MA Asian Art Histories

Read history, make history.

The MA in Asian Art Histories programme cultivates a new generation of art historians, curators, art writers and exhibition-makers. It is a global pioneer to focus on Asian modern and contemporary art histories.

It nurtures a nuanced and impactful appreciation of art from Asia, attracting a diverse and rich community of learners and scholars who seek to make a difference in their respective fields, countries and art.

Located in the McNally School of the Fine Arts, the programme provides you a rare opportunity to work alongside and engage with emerging and established artists, field experts, curators and collectors drawn from Singapore and Asia’s rich visual arts ecology. You will also be oriented to critically engage with the wide range of exhibitions presented by LASALLE’s Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore.

Singapore's strategic geographic and culturally connected position in Asia and its investment in arts infrastructure have created numerous opportunities for our students to connect globally and engage with contemporary art discourse. The programme plugs centrally into this development, providing you with sustainable career opportunities.

You will be provided with appropriate research, art historical and theoretical knowledge and resources, and the opportunity to undertake original research in largely under-explored fields, investigate and amplify emerging artists and movements, and contribute to art historical discourse and scholarship.

The programme also encourages you to establish and expand your professional practices and networks to hone your potential to become a leading thinker and cultural producer in your field. Its rigour will adequately prepare you to pursue Ph.D. studies in art history.

Graduates have successfully gone to work as art historians, curators, gallerists and policymakers, and pursue Ph.D. studies.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Duration

1 year (3 semesters)/
2 years (6 semesters)

Mode

Full-time/part-time

Programme structure

Full-time

Histories and Theories on Asian Art (30 credits)
Society and Politics in Asian Art (30 credits)
Exhibitions and the Making of Art Histories in Asia (30 credits)
The Agora (30 credits)
Final Research (60 credits)

Note: The workload will be approximately half for MA programmes offered with the part-time mode.

More Information

Modes of assessment

Written Assignment
Seminar Presentation
Thesis or Project Work
Student Designed Assessment

Curriculum framework

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.

Grading system and classification of awards

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:

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	MA (Distinction)
2.50 – 4.49	MA

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

Art historian, art teacher/educator, art writer, arts administrator, art consultant, curator, gallery manager or researcher.

HighLights

Awards
News & Events
Star Alumni
Features

Awards

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 Fine Arts, Media & Creative Industries

Programme Leader, MA Asian Art Histories

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

Entry requirements

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

If available, you are invited to submit samples of your academic writing and published work. These will need to be uploaded 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.

Fees

Tuition fees

POSTGRADUATE TUITION FEES FOR AUGUST 2024 INTAKE

Programme	Duration	Fees per semester	Total (S$)
Programme	Duration	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$)
Programme	Duration	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	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.

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

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).

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.

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