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IARSA

Academic programmes

Master's degree

Two routes, one with a dissertation and one without, designed to develop analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability for professional management.

M.A. / M.Sc.

The programme leading to a Master's degree is designed to develop the student's analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, to meet the challenges of leadership in professional management positions at present and in the ever-changing world of the future.

The curriculum provides a challenging and creative learning environment in an intensive programme of study with a broad-based administrative emphasis. Recognizing that the management methods of tomorrow may bear little resemblance to techniques in current use, the programme emphasises sound general principles and decision-making techniques that provide a basis for continued learning and professional development, rather than business procedures which are subject to obsolescence.

Two routes of study

Option A requires the preparation of a dissertation. The dissertation is typically a written formal document which addresses, in an original fashion, some important concern of the discipline. It may require an on-campus defence at any of the partner universities. A dissertation involves significant independent work, and academic credits are allowed for its preparation.

Option B does not require a thesis. Instead, more credits are earned in other types of courses, and a scholarly paper is required. Credit requirements vary greatly; most Master's degrees vary from 30 to 45 semester credits.

Admission requirements

  • A candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university approved by the Academic Board, and must have been discharged or exempted from the National Service Scheme (NSS) programme.
  • A minimum of three years of postgraduate work experience in a managerial position, in full-time employment.
  • Complete the Application for Admission and submit it with a non-refundable application fee.
  • Professional or academic competence in business, attested through a letter of recommendation.
  • Submit official transcripts from previous colleges and universities.
  • A statement of educational purpose of one to two pages, addressing future career objectives, issues in education important to the applicant, experience in a business field, experience with a second language or cultural diversity, and other interests.
  • Provide four current colour passport size photographs.

Graduation requirements

  1. Obtain 55% attendance at class lectures, tutorials and seminars.
  2. Sit and write the examination in each of the courses offered, and pass a minimum of 40 units of course work including the project.
  3. Obtain a score of at least 40% in the written examination in each of the courses.
  4. Submit a research project and obtain a score of not less than 40% in it.
  5. Obtain an overall average of at least 50% in all the courses including the research project, which is a minimum of 2.40 GPA at the end of the last course in the programme.
  6. Complete all of the above within 18 to 24 months.