Postgraduate
MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice
The MA in Arts Pedagogy and Practice is a one-of-a-kind programme in Asia dedicated to artist-educators. The programme unlocks conventional pedagogic principles for the arts and introduces, through experimentation, inter- and transdisciplinary modalities to study the arts and its various practices.
The programme is suited for artists working in educational environments and those interested in new thinking about arts education, pedagogy and developing new practices in teaching the arts.
Enriched by a diversity of disciplines ranging from art, music, design, dance, theatre and film, the MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice programme is for those invested in nurturing and mentoring the next generation of artists.
The programme delves into educational theories, curriculum design, content delivery and assessment strategies appropriate for artists, practitioners and arts educators. You will build upon your skills and knowledge, and develop strategies to support students to break boundaries and create new contemporary work. It involves classroom observational practices, strong independent learning and participatory interdisciplinary activities coupled with deep scholarly research.
The programme develops your long-term capacity for exploration and openness to new and varied experiences in a constantly evolving arts ecosystem. You will develop critical skills, self-awareness and reflexivity within your own perspective to become highly effective in supporting your growth as an artist working across diverse areas. You will have the opportunity to transform your practice for the benefit of your students, community and industry, and contribute to the growing field of research in arts education.
The programme is structured to offer an educational development opportunity while enabling you to continue with your professional practice. LASALLE offers an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment where experienced artists from vastly different backgrounds and interests are immersed in pedagogical discussion and research.
Course Details

Duration
1.5 years (3 semesters)
Mode
Programme structure
This full-time programme spans three consecutive semesters within a 1.5-year duration. Semesters 1 and 2 each have two 30-credit modules. In Semester 2, a 30-credit elective module option is made available to you with a choice to take the module offered by your respective programme or, in consultation with your Programme Leader, select a module offered by another MA programme. The 60-credit module in
the final (3rd) semester will support you to develop a thesis or choose a practice-based outcome based on your research interests.
Research Methods in Creative Arts (30 CP)
Investigating Practice (30 CP)
Research Methods in Creative Arts
This module introduces you to arts research through a thorough study of research methods and analytical techniques informing artistic and critical practices at the MA level. Research operates within a critical context and this module aims to prepare you to confidently articulate your practice, formulate your own critical arguments, and formulate methods to investigate and probe issues.
Investigating Practice
This module provides you the opportunity to step back and reflect upon the basis of your pedagogical philosophy. Emphasis is given to critical reflection of your current pedagogy in relation to arts practice and to evaluating individual preferences in order to equip you with the capacity to articulate your position (approach, processes, choice of content, outcomes, assessments) in a meaningful and informed manner.
Experiencing Diverse Pedagogies (30 CP)
Transforming Practice (30 CP)
Experiencing Diverse Pedagogies
Building upon the experiences obtained in the first semester, this module gives you the opportunity to look beyond yourself and your own arts pedagogy to examine how the arts is practised and taught by others in your own discipline as well as other disciplines within your immediate circle of influence.
By giving you the opportunity to witness, understand and appreciate a range of approaches and methodologies used by fellow arts educators within your discipline and from outside of your art form, you will gain a good understanding of the pedagogical capabilities already in existence within your Community of Practice, likely to be extended by your peers on the programme. Through this module, you will expand your expertise in your field through extensive reading, research, observation and creation of a collaborative practice-based arts presentation with fellow cohort members.
Transforming Practice
You are advised to obtain Human Subject Research certification prior to the beginning of this module. An opportunity to achieve this certification will be provided throughout the first semester of the Programme.
In this module you will conduct research proposed to and approved by your Programme Leader as well as complete your personal arts presentation. The purpose of this module is to engage you with new/other forms or processes in research to transform your arts practice and pedagogy. You will be involved in researching, applying and experimenting with one or more of the following: cross/trans/inter-disciplinarity; cross/trans/inter-cultural practice; alternate pedagogy; other art forms to the practice; new media or technologies to the practice.
Final Research (60 CP)
Final Research
In this module, you will engage in research on an aspect or aspects of arts education of particular interest to you. The research topics, methods and presentation of findings will be discussed, negotiated and agreed upon with the Programme Leader and your supervisor prior to the beginning of the module. This will enable you to seek advice from experienced researchers relating to the design of your research. Artists and educators within your Community of Practice will also provide you with differing perspectives to assist you in the development and the delivery of your research project. The reflective practitioner approach will provide evidence of a growth in understanding of the pedagogical processes involved in the arts.
More Information
LASALLE has a long tradition of practice-led research in art and design. The College aims to assume a significant role in Singapore for practice-led research in visual, performing and literary arts, and aspires to add the distinctive viewpoint of Singapore to research into artistic practice in the 21st century.
The Research Methods in Creative Arts module is a common module which all students are required to undertake. You will have the opportunity to interact with one another in the first term, to network with peers in other MA programmes and foster a stronger community of research practice that enhances your respective discipline of study as well as within the College.
You will be introduced to relevant professional methods of research and creation which may include profiles of and/or dialogue with creative professionals, critical/theoretical discourse, action research, visual object analysis, textual analysis, case studies, historical and ethnographic research, interviews, life-stories/ autobiographies, etc. You will also be introduced to research practices such as literature reviews, process-based discovery, bibliographical searches, quantitative and qualitative methods, citations and the construction of research questions
Postgraduate students are constantly exposed to first-hand experience in current practices of research and creation, leading to the acquiring of powerful knowledge and a wide set of skills by the time you graduate. You will have opportunities to develop expertise in accordance with your research interests.
The programme considers artistic practice and pedagogical understanding as two intersecting and complementary skill sets. Students engage in discussions about creating art and teaching in a global city where many arts traditions from East and West collide, mingle and transform into new hybrid art forms. The programme aspires to:
- Facilitate your development of a strong pedagogical approach to teaching in the arts.
- Enable you to develop a strong research methodology with theoretical and practical resources and strategies relevant to your research.
- Enable you to develop a range of analytical, reflective and communicative skills, in order to research, evaluate and articulate your concepts, pedagogy and practice.
- Foster your ability to independently and critically evaluate your teaching practice and research across a broad range of cultural and historical contexts.
- Encourage you to work on arts-based projects relevant to your teaching in a single discipline or across a broad range of mediums in a collaborative environment.
- Enable you to develop independence and self-discipline in your research processes and pedagogical practices to meet the demands of professional arts education.
Underpinning the Programme are two primary approaches to practice and learning: the reflective practitioner and communities of practice. The communities of practice approach supports the sustained pursuit of a shared enterprise by connecting theory, practice and experience shared amongst you and your peers.
- Arts educators (in primary, secondary, and tertiary education)
- Applied / Community artists working across sectors and contexts (such as youth groups, seniors, disabilities, learning needs, corporate training)
- Arts education programmers and directors in professional sectors (such as museums, galleries, arts companies)
- Arts education researchers and consultants
HighLights
- News & Events
- Features
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
January 2023 Intake
MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice
MA Arts and Cultural Leadership
MA Asian Art Histories
MA Creative Writing
MA Design
MA Fine Arts
Start of semester: Jan 2023
Applications have closed.
August 2023 intake
MA Art Therapy
Start of semester: Aug 2023
Applications have closed.
ADMISSIONS TEST/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS/AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
You must fulfil the following requirements:
Academic requirements
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognised local or international institution.
- A minimum of IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 or 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, highlight your reasons for applying to this programme and how they relate to your future plans. You should also include a brief description of your research intention / 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 work that showcases your arts practice and your experiences in teaching arts or any educational work relating to your arts 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
- You will be required to sign a suitability declaration indicating whether you have any criminal record and/or history at the point of admission to the programme. The form can be obtained from the Division of Admissions.
- It will be preferable if you have prior educational knowledge in the fields of the arts or education. Work experience as a practising artist, arts professional and/or an educator will be an advantage.
- If applicable, you will also be required to provide a letter of approval from your organisation for your enrolment into the programme. All documents will need to be submitted online.
Tuition fees
POSTGRADUATE DEGREE IN ARTS TUITION FEES 2023/24 INTAKE
Programme | Duration | Fees per semester | Total fees | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Years | Singaporeans | Singapore PR | International | Singaporeans | Singapore PR | International | |
MA Art Therapy | 2 | S$10,397 | S$10,397 | S$11,769 | S$41,874 | S$41,874 | S$47,403 |
Note for postgraduate fees:
- Total fees include 8% GST in 2023 and 9% GST in 2024.
Application fees
A non-refundable application fee (inclusive of 8% GST) is chargeable per application. Please ensure your application fee is paid and documents are submitted within seven working days from the submission date of your online application.
Singaporeans / Singapore Permanent Resident applicants | International applicants |
---|---|
S$60 | S$120 |
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
Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) serves to protect students’ fees in the event a Private Education Institution (PEI) is unable to continue operations due to insolvency and/or regulatory closure. The FPS also protects students when the PEI fails to pay penalties or refund fees to the students arising from judgements made against it by the Singapore courts.
In seeking to be an EduTrust-certified PEI, LASALLE is required to adopt the FPS to ensure full protection to all fees paid by their students. Therefore, the FPS is compulsory for students who are taking BA(Hons), MA and Certificate programmes at LASALLE.
Diploma programmes offered by LASALLE are exempted from FPS under the EduTrust requirements of the Committee for Private Education (CPE).
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 payable each semester. This premium rate is subject to change based on the prevailing premiums charged by the insurer.
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 |
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Online payment |
|
SAM (kiosk, web or mobile) / Singapore Post |
|
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 page. 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 offered