Master of Education (Developmental Psychology)

Master (Coursework)

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Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

NIE Graduate Programmes

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The Master of Education programme is primarily designed for educators working in Singapore schools and the Ministry of Education. University graduates with a background in education and wishing to advance your knowledge and skills in education are also welcome to apply.

The programme offers the degree in 16 areas of specialisation. The different specialisations allow you to choose the area that best fits your interest as well as your career path, whether that path is towards the Master Teacher track, Specialist track or a general desire to update your knowledge and skills.

The Master of Education (Developmental Psychology) provides education professionals, such as teachers and counsellors in primary and secondary schools, with in-depth knowledge and understanding of cognitive, social and emotional development. 

Curious to know what our faculty and students think about our programmes? Click here to find out!

Topics discussed include child and adolescent cognitive, social, emotional and moral development, current issues concerning youth and basic counselling skills.


  • A good Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, or a relevant NTU FlexiMasters with good grades;

  • A teaching qualification such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education, Singapore
    or
    At least one year of relevant working experience in education. 

See detailed requirements for competency in English Language here.

There are generally two intakes for this programme in a year (January and August). You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May/June and November/December to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.

Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

Applications are to be made online. Click here to sign up for an ISAAC (Integrated Student and Academic Administration System) account to apply with us. For those with an existing account, login to apply.

More information on required documents for application can be found here.

The coursework for this specialisation comprises 1 core course, 2 required specialisation courses, 3 specialisation elective courses plus either:

  • a dissertation or
  • two additional courses (one open elective and MED 902 Integrative Project)

MED 902 Integrative Project is open only for applicants pursuing the degree totally by coursework.

Important note for matriculated students: 

Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult Dr Lee Ai Noi, your programme leader if you need clarifications.

Note: Programme structure is subject to changes

The degree of Master of Education is generally offered on a part-time basis although full-time studies are also available for some specialisations. The candidature periods are as follows:

Full-time

Minimum

1 year

Maximum

2 years

Part-time

Minimum

2 years

Maximum

4 years

Download the course descriptions for the programme

 

The following is the detailed list of courses students have to complete:

Core Course

  • MED 900 Educational Inquiry

Required Specialisation Courses

  • MDP 901 Social and Emotional Development and Assessment
  • MDP 902 Children Cognitive Development and Assessment

Specialisation Elective Courses (Choose three)

  • MDP 903 Counselling Children and Adolescents
  • MDP 904 Motivation, Volition and Learning-in-Action
  • MDP 905 Individual Differences and Learning
  • MDP 906 Attitude Measurement and Personality Assessment
  • MDP 907 How to Nurture Creative and Happy Learners
  • MDP 908 Evaluation of Programs in Schools and Community Organizations
  • MDP 909 Assessment and Development of 21st Century Competencies
  • MDP 910 Theory, Research and Practice in Teaching and Learning
  • MDP 911 Understanding Learner Motivation: Theory, Research and Practice
  • MDP912 Gestures in Learning and Development: Theory, Research, Practice

Open Elective Courses

Other than the core and specialisation courses, you may select open elective courses offered across all NIE Master's Degree programmes. The offer of electives is reviewed regularly to reflect developments in education and the respective fields. You are advised to take note of the prerequisites (if any) before registering.

Optional Specialisation Courses are offered subject to demand and availability of faculty expertise.  Hence, not all specialisation courses are available for selection to every intake.

For tuition fees, please click here.

In line with SkillsFuture Singapore's (SSG) initiative, some of the courses in this programme can be taken as standalone modular graduate courses and may be stacked to qualify for a Graduate Certificate, an NTU FlexiMasters Certificate and, where appropriate, even an NTU Master’s degree. For more information, please click here.

For more information about scholarships, please click here. 

For programme-related matters, please consult the programme leader, Dr Lee Ai Noi, for more information.

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