Programmes

BA (HONS)

(NEW) Design for Social Futures

Training the citizen designer of our future and resetting the world through creative design.

The aim of the BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures programme is to foster a learning environment for you to gain flexibility – from leadership to co-creation and collaboration, and adapt quickly to challenges faced by today’s society. Challenges where design thinking, innovation and value creation are key to unlocking opportunities for all economic sectors of society, especially in the non-design sectors.

The programme is rooted in areas such as service design, user interface and user-experience design, information and data, social design, transformative systems, speculative and strategic designs, as well as digital content and narrative design and environments.

From working in big tech to social enterprises, independent ventures to co-creation endeavours, you will be able to adapt to your environment and respond to evolving societal constraints within and beyond, and imagine new potentialities for society. Designed to respond to emerging developments in design and non-design sectors, the programme brings together three major centres: design, industries and enterprise, and cultures and community.

The curriculum focuses on design practice with solutions prioritising human and non-human perspectives, realities and experiences. You will be encouraged to ask valid, significant and complex questions, using an innovative pedagogical approach to mediate between past and future, global and local, traditions and contemporaries.

The programme presents content to reflect the changing global and ecological climate and emerging trends through a dynamic and idea-driven learning environment, while addressing the influence of design practice on society in broad areas such as Creative Resets, Creative and Creator Communities, Health, Well-being and Care and Sustainability, Circularity and Regeneration.

Why apply

Creative leadership: Become a moving and leading part of the industry as you evolve from one module to the next until you graduate.

Real-life design briefs: Participate in real-life design briefs proposed by agencies, services, healthcare and learning institutions, and social and sustainable companies and learn by making and becoming an agent of change.

Innovative learning and practice: Engage in a community of designers, students and academics who participate in multidisciplinary fields of design practice and theory.

Active network: Besides professional and learning opportunities, you get access to a community of professionals and a strong alumni network after graduation.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

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Duration

3 years

Mode

Full-time

Programme structure
Year 1
  • Studio 1 - Design and Design Making (20 credits)
  • Design Lab - Thought-Starters (20 credits)
  • Think-tanks 1 - Critical Inquiry (20 credits)
  • Studio 2 - Design and Design Making (20 credits)
  • Design Lab - Social Forms (20 credits)
  • Think-tanks 2 - Critical Inquiry (20 credits)
Year 2
  • Studio 3 - Social Design (20 credits)
  • Design Lab - Sponsored Briefs A (20 credits)
  • Think-tanks 3 - Design Discourse (20 credits)
  • Studio 4 - Design Futures (20 credits)
  • Design Lab - Sponsored Briefs B (20 credits)
  • Think-tanks 4 - Design Discourse (20 credits)
Year 3
  • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Graduation Project (60 credits)

More Information

Modes of assessment
  • Studio Project 
  • Technical Assignment
  • Pop Quiz
  • Written Assignment
  • Interdisciplinary Project Process Journal
  • Research Proposal Outline
  • Dissertation
Curriculum framework

The LASALLE BA (Hons) framework is a curriculum model that provides you with discipline-specific solid fundamentals while supporting you to acquire a wide range of transferable skills to prepare you for the future economy and rewarding professional life.

The core curriculum forms the bedrock of the creative discipline in which you will be specialising. The focal points of the core curriculum are:

Performance/studio practice
Through performances and studio practices, you will be able to formulate a reflective understanding of the interplay between theory and practice within your discipline. Transferable skills such as divergent and lateral thinking and problem-solving are cultivated.

Techniques and skills
You will acquire specific techniques and skills to achieve a comprehensive mastery of your discipline at the end of Year 3 to enter the respective sector you are trained.

Contextual studies
You will learn to synthesise, critically evaluate and challenge the assumptions of the various processes, structures and practices. Contextual studies will help you to understand and explain where, how and why your ideas fit in your discipline.

Global experiences
LASALLE enhances your creative practice by exposing you to socioculturally different educational settings and nurturing global citizenship. You will have the opportunity to undertake semestral exchanges with established partner institutions up to a maximum of 60 credits.

The UAS graduating requirements supplement the core curriculum to support you in acquiring a broader range of proficiencies, thus enabling you to respond flexibly to changing professional and sector demands. These non-credit bearing graduating requirements consist of:

  • UAS common curriculum: IN-depth programme (36 hours)
  • Career Skills (10 hours)
  • Internship (10 weeks / 400 hours)
Grading system and classification of awards

LASALLE uses a 5–point Grade Point Average (GPA) system, which will be applicable to all students admitted to Year 1 and students admitted to Year 2 of UAS programmes with effect from AY2024/25, to track students’ academic progress throughout their studies.

Students receive letter grades for each module taken. Each grade corresponds to a grade point as shown below:

Letter grade Grade point
A+. 5.0
A   5.0
A-  4.5
B+  4.0
B   3.5
B-  3.0
C+  2.5
C   2.0
D+  1.5
D   1.0
F   0.0

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents the grade point average of all modules attempted by the student. A minimum CGPA of 2.00 is required for graduation.

The computation of CGPA is as follows:

CGPA =
Sum (module grade point x module credits assigned to module) Sum (module credits assigned to all modules used in calculating the numerator)

All modules, including repeat attempts, are included in the computation of the CGPA with the exception of modules that are exempted or where students were absent with valid reasons.

The classification of award and corresponding CGPA requirement are as follows:

CGPA range Classification of award
4.50 – 5.00 Honours (Highest Distinction)
4.00 – 4.49 Honours (Distinction)
3.50 – 3.99 Honours (Merit)
3.00 – 3.49 Honours (Commendation)
2.00 – 2.99 Honours
Sustainability and care

LASALLE recognises the important role of artists and designers in creating a sustainable and caring world. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to identify and explore issues around sustainability (from ecology and global climate change to the sustainability of their own creative practices and wider cultural communities) and care (for the well-being and advancement of oneself and others).

The College actively encourages students to engage with and investigate these crucial contemporary issues as part of their studies, including through their projects, and critical and creative outputs. Through interdisciplinary learning and strong engagement with these topics, the aim is to empower students to lead the way towards sustainable practices and caring communities within the cultural and creative industries.

Materials

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

As a developing artist, you are required to have certain items that are personal to you and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support you through your three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Our lecturers can provide you with affordable suggestions.

You are also encouraged to have your own laptop for education. If you do not own one, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for you to undertake your work.

There may be opportunities for you to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance your overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs.

Career paths

Content creator, design strategist, design writer, facilitator, creative technologist, creative entrepreneur, service designer, social designer, product designer, researcher or in the areas of trend forecasting, business and enterprise, research and development labs, healthcare innovation labs or service design sectors.

Academics

Tap into the illustrious minds of our faculty members who are movers and shakers in their own disciplines. They will impart, challenge and encourage, as they share their invaluable expertise and experiences with you.

Dean, Faculty of Design
Head, School of Spatial & Product Design
Programme Leader, Diploma in Interior Design
Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Product Design
Senior Lecturer, Interior Design
Lecturer, Interior Design
Lecturer, Interior Design
Lecturer, Interior Design
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Admission Information

Important Dates

Start of semester: Aug 2024

Applications have closed.

Successful applicants who have applied for BA (Hons) programmes will be informed of their outcome progressively from 30 Apr 2024 onwards.

Entry requirements

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Singapore
  • Singapore
  • International
Qualifications Remarks

 

The qualifications listed below are common entry qualifications submitted by applicants.

  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ level with minimum ‘Pass’ in two subjects at A-Level/H2 Level and General Paper
  • Local Polytechnic Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
  • Other relevant equivalent qualifications
Entry into IELTS Academic TOEFL (iBT) PTE Academic Duolingo English Test
BA (Hons) 6.0 80 50 105

ADMISSIONS TEST/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS/AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

A two-step process is put in place to determine your suitability for the programme:

  1. Submit a portfolio based on the requirements outlined below.
  2. Attend an interview upon meeting the portfolio requirements.

Portfolio
Your portfolio should contain 10 pieces of original work that demonstrate your creative development and process which could include sketches, journals, photography, artefacts etc. You could also present creative works showcasing visualisation skills, basic art direction, photography skills and basic software skills. You are required to upload your portfolio online.

Interview
During the interview, you are required to participate in a dialogue regarding the content of your portfolio and share your profiles. You should be prepared to talk about your experiences, inspirations and influences and tell us what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment in your areas of interest. You should also share how you think the programme will help you in your future career choices.

International applicants
If you are unable to attend the interview at LASALLE, an online interview will be arranged for you.

Fees
Components

Tuition Fees (per annum)

BA (HONS) TUITION FEES FOR AUGUST 2024 INTAKE (PER ANNUM FEES)^

FUNDED (SUBSIDISED FEES)** NON-FUNDED (FULL FEES)
Singaporeans Singapore PR International Singaporeans Singapore PR International
S$9,780 S$13,845* S$21,582 S$21,582 S$29,212

^ With the exception of BA (Hons) International Contemporary Dance Practices (see fee table below).
** With the exception of BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures and BA (Hons) International Contemporary Dance Practices which are non-funded programmes.
* Singapore PRs and International students who choose to take up the Tuition Grant (TG) will need to make an online application and then sign the TG Deed with the Government of Singapore. Under the terms of the TG Deed, you will be required to work for a Singapore entity for a period of three years upon graduation. For more information, visit tgonline.moe.gov.sg.

 
NOTE
  • Funded/subsidised fees for Singaporeans and Singapore PR qualify for GST subsidy from MOE, all other fees include 9% GST in 2024.
  • For non-funded programmes such as BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures and BA (Hons) International Contemporary Dance Practices, LASALLE is offering some special fee discounts for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs. Please contact admissions@lasalle.edu.sg for further details.
  • Fees are due on the first day of each semester.
  • Fees are subject to change.
  • Correct as of August 2023.

 

BA (HONS) INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY DANCE PRACTICES (PER ANNUM FEES)

NON-FUNDED (FULL FEES)
  UK home fee International (including Singaporeans and Singapore PR)
Year 1
(at London Contemporary Dance School)
£9,250 £21,250
  Singaporeans and Singapore PR International
Year 2 and 3
(at LASALLE College of the Arts)
S$21,582 S$29,212
 

Application Fees

A non-refundable application fee (inclusive of GST*) is chargeable per application. Application is only complete upon receipt of your application fee and all necessary documents. Please ensure your application fee is paid and documents are uploaded after you have received an email that your applicant profile has been created. LASALLE reserves the right to withdraw the applicant if the application fee remains unpaid and documents are not received by the due date.

* GST is at 8% from 2023 and 9% from 2024.

Singaporean / Singapore Permanent Resident applicants S$60
International applicants S$120
 

ACCEPTED MODES OF PAYMENT

All payment to LASALLE must be made in Singapore Dollar. In line with the Singapore government's move towards a cashless society, online payments are strongly encouraged. Below are the payment modes acceptable by LASALLE.

Payment method Payment mode
A. Online payment
  • Flywire
  • iBanking
  • PayNow/DBS Paylah!
B. SAM (kiosk, web or mobile)/Singapore Post
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AMEX
  • NETS
 

Additional Costs

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

As a developing artist, you are required to have certain items that are personal to you and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support you through your three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Our lecturers can provide you with affordable suggestions.

You are also encouraged to have your own laptop for education. If you do not own one, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for you to undertake your work.

There may be opportunities for you to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance your overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs.

 

MORE INFORMATION

Medical Insurance Scheme

All full-time students of LASALLE are required to be covered under the Medical Insurance Scheme (MIS). The annual coverage of S$20,000 includes school-related activities throughout the programme duration.

The current premium rate is $29.70 (inclusive of 8% GST) payable each semester. This premium rate is subject to change based on the prevailing premiums charged by the insurer and prevailing GST rate.

Scholarships & financial support

SCHOLARSHIPS

In recognition of outstanding academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for creativity and innovation, LASALLE offers a variety of scholarships to new and current students.

Application dates for scholarships will be reflected in the various scholarship pages. Other externally sponsored scholarships are also available to students. Enquiries and applications may be directed to the respective organisations.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View scholarships offered

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We are committed to providing a quality education for all our students, and believe that no deserving student should be denied admission because of financial difficulty.

A range of financial assistance schemes, grants and loans are made available to help meet a portion of the educational expenses of students.

Application dates for financial assistance will be reflected in the various bursary pages.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View bursaries offered

GOVERNMENT LOAN SCHEME

Students who are Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents and on Tuition Grant are eligible to apply for Tuition Fee Loan of up to 90% (degree) or 75% (diploma) of the programme fees. Application opens in October each year. Please contact the Division of Finance (finance@lasalle.edu.sg) for more details.

View Government Loan Scheme details

MORE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Prospectus

Undergraduate prospectus AY2023/24
Download PDF
Undergraduate Chinese prospectus AY2023/24
Download PDF
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Take the next exhilarating step with our BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures Programme.