Postgraduate
MA Creative Writing
The MA Creative Writing is the first-of-its-kind in Singapore and Southeast Asia focused on graduating publishable authors, critical writers and producing new literature and written work.
In this one and only taught creative writing programme in Singapore, you will acquire a deep appreciation of the written word and the construction of the written forms such as poetry, creative non-fiction, fiction, screenplays and ficto-critical writing through formal modules and regular writing workshops and peer study.
The programme prepares the writers, editors, publishers, cultural curators and writing teachers of tomorrow who develop narratives that migrate from page to stage and screens. while aligning Singapore and Southeast Asia to the world's exponentially growing market for literary production, publishing and pedagogy.
You will gain both breadth and depth through workshops devoted to all the major genres –fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama – followed by a creative thesis project written in the genre of your choice. This sustained study of writing, editing and publishing provides students a critical, theoretical and historical framework for the analysis of literature, art, communication and arts pedagogy.
Intensive graduate writing workshops and dialogue with visiting writers improve writing, reading and editing abilities while also providing meta-lessons in perception, creative problem-solving, social-emotional intelligence, communicative precision, interpersonal diplomacy, community, empathy and human nature. Timeless philosophical questions about identity, knowledge, individuality, work, community, family, nationality, love, ethics and meaning arise and evolve through sustained, informed and self-aware writing in addition to consultations with our published writing faculty, workshop peers, guest writers and industry professionals.
You will have an opportunity to participate in local and regional writing festivals to build an awareness of networks, circulation and reception of the written word. The programme features workshops and dialogues with visiting writers from around the world, including Asian and Singapore writing voices.
Graduates of the programme have already made a significant mark being published by international literary publishers and winning awards particularly in Singapore.
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 final writing project or portfolio complemented by an extended critical essay.
Research Methods in Creative Arts (30 CP)
Story (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. Creative Writing students will also devote at least the second half of this module to writing creative non-fiction.
Story
This module informs and interconnects with all other modules on the Masters programme, focusing on the nature of stories and storytelling, which is a fundamental element of all forms and genres of Creative Writing, including non-fiction. You will examine the origins, histories and theories of story, the art of storytelling and the imaginative creation of fiction, with particular reference to narrative prose fiction. You will also consider some of the complex relationships that underlie storytelling, including between writer and reader, and text and subtext. The close examination of case study texts develops in students a comprehensive understanding of how different story elements and structures have been employed across different cultures and historical periods, including examples of cutting-edge contemporary works.
Dramatic Writing (30 CP)
Language, Poetics and the Writer's Craft (30 CP)
Dramatic Writing
This module enables you to examine and analyse the fundamental elements and techniques applied in writing drama, including plays for theatre and screenplays for film and television, and to consider how these principles can also be used effectively across all other forms of Creative Writing. A sophisticated understanding of dramatic forms, structures and techniques allows the novelist or poet, for example, to gain new insights into developing compelling dialogue sequences and dramatic plot progressions.
Language, Poetics and the Writer's Craft
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an appreciation for the power of language and how the key concepts and techniques studied can be effectively applied to enhance the impact and eloquence of all forms and genres of creative writing. You have the opportunity to read, perform, analyse and deconstruct written work in workshops as well as to offer and receive critical feedback with peers. This module is about poetics in all of its forms, structures and devices with poetry being one of these.
Final Research (60 CP)
Final Research
This module focuses on the research, preparation and delivery of either (1) a single extended piece of writing or (2) a portfolio of thematically connected writing. The creative component will demonstrate and apply the detailed and systematic understandings, skills and techniques developed through the programme; and your ability to creatively interrelate and synthesise ideas and techniques across different forms. The creative element of the project is complemented by an extended critical essay, which interrogates the research processes undertaken and analyses pertinent critical, theoretical and contextual issues and debates.
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 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 powerful knowledge and of 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 explores in detail theoretical understandings, practical approaches and professional techniques applied in creative writing across multiple forms and genres; you develop and apply these through your own creative exercises and projects. Your writing is shared, discussed and critiqued by both tutors and peers in regular group workshops. Workshops are an important element of the programme, providing continuing constructive feedback, practical editing experience and ideas for further development and enhancement.
Alongside coursework, you will engage with established and emerging writers (from the region and the world) through seminars and workshops; and where possible, attend and participate in various writers' festivals and literary events in Singapore and the region; in 2017, MA candidates were invited festival authors at the George Town Literary Festival in Penang.
The programme takes a multicultural approach, examining Eastern and Western approaches, practices and traditions. Singaporean and Southeast Asian writing practitioners and industry professionals are invited to host seminars and workshops, to discuss their own work and the work of others that have influenced them.
You will develop a comprehensive and practical understanding of how different modes of research and enquiry are used both to create and develop works of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry, and to interpret, illuminate and 'deconstruct' them. You will examine how major developments within literary and philosophical theory such as structuralism, poststructuralism and postcolonial studies have not only shifted understandings and interpretations of texts, but have also impacted on how writers approach their craft, and how writing is itself perceived.
LASALLEs pedagogical philosophy contends that there is no artificial separation between 'theory' and 'practice' - both are imbricated together and inform one another. The teaching and learning methods highlight a continuous interplay and interrelationship between practical explorations, critical enquiry and theoretical reflection.
As a student in the MA Creative Writing Programme, you will be encouraged to reflect on your writing practice and theory both individually and as part of formal and informal writing workshops. You are expected to be self-motivated, to engage in independent research, as well as to develop the ability to evaluate your own work and to expand your awareness of the critical developments in Creative Writing and contemporary arts. You will be exposed to good professional practices in order to increase your potential success and potential as a creative writer.
Novel, short story and poetry writing, playwriting and dramaturgy, screenwriting and filmmaking, journalism (print and broadcast), arts criticism, digital games, writing for industry and business, copywriting for advertising and marketing, editing, arts administration, business administration and academia.
The programme publishes an annual anthology of writing by its students and alumni. See archive of past issues here.
HighLights
- Awards
- News & Events
- Features
- Industry Collaborations
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 may 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 may contain prose fiction, poetry, a script, journalism, or a combination of any of these (2000 – 3000 words). The writing will be appraised according to its strength of originality, imagination, fluency, language and style and your overall potential as a creative writer. 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.
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 |
|---|---|
|
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 offeredMORE INFORMATION
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