LASALLE and inaccuracies in the media

There has been a lot written about LASALLE, College of the Arts, recently on the new developments there. Here are some inaccuracies in recent media reports about the college that need to be set straight:



First inaccuray: MOE disagrees with LASALLE over whether the Institution should offer its students diplomas OR degrees

The Ministry of Education does not have any issue with LASALLE offering both diploma and degree programmes. All of LASALLE’s diploma and degree programmes are registered with the Ministry.

In a letter dated 13 September 2007 from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry acknowledged LASALLE’s achievements which included expanding significantly the range of programmes in the arts and securing Open University UK validation for its degree programmes.

This validation of LASALLE’s degree programmes represents an independent stamp of approval of academic quality from an internationally-recognised accrediting body operating under UK Royal Charter.



Second inaccuracy: LASALLE BA (Hons) degree programmes are 4-year programmes

LASALLE’s BA (Hons) degree programmes are 3-year programmes not 4-year programmes.

Our undergraduate degree programmes are three-year degree programmes (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3).

Students who do not have the pre-requisites to enter the undergraduate degree programme can apply to enter at Foundation level (Level 0) to prepare them for entry into the BA (Hons) programme. Foundation studies (Level 0) is not part of the degree programme.

Third inaccuracy: LASALLE uses MOE’s diploma funding for its degree programmes

As part of the government’s plans to upgrade arts education in Singapore, LASALLE has been in receipt of funding from the Ministry of Education for Diploma studies since 1999.

LASALLE is required to comply with Ministry of Education policies and guidelines that ensure accountability for the public funds it receives. Any suggestion of irregularity in the way LASALLE uses the Ministry’s funding is baseless.


Fourth inaccuracy: Sotheby’s and ESMOD withdrew from their partnership with LASALLE

It was LASALLE who decided to call off the deals with both Sotheby’s and ESMOD.

LASALLE’ decided to withdraw from its partnership with Sotheby’s Institute of Art following Sotheby’s Institute’s inability to meet academic quality assurance and validation conditions in the context of its operations in Singapore.

As for ESMOD International Paris, LASALLE withdrew from the partnership when ESMOD failed to commit the necessary resources for the development of the joint Master’s programme.


Sent in by Sylvester Toh, Director of Corp Communications of LASALLE, College of the Arts