PhD Program

Duke-NUS launched its inaugural PhD program in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) in August 2010. The program distinguishes itself from others in Singapore and abroad by emphasizing training in translational bioscience, preparing cutting edge researchers to take their research findings from "bench to bedside."

Students will complete their advanced training in one of Duke-NUS’s five Signature Research Programs:

• Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
• Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders
• Health Services and Systems Research

The degree, which will take on average 4 to 5 years to complete, culminates with the development of a written thesis and a successful oral dissertation defense.

Like the Duke-NUS MD program, the Ph.D. core course incorporates a novel education strategy which rapidly transitions students to a mode of learning better suited for a lifelong career in biomedical research. From the first week in the program, students are introduced to scientific literature searches, evaluation and critique of seminal scientific papers. The core curriculum is delivered in a small group collaborative learning environment that reinforces critical thinking and public debate.

The Duke-NUS PhD is likely to take 4 – 5 years to complete. Here is an overview to the curriculum:

Thesis Mentors

The IBM degree is a research-intensive program which culminates with the defense of a dissertation and the publication of the student’s findings. Research is done under the direction of an approved faculty mentor, who serves as chair of the student’s dissertation committee and provides financial support for research activities. Students will undergo the mentor selection process toward the end of their first semester of the program.

Requirements

Our online application for the 2013 intake is now closed. All applicants to the Duke-NUS PhD program must demonstrate academic strength as well as a passion for medical and scientific research. Information on how to apply follows:

• Applicants should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in some discipline of science before matriculation into the PhD program at Duke-NUS. • Complete and submit the Duke-NUS on-line application. Please go to the following site in order to access your online application: https://admissions.duke-nus.edu.sg/adm/
• The application requires you to complete 3 essay questions, and arrange for any tertiary institution you attended to directly send us copies of your official transcripts. Finally, you need to submit 3 – 5 recommendation letters from mentors, professors or employers who can attest to your performance in an academic and/or research environment. At least one of the recommendation letters should be an academic reference. All letters received by Duke-NUS will be kept confidential. Please note there is no application fee to apply to the Duke-NUS PhD program in Integrated Biology and Medicine.
• The GRE General Test is a required component of your application to the Duke-NUS PhD program and your test results must be received by Duke-NUS before the application deadline. Submitted scores should not be more than 4 years old at the time of admission. When you take the exam, please have your scores sent directly to Duke-NUS with the Designated Institution (DI) code of 4915. Information on the GRE can be found here. Due to the huge volume of applications we receive, we will not review incomplete applications. All supporting documents (i.e. letters of recommendation and transcripts/WES reports, test scores, etc.) must be submitted by the application deadline.
• Applicants who previously studied in a non-English speaking curriculum will be required to present documented evidence of their competence in written and spoken English by submitting their results of TOEFL or IELTS exams. A minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL paper test (or 213 on the computer-administered test) or an overall band score of 7 on the IELTS should be achieved. Duke-NUS does not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores earned more than two years ago. Visit the official TOEFL and IELTS web sites for more information.

Submission of Transcripts

Submission of official transcripts: Applicants who are graduates from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) or any US University should request their respective institutions to send their official transcripts directly to the PhD program at the address below.

All other applicants must request their institutions to submit their transcripts to both Duke-NUS (at the address below) and the World Education Services for a course by course evaluation. A detailed report by WES will be directly sent to Duke-NUS. Please visit www.wes.org for further details.

Applicants from Canadian Universities may contact the Admissions Office at infophd@duke-nus.edu.sg to see if a WES report is required from your institution.

Contact Address

Please have all your supporting admissions documents, including transcripts and recommendation letters sent directly to the Admissions Office at the following address:

Associate Professor David Silver, Director of Graduate Studies
c/o Ms Tammie Zhu, Assistant Admissions Manager
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
Admissions Department 8 College Road
Singapore 169857

Recommendation letters may be emailed directly to us at infophd@duke-nus.edu.sg

Please include the phrase: “Recommendation for (candidate’s name) – PhD Program” in the subject line.

For More Information

If you have any further questions on the Duke-NUS PhD program in Integrated Biology and Medicine, please contact the Admissions Office at the email or phone number listed below:

Email: infophd@duke-nus.edu.sg
Tel: (65) 6516-5550

The University has not engaged any external agencies to undertake student recruitment on its behalf. Candidates interested in our graduate programs are advised to apply directly to the University and not through any agents. Candidates who apply through agents will not have any added advantage in gaining admission and the University reserves the right to reject such applications without giving reasons.

Learn more about the PhD Curriculum