Postgraduate
MA Fine Arts
The MA in Fine Arts is a research-based programme for artists. The programme provides a learning environment that prepares you to achieve a level of professional excellence required by the demands of the changing landscape of contemporary art. It also fosters a deep inquiry into artistic practices through research.
A pioneering programme in Singapore that has produced numerous award-winning artists working globally, it features a multidisciplinary teaching faculty consisting of practising artists, writers and curators from Singapore and around the world.
It is the only practice-based programme in Singapore that emphasises a multidisciplinary approach while generating individual self-discipline, knowledge and discoveries that enable the realisation of your artistic vocabulary. The programme will equip you with the appropriate expertise and academic rigour to pursue a higher level of independent research work such as a PhD in any number of arts-related fields.
The MA Fine Arts programme’s core concerns around contemporary art attract a diverse body of students who crosses disciplines and geographies to undertake a critical reflection and contemplation in art. Whether focusing your research area within a certain mode of expression, or choosing to work via an interdisciplinary approach, the programme enables you to acquire critical, theoretical and historical discourses, and cultivate your practice through a firm grounding in studio experimentation and innovation.
The programme prides itself in working towards the sustainability of an artist by preparing graduates for a rapidly-evolving art landscape. Singapore's strategic geographic and culturally connected position in Southeast Asia, as well as the country’s investment in arts infrastructure has created a burgeoning arts industry that not only offers myriad opportunities for artists but also facilitates cross-pollination of renowned artistic talent and contemporary art discourse to cross-pollinate.
The programme's stellar, dedicated faculty spans a wide range of academic and artistic backgrounds. Accomplished academics and artists in their own right, they provide you with individualised attention and support alongside a distinguished roster of guest lecturers, international artists, curators and critics amidst the vibrant ecosystem of fellow candidates.
Through such a rich context and diverse international exposure, you will have ample opportunities to further contemporary art discourses through your own research and practice, and graduate with global appeal.
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 a practice-based project/exhibition based on your research interests.
Research Methods in Creative Arts (30 CP)
Studio 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.
Studio Practice
The module emphasises the training and education of the artist dealing with Fine Art practice or new media technologies and is based on independent study and research. Your learning experience is embodied in the development of a strong methodology in studio practice within the context of contemporary art and new media. This is facilitated through workshops that address issues and skills relevant to your proposed research areas (e.g. cultural politics, popular culture, theories of aesthetics, new media theories, networks, programming, immersive environment, sensors, etc.).
Studio Practice 2 (30 CP)
Issues in Practice and Research in Fine Arts (30 CP)
Studio Practice 2
The module further consolidates the training and education of the artist based on independent study and research. Through the development of a range of analytical, reflective, technological and communicative skills, you are able to better articulate your individual vision and agenda in your research and practice.
Issues in Practice and Research in Fine Arts
The training and education of the artist is further developed through a series of seminars, workshops and lectures. Equipped with a strong research methodology, you will elaborate on its relevance to your research area. You will consider the theoretical and methodological issues that arise in the relationship between practice and research and how these pertain to your own individual studio-based practice and/or scholarly research. In preparation for your oral presentation, you should demonstrate an ability to critically analyse and articulate your concepts and practice.
Final Research (60 CP)
Final Research
This final module requires you to contextualise and present a resolved body of works in the form of an exhibition. Your work should be informed by the critical and conceptual thinking developed over the previous two semesters, and supported by a well-informed, research-led, critical discourse. In parallel to your final exhibited work, you will also need to document your working methodology and demonstrate the reflexive thinking of how theory and art practice are related. This will be presented in the form of a 5,000-word exegesis that supports your studio practice.
You will work independently or collaboratively towards the submission of the final exhibition and will be supervised and mentored by your appointed research supervisor.
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.
Teaching Methods & Assessment
The programme is delivered through a range of learning approaches that include lectures, workshops, seminars, group discussions and critiques, candidate presentations, and individual tutorials. These approaches support you as you work towards a Final Research project comprising of an exhibition of artworks and a supporting document in the form of an exegesis. You are expected to be self- motivated, to engage in independent visual and theoretical research, as well as to develop the ability to evaluate your own work and to expand your awareness of the critical developments in contemporary art. Exposure to good practices in terms of professional practice also facilitates feasibility of being an artist.
Study Trips
A study trip will be organised to enable you to learn how artists and art communities respond to differing social and cultural contexts in the production of art. Harnessing the benefits of experiential learning, this study trip will include visits to artists' studios, galleries, biennales and art spaces. At the same time, it offers invaluable research opportunities through networking with local art communities.
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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 art works documented in digital format. Drawings, installations, paintings and sculptures should be in high resolution with selected images with close up viewing of details. Interdisciplinary time-based works or performance and e-based works should be presented in video or digital format. You may also include your works seen within an exhibition or public/private location. 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 your artistic intentions, 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 offered
