Science of Learning

Master of Science (Science of Learning)

Master (Coursework)

Provided by

Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

NIE Graduate Programmes

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Advances in biology and neuroscience show how our brains and cognitive development are shaped by learning experiences and the environment. The Master of Science in Science of Learning (MSL) is a distinctive interdisciplinary programme where students will acquire a strong foundation in science of learning, and learn how the latest advancements in neuroscience, cognitive science, and technologies bear on fundamental questions of education--how people learn and the tools we can use to optimise learning. 

Students will have excellent opportunities to design progressive learning solutions and new experiences to meet Singapore’s smart and future-ready workforce.

The programme leverages the strength of the National Institute of Education (NIE) in education research and seeks to extend and integrate evidence-informed research into practice. For more than a decade, NIE has spearheaded education research and contributed to major advancements in knowledge and research to improve teaching and learning in Singapore schools and the wider education community.

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) has deep expertise in biological domains and cognitive neuroscience. Rich theoretical insights through cross-disciplinary integration from both the fields of education and neuroscience will foster the critical scientific discussions necessary for evidence-informed science of learning in education.

The students will be experienced professionals in:

  • Early childhood, K12, Tertiary, and Adult education
  • Healthcare education
  • Professional and staff development
  • Quality assurance and regulation of educational institutions, e.g., Council for Private Education (CPE)
  • Continuing education and training (CET)
  • Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) practitioners interested in education and learning

Graduates will be thought leaders and innovators in learning who will make important contributions in the following ways:

  • Critical thinkers, better informed prosumers*, and communicators of research in the fields of cognitive sciences, neuroscience, and education
  • Actively able to integrate learning in interdisciplinary fields for effective translation into teaching and learning
  • Able to advance a novel area of inquiry to optimise teaching and learning
  • Possess scientific expertise to examine the effectiveness of education practice and policy and develop new understandings to realise evidence-informed learning outcomes
  • Scientifically-proficient about knowledge of advancing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience modalities, cutting-edge competencies and skills to develop learning optimisations
  • Nurture other educators to realise Singapore’s national goal of optimising and lifelong learning

* Prosumers are both professionals and consumers who not only consume but also produce content

  1. This programme is interdisciplinary by design and underscores the importance of scientific and evidence-based rigour to examine questions and issues at the intersection of multiple disciplines. The curriculum draws upon connections in cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, biological science, education, educational technology and computer science. Students develop interdisciplinary thinking and research analysis skills that allow for customisation based on the individual’s academic and professional goals. 
  2. An important and critical value-added component of this programme is the synergistic partnership between the National Institute of Education (NIE), with its recognised capacity and expertise to impact educational research and practice, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), with deep expertise in biological domains and cognitive neuroscience. Theoretical insights from both the education and neuroscience fields will foster the critical scientific discussions necessary for evidence-informed Science of Learning (SoL) education enriched by cross-disciplinary integration.
  3. With shifts in economic focus and the growing relevance of lifelong learning, the programme offers an alternative pathway for professionals who seek graduate micro-credentials through modular courses that are stackable towards the FlexiMasters in Mind, Brain, and Education and the MSL programme.
  • A Bachelor's degree in the following areas:
    • Psychology, Education, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Learning Sciences, or
    • Science- and technology-related area (e.g., Engineering, the Sciences), or
    • Mathematics or Statistics
    OR
  • A Bachelor’s degree and relevant working experience, preferably in K-12 education, teacher professional development, continuing education and training or other relevant adult education.
    • OR
  • A relevant NTU FlexiMasters with good grades and relevant working experience, preferably in K-12 education, teacher professional development, continuing education and training or other relevant adult education.

For international applicants, more information on the entry requirements can be found here.

There is generally only one intake for this programme, in January. You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May / June 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 application details can be found here.

The proposed 30-AU MSL programme consists of: four (4) core courses, two (2) specialised elective courses and either a dissertation or a coursework option, which includes an open elective and an integrative project.

Masters of Science (Science of Learning)

Important note for matriculated students:
Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult Assistant Professor Farhan Ali, your programme leader if you need clarifications.

This programme is offered on both part-time and full-time basis. 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.

Courses and Study Plan
Click here for more information.

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 on scholarships, please click  here. 

For programme-related matters, please consult the programme leader, Assistant Professor Farhan Ali for more information.

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