Aalto University’s fashion education amongst the best in the world

Aalto University's BA fashion education has been a great success in the global assessment of fashion programmes by Business of Fashion website.The programme got Badge of Excellence in all four categories, that in the revised assessment criteria are Best Overall, Best in Global Influence, Best in Learning Experience and Best in Long-Term Value. Also Aalto's multidisciplinary MA fashion program was recognized for its long-term value.

The BA fashion education at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture received top recognitions in all categories together with e.g. the renowned Central Saint Martens (GB) and the Parsons School of Design (USA).

“We are in the right reference group and one the top fashion schools in the world. Our education is of interest and attracts the best and most motivated students around the world. Our students also get well employed in the international top fashion houses, which is always the most important recognition”, says Pirjo Hirvonen, Professor of Fashion at Aalto University.

The revised evaluation methodology emphasizes quality

The Business of Fashion (BoF) assessment has been carried out annually since 2015. Due to feedback mainly from the fashion schools themselves, the methodology and evaluation criteria was renewed during 2018. The assessment methodology now focuses more on quality rather than numbers, i.e. it better takes in account the quality of teaching, learning environment and infrastructure.

Global influence considers the global reputation and influence of a school as well as the selectivity of a school in admitting applicants and the enrolment rates of admitted applicants; learning experience considers students’ experience while in school and the quality of teaching and the resources available at the institution; and long-term value considers the students' preparedness for the real world, based on student progression rates provided by the schools, assessing student satisfaction around employment, career preparedness and accessibility of alumni.

The assessment examines data gathered from 95 programmes at 43 institutions in 16 countries around the world. Survey was completed by 13,500 students and alumni and feedback from leading HR and industry professionals, global fashion school faculty and input from the new BoF Education Council, a committee comprised of 12 global experts from fashion education and industry.

More information:

The Best Fashion Schools in the World