Units from General Electives.
|
| Course and/or Qualification |
As above (refer to section on Programme Structure for details)
|
| Grade Point Average (GPA) |
Minimum 3.0 (out of maximum 5.0)
Please see also the University’s minimum standards for Continuation and Graduation Requirements; specific programmes may implement stricter or additional requirements.
|
| Other |
Not applicable
|
FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The University reserves all rights to review fees as necessary and adjust accordingly without prior notice.
|
Tuition Fee
|
S$54,000 (excluding GST) /
S$58,860 (including 9% GST)
Note: The tuition fees for this programme are payable based on the number of Units taken in a semester. The amount stated above is for 40 Units. Students who are required to take more than 40 Units for programme completion may be subjected to additional tuition fees.
|
|
Financial Assistance
|
Not applicable
|
|
Application Fee
|
S$150.00 (excluding GST) /
S$163.50 (including 9% GST)
- Non-refundable and non-transferable
|
|
Acceptance Fee
|
S$6,000.00 (excluding GST) /
S$6,540.00 (including 9% GST)
- Payable upon acceptance of offer
- Non-refundable (even if the Student's Pass application is not approved by ICA) and non-transferable
- Will be credited towards tuition fees
|
|
Miscellaneous Student Fees
|
As published by Office of the University Registrar
- Payable every regular semester
|