Postgraduate
MA Art Therapy
The highly selective MA Art Therapy programme is a global leader in blending Eastern and Western approaches, methodologies and perspectives to train art therapists who are culturally relevant and progressive in a fast-changing world.
A first of its kind in Southeast Asia, it develops credentialled art therapists who help people effect change and growth through art materials in a supported and safe environment. Drawing on a range of world-class medical and mental health options available in Singapore, this practice-based clinical programme emphasises experiential learning through art making, reflection and research.
Aligned to national mental health mandates and informed by international best practices, the programme is Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) approved, preparing you to become a professionally credentialed Registered Art Therapist (AThR).
You will purposefully facilitate an art-making process to create self-expression, reflection, understanding and change with people and/or communities who encounter a range of stress, trauma, physical, mental or societal challenges and experiences. Through taught modules, a deeply researched thesis and rigorous clinical placements, you will learn a range of psychotherapeutic concepts, theories and practices, and acquire critical knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of the modality itself. You will also be required to undergo a substantial period of highly supervised clinical practice placements.
Art therapists develop a range of professional competencies to work with the populace’s life cycles effectively. Graduates are successfully placed as therapists in various medical, social services and community-based organisations and in emerging settings such as educational, online and museums in Singapore and internationally. Our students' research theses contribute to furthering art therapy discourse and carving a niche for Singapore and the discipline.
Professional education: Learn from established art therapists, mental health practitioners and topic specialists from within Singapore, the region and internationally.
Industry practice: Study alongside accomplished, innovative and pioneering practitioners that use art and creativity to enhance mental health, wellness and well-being.
ANZACATA-approved training: Engage in progressive discourse around core debates and emerging trends within art therapy practice, art therapy education and research.
Career-ready professional competencies: Develop skills and knowledge set to local and international best practices, standards and ethics that are socially responsive, relevant, context-specific and culturally informed.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Duration
2 years (4 semesters)
Mode
Programme structure
- Introduction to Art Therapy (15 credits)
- Methods and Materials in Art Therapy (15 credits)
- Group Training 1 (15 credits)
- Human Development and Clinical Theory (15 credits)
- Child and Adolescent Art Therapy (15 credits)
- Clinical Placement 1 (15 credits)
- The Agora (30 credits)
- Adult, Geriatric and Family Art Therapy (15 credits)
- Clinical Placement 2 (15 credits)
- Final Research (60 credits)
- Group Training 2 (15 credits)
- Clinical Placement 3 (15 credits)
More Information
- Written Assignment
- Seminar Presentation
- Thesis or Project Work
- Student Designed Assessment
The LASALLE MA framework is one that aims to provide graduates with a competitive edge that will meet the demands of the dynamic cultural and creative sector.
The MA framework has the following common structure:
Core modules
You will study three core modules* according to your chosen programme of study. These modules aim to equip you with discipline-specific skills relevant to your area of research inquiry.
*For the MA Art Therapy and MA Music Therapy programmes, there will be additional modules for clinical placements.
Common module – the Agora
The common module, the Agora, has been designed to prepare you for the intensely collaborative experience of a creative career. You will be guided to reflect on the ‘place’ of your particular discipline in society, the economy and the environment. You will consider and experiment with combining your discipline with others (multidisciplinary), blending your skills and knowledge with those of other disciplines (interdisciplinary) or even discovering new ways of working together (transdisciplinary).
The Final Research module
Research methods will be embedded into the Final Research (thesis) module. Within this module, formal and dedicated ‘research weeks’ will occur in the first and second semesters. The research weeks will be distinctive points within your programme to allow you to concentrate fully on your research. The spread of its delivery is intended to provide you time to reflect, synthesise and consolidate your learning, and develop your research questions. You will also be provided six hours of supervision of your research.
Besides the immersion in the postgraduate research culture built through shared learning modules, the MA framework provides a transformative educational experience designed to shape you into a future-ready professional, equipped with the skills and expertise demanded by the industry.
LASALLE uses a 5–point Grade Point Average (GPA) system, which will be applicable to all students admitted 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 2.50 is required for graduation.
The computation of CGPA is as follows:
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 | MA (Distinction) |
| 2.50 – 4.49 | MA |
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.
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.
Art therapist, artist, advocate, mental health practitioner, researcher or community leader.
The graduating class of MA Art Therapy students puts up an annual exhibition at The LASALLE Show in May. Visit here to browse past year exhibition catalogues.
HighLights
- News & Events
- Star Alumni
- Features
- Industry Collaborations
- Community Projects
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.
Admission Information
Important Dates
Start of semester: Aug 2024
Application opens: 2 Oct 2023
Applications will close once the programme seats have been filled up.
For MA Art Therapy applicants:
Apply by: 15 Mar 2024
Application outcome will be announced by: 6 May 2024
ADMISSIONS TEST/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS/AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Academic requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised local or international institution.
- A minimum of IELTS Academic 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100 / PTE Academic 65 for applicants from countries where English is not the first language or whose qualifications are obtained from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction.
Statement of Purpose
- In 500–1,000 words, you are required to highlight your reasons for applying to this programme and how they relate to your future plans. You should also include a brief description of the research interest(s) that you are keen to explore. You are required to submit your Statement of Purpose online.
Reference letter
- Provide a reference letter to support your application. You are required to upload your reference letter online during your application.
Portfolio
- Your portfolio should contain images of 10–15 pieces of your original artwork that demonstrate your creative practice. You are required to upload your portfolio online.
Interview
- Shortlisted applicants will attend an interview. During the interview, you are required to participate in a dialogue regarding the purpose of your application. Please be prepared to talk about your background, what inspires you and your influences. We would like to find out what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment in your areas of interest. You should also share how you think the programme will benefit you in your future career choices or develop your research interests.
International applicants
- If you are unable to attend the interview at LASALLE, an online interview will be arranged for you.
Other requirements
- It will be preferable if you have prior educational knowledge in the fields of visual arts, psychology, medical, social or human sciences, or relevant work or voluntary experience in a rehabilitative setting.
- You are also required to:
- Commit to undergoing weekly personal therapy for the duration of the programme.
- Sign a suitability declaration indicating whether you have any criminal record and/or history at the point of admission to the programme*.
- Complete an Occupational Health Declaration, verified by a medical physician prior to admission to the programme. Both forms can be obtained from the Division of Admissions.
* Please note that given the nature and sensitivity of confidential case materials, professional and ethical best practices and the potential vulnerability of the clientele, many clinical placement settings as well as potential employers require a mandatory background security check for potential student interns.
Tuition fees
POSTGRADUATE TUITION FEES FOR AUGUST 2024 INTAKE
| Programme | Duration | Fees per semester | Total (S$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singaporeans/Singapore PR/International | Singaporeans/Singapore PR/International | ||
| MA Art Therapy | 2 years | $10,764 | $43,056 |
| MA Music Therapy | 2 years | $10,764 | $43,056 |
| Programme | Duration | Fees per semester | Total (S$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singaporeans/Singapore PR/International | Singaporeans/Singapore PR/International | ||
| MA Arts and Cultural Leadership | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Arts and Ecology | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Asian Art Histories | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Creative Writing | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Design | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| MA Fine Arts | 1 year | $10,500 | $31,500 |
| All MA programmes (part-time mode)* |
2 years | $5,250 | $31,500 |
Fees include 9% GST in 2024. Fees are subject to change as at August 2023.
* With the exception of MA Art Therapy and MA Music Therapy, which are available only in full-time mode.
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 |
|
| B. SAM (kiosk, web or mobile)/Singapore Post |
|
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.
Students as developing artists are required to have certain items that are particular to them 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 students through their three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Lecturers will provide students with affordable suggestions.
Students are encouraged to have their own laptops for their education. For those who are unable to, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for them to undertake their work.
There may be opportunities for students to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance their overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs to students.
More information
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
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 offeredFINANCIAL 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.
Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).
View bursaries offeredMORE INFORMATION
Frequently Asked QuestionsDownload Prospectus
