About

Professor Chandran Kukathas
Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Political Science
Dean, School of Social Sciences

Today’s increasingly complex world demands a new generation of Social Science graduates who possess a robust foundation in social science theories and frameworks. More importantly, these graduates need to be versatile in managing complexities and solving problems. The study of social science addresses a wide range of concerns, from the psychological foundations of the individual and group behaviour, to the nature of social institutions, to the driving forces of political action. If you have an insatiable curiosity about people, society, and political, social, or economic paradigms, the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) is the right place to be at.

SOSS offers four primary majors – Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, and PLE (Politics, Law and Economics), and four second majors – Sustainable Societies, Public Policy and Public Management, Global Asia, and Arts and Culture Management. The curriculum is rigorous, yet flexible. You may choose to focus on a single discipline or broaden your perspective by reading one of the many second majors offered by SMU undergraduate schools.

You will be taught and mentored by a dedicated team of outstanding professors who come from the world’s best universities and are experts in their fields. The research interests of our faculty are wide-ranging, covering topics such as subjective well-being, international migration, social networks, ageing, nation building, and comparative politics. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to conduct research and work on real world problems.

Upon graduation, you will not only be equipped with broad-based academic knowledge, but also with analytical and practical skills acquired through hands-on real-life application, industry collaborations, internships, and community projects. This experiential learning experience will empower you to thrive in a variety of vocations. Join SOSS and embark on a journey that is personally transformative and fulfilling.

We look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Established in 2007, the SMU School of Social Sciences (SOSS) aims to provide high quality undergraduate and graduate education expanding SMU’s pedagogical strategy to the study of society, government, and individuals embedded within an increasingly complex world. With faculty expertise and research spanning areas such as psychology, sociology, international development, policy and politics, Southeast Asian studies, social movements, and sustainability, the School aspires to make a significant and lasting contribution across sectors through its integrative approach to the study of social issues.

In particular, SOSS enables a multi-disciplinary study of Singapore and Asia. It holistically prepares graduates to work across public, private, non-profit and international organisations in areas addressing the numerous challenges facing contemporary society. The School offers four degree programmes comprising the Bachelor of Social Science, Fast-track Master of Philosophy in Psychology, and PhD in Psychology as well as the Master of Sustainability that is co-offered with the SMU College of Integrative Studies.

Under the Bachelor of Social Sciences, students are able to major in the main disciplines of Political Science, Psychology or Sociology, or a combined Politics, Law and Economics major. Students are also strongly encouraged to take on a second major either in the Social Sciences or from other Schools. The School offers three second majors -Sustainable Societies (SSOC), Public Policy and Public Management (PPPM), and Global Asia (GA). Eligible students may also read a second degree programme from other Schools to expand their knowledge and gain an extra edge.

The PhD in Psychology programme aims to equip students with doctoral-level knowledge in research methodology and substantive content knowledge in psychology. Our PhD candidates are equipped with critical knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous psychological research, particularly in areas of that span social, cultural, industrial and organisation, cognitive, developmental and evolutionary psychology. The programme emphasises interactive learning and integrative evaluation of diverse perspectives and prepares graduates for psychology-related careers in academia and industry.

SOSS also offers the Fast-Track Master of Philosophy (FTMP) in Psychology for our Psychology undergraduates who will read advance courses in Psychology in their final year of undergraduate studies that would count as credit towards the FTMP (Psychology) and be able to earn a Master’s degree one year after completing their undergraduate studies.

The newly launched Master of Sustainability (MST) is a dynamic programme that draws on the breadth of domains across SMU schools to prepare students for thriving careers in the green economy. The MST programme is the first of its kind in Asia to offer a graduate sustainability programme based on an interdisciplinary curriculum that prioritises essential skills in sustainability, focusing on reasoning, communication, coordination, and management. Through the MST, students will engage in learning about the sustainable use of organisational and natural resources in service of socially equitable outcomes. Students would also gain familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the fundamentals of Singapore's Green Plan 2030 as well as acquire foundational toolkits that will prepare them for sustainability roles in various sectors.  

We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our programmes, research opportunities, faculty and their research, vibrant student life and activities, and discover for yourself the perks of being part of our SOSS Family!