Academic Experience
Academic Experience Academic Experience Academic Experience

Four Years to Transform Your Life

The curriculum at Yale-NUS brings the sciences, humanities, and social sciences together to create a unique liberal arts and sciences experience. Whether students are in their first two years, exploring our global Common Curriculum, or diving deep into their chosen major, Yale-NUS students acquire the intellectual expertise and critical knowledge to become a leader in any field they choose.

The Yale-NUS Academic Experience
Our liberal arts and sciences curriculum is characterised by small classes and close interaction between students and faculty from around the world.

Three Components of a Well-Rounded Education

The Yale-NUS education can be broadly divided into three key components. During a student’s first three semesters, most of their time is spent on the Common Curriculum – a set of courses that all Yale-NUS students take – where they are introduced to multiple modes of inquiry, and to some of the timeless ideas of human existence.

At the end of their second year, students declare their major, choosing from one of the 14 majors on offer at the College, such as Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Global Affairs, Life Sciences, Literature, and Psychology. These majors build on the concepts learned in the Common Curriculum and teach students the skills and expertise to dig deep into their chosen field and conduct independent research. Students may also choose an optional minor and explore an additional field of study.

Outside of their major, students have the freedom to take any of the electives on offer at Yale-NUS, or from our study abroad partners or from the many courses at the National University of Singapore. From Game Theory to the History of Music, to Modern Architecture, and Tropical Diversity, students have the option of taking electives from a wide range of disciplines starting from their second semester at the College.

A pie chart that comprises 31% common curriculum, 34% major and capstone, 35% electives

Sample Student Experience at Yale-NUS

The diagram illustrates a typical learning journey at Yale-NUS. Student experiences may however vary depending on their individual choices.

Yale-NUS learning journey

Latin Honours

At the end of their four-year programme at Yale-NUS, the College awards Latin Honours to academically exceptional graduates.

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