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Bachelor's Programme in Design and Media
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Curriculum 2026–2028
About the programme
The curriculum for the major is structured to help students acquire knowledge and skills to design with both physical and digital media as well as a rich understanding of the role and functioning of design in society. The courses for the major are structured to simultaneously provide students with a scientific and theoretical foundation to reflect and analytically analyse their own work practices and those of others as well as the practical skills needed to address 21st century design challenges. Understanding – and being able to operate within – the broader societal and industrial context for design forms a foundational aspect of the curriculum in preparing students for a changing future and in developing their ability to work with others and impact the enviroment around them. The curriculum is accordingly designed to enable students to purposefully and expressively pursue their own interests as well as shape the content of projects and courses together with faculty.
During the three years of study, students develop skills and knowledge to design in face of complexity and uncertainty as well as hands-on expertise to prototype ideas and materialize solutions in courses and studios. They learn to use contemporary tools, methods and processes for design as well as develop practices for acquiring new skills in the future. They also learn about design as a social, cultural and historical phenomenon as well as a subject for research. Building on the research at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, special emphasis is placed on the ability to work in teams and co-create with others to develop solutions that are more life centered, societally relevant and environmentally conscious. Students are also encouraged to take part in academic research and trained to make more informed and responsible decisions as a designer by harnessing business acumen, new technologies and sustainable solutions.
Upon graduating from the major, students will be able to:
- recognize and apply emerging tools and practices for art, design and media, as well as participate in the construction of new ones.
- create commercial, public and self-initiated proposals in relation to personal and societal values and evaluate and discuss the broader impact of their work.
- plan, execute, organize and communicate their own professional practice within transdisciplinary conditions with a variety of stakeholders.
- identify and generate interactive and speculative responses to future phenomena in society.
- document their own work processes and results from a reflective design practitioner perspective and contextualize it in relation to existing academic literature and contemporary creative practices.
Degree structure
Total
180
ECTS
General studies
26
ECTS
Major studies
111
ECTS
Minor studies
18-43
ECTS
Elective studies
25*
ECTS
*max 25 ECTS depending on the scope of the minor.
General studies
General studies in the Aalto ARTS Bachelor's Programmes include art and theory studies, Aalto studies and language and communication studies. During the general studies courses students study knowledge and skills that are common to all departments and students of Aalto ARTS.
General studies in Bachelor of Arts degree 26 credits
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art and theory studies | 9 | ||
| ARTS-A0123 | Theory of Contemporary Art Practices | 3 | V, 1st year |
| ARTS-A0125 | Introduction to Artistic Practices | 6 | I-II, 1st year |
| Other general studies | 8 | ||
| ARTS-A0128 | University Study Skills | 2 | I-II, 1st year |
| ARTS-A0129 | Digital Tools for ARTS Studies | 2 | IV, 1st year |
| ARTS-A0111 | Information Literacy | 1 | III, 1st year |
| Cross-school course | 3 | ||
| Language and Communication Studies | 9 |
Cross-school course 3 cr
Cross-school course means a course that is organised by some other school than ARTS in Aalto university. The student chooses a course (min. 3 cr) which is organized by another school at the university.
Cross-school course can be
- course that is organised by another school or department than ARTS or department in ARTS.
- course that is organised by another school or department in Aalto in COLLABORATION with ARTS or department in ARTS.
Courses arranged by Language center are NOT accepted as a cross-school course
You can use the following as help to search for a suitable cross-school course:
Suitable courses as cross-school course in 2026-2027 (updated by autumn 2026)
Education and studies in languages and communication for all Aalto students are provided by the Language Centre which is a university-level service unit. In the School of Arts, Design and Architecture language studies are studied in accordance with the language skills requirements of the field of arts.
The language studies required for the degree are based on the Government regulation on university degrees (794/2004, sen 6 §, Kielitaito).
The requirements for language studies depend on the student's language of education*.
You can find language courses from the Language Centre's page.
Students educated in Finnish or Swedish
| Language and communication studies (9 cr) | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Written and oral communication Students educated in Finnish choose courses LC-7108 Write Competently and LC-0570 Communication competence for students in art and design. Students educated in Swedish choose the course LC-5000 Kommunicera som expert. |
3 |
| Second national language of Finland Students educated in Finnish choose either LCA-5703 Vi skriver och talar om konst på svenska OR LCA-5704 Vi skriver och talar om konst från grunden OR the exams LCA-5701 Skriftligt prov i svenska and LCA-5702 Muntligt prov i svenska. Students educated in Swedish complete the exams LCA-7003 Toisen kotimaisen kielen koe (suomi), kirjallinen osio and LCA-7004 Toisen kotimaisen kielen koe (suomi), suullinen osio. |
3 |
| Foreign language: English To fulfill the foreign language requirement (3 cr) students must complete the following integrated English language course: LCA-1002 Expressing your Expertise. Note! If you are planning to graduate with older (before 1.8.2020) degree requirements, the requirement for foreign language is 6 cr. The studies need to include an oral and a written component (o+w). |
3 |
*’Language of education’ refers to the language of the student’s education in comprehensive (grades 1–9) and upper secondary (grades 10–12) school in Finland, and is thus either Finnish or Swedish. The student’s language of education can also be defined by Finnish or Swedish as the second language in the Finnish matriculation examination if the student passes the examination with magna cum laude honours or higher.
Students educated in other languages than Finnish or Swedish
For students who have been educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or who have been educated abroad the requirements are:
| Language and communication studies (9 cr) | |
|---|---|
| Finnish or Swedish Students choose either LC-7210 Finnish 1 OR LC-5711 Swedish for International Students 1A. |
3 |
| Foreign Language: English To fulfill the foreign language requirement (3 cr) students must complete the following integrated English language course: LCA-1002 Expressing your Expertise Note! If you are planning to graduate with older (before 1.8.2020) degree requirements, the requirement for foreign language is 6 cr. The studies need to include an oral and a written component (o+w). |
3 |
| Foreign Language (elective) Students choose 3 credits any foreign language studies. |
3 |
Students demonstrate proficiency in their language of education by writing a maturity essay in that language and taking any other related requisites specified in the degree requirements.
Note:
- A student who completes the matriculation examination in Finnish or Swedish but whose comprehensive and upper secondary education was in some other language is not considered to have Finnish or Swedish as the language of education.
- Upper-secondary school Finnish or Swedish studies at an IB or EB school are not equivalent to studies in Finnish or Swedish as the language of education.
- Finnish studied as a mother tongue as part of the basic teaching of the German school in Finland does not qualify as equivalent to Finnish as the language of education.
- The language of education is not determined on the basis of a vocational degree.
Major studies
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTX-C1016 | Introductory Design Project | 9 | I, 1st year |
| ARTX-C1001 | Design and Media Cultures | 3 | II, 1st year |
| MUO-C3042 | Programming for Designers | 3 | II, 1st year |
| ARTX-C1021 | Digital Design for People | 4 | III, 1st year |
| ARTX-C1003 | Thematic Studio I | 12 | III-IV, 1st year |
| ARTX-C1008 | Sustainable Design | 6 | V, 1st year |
| ARTX-C1022 | Design Impact I | 3 | V, 1st year |
| MUO-C0006 | History of Innovations and Design (DoD Joint) | 3 | I, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1018 | Digital Service Design Project | 9 | I, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1011 | Process Management for Media and Design | 6 | II, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1020 | Strategic Identity and Design | 6 | III, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1013 | Thematic Studio II | 12 | III-IV, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1014 | Design Futures | 6 | V, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1006 | Design Impact II | 6 | V, 2nd year |
| LC-1117 | Integrated Oral and Written Skills | 3 | II, 2nd year |
| ARTX-C1023 | Introduction to Research in Design and Media | 4 | I-II, 3rd year |
| ARTX-C1007 | Design Impact III | 6 | III-V, 3rd year |
| ARTS3101.kand | Bachelor’s Thesis and Seminar | 10 | III-IV, 3rd year |
| ARTS3101.matr | Maturity test | 0 | III-IV, 3rd year |
Minor studies
A minor subject (minimum 18 credits) is a compulsory part of a bachelor's degree. The combined extent of the minor (18 cr) and the elective studies (max 25 cr) is max 43 cr. The students can also include two minors in their bachelor's degree.The minor is confirmed in the students personal study plan (PSP).
It is possible to choose a minor within Aalto University, from another Finnish university through the Flexible Study Right (JOO) agreement or from university abroad during a student exchange.
Here you can find listed all the minors 2026-2028 at Aalto University: Minors 2026-2028.
Elective studies
The Bachelor of Arts degree in the Bachelor Programme in Design and Media includes maximum of 25 ECTS of elective studies. Elective studies are completed to supplement minor studies to the extent that the minimum scope of the degree 180 ECTS is met.
Elective studies offered by Bachelor's Programme in Design and Media
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTX-C1024 | Translating Design | 6 | II english, 2nd or 3rd year (no teaching in 2026) |
Independent studies
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUO.harj | Internship | 2-10 | I-summer |
| MUO-C0120 | Student's Independent Project | 2-10 | I-summer |
| MUO-C0102 | Competitions | 2-10 | I-summer |
| MUO-C0103 | Literature Exam | 2-10 | I-summer |
Colour
In colour studies theory is combined with practice. The focus is on exploring colour as a visual element and as a tool in creative work in art and design.
In the Colour and Perception course lectures on perception and the use of colours are combined with practical exercises. The assignments explore colour interaction and colour combinations, and practice observation and colour identification.
Colour and Painting course focuses on experimenting with colours, materials, and techniques in painting. Use and meanings of colours are also examined in the work of artists. A painting project will be carried out during the course.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching language | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0304 | Colour and Perception | 3 | English | I |
| ARTS-A0305 | Colour and Painting | 3 | English | II |
Sculpture and expanded practices
Sculpture courses provide the necessary practical skills for working with contemporary sculpture and design, which the students can utilize in their field. Courses focus on doing things by hand (learning by doing), which includes, among other things, studying materials and ways of working in workshops, public space, digital platforms, time, etc. Spatial works are used to create connections with the surrounding world and to conceptualize free-form ideas. Students become familiar with extended sculpture and at the same time use the traditional basic operations of sculpture such as adding and removing. Gravity, form, materiality, and the presentation of the work are also key. We make use of peer feedback and consider, for example, the role of imagination or memory in spatial work.
See also Sculpture minor (https://www.aalto.fi/en/minors/sculpture-minor)
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0641 | Digital Sculpture – 3D modelling for sculpture | 3 |
| ARTS-A0642 | Ways of Making – Mold making & casting techniques | 6 |
| ARTS-A0643 | Ways of Expressing – Constructing with wood and metal | 6 |
| ARTS-A0644 | Exploring Art and Electricity – Physical computing, programming, sensors, motion, sound | 3 |
| ARTS-E0402 | Advanced Sculpture Project | 6 |
| ARTS-E0711 | Sculpture Now! | 6 |
| ARTS-A0645 | Slow Sculpture – Live model clay modelling for glass blowing | 3 |
| ARTS-A0646 | Fast Sculpture – Spatial practices, performance, intervention | 3 |
| ARTS-A0635 | The Environment in Me | 6 |
| ARTS-A0636 | Site-Specific Online Exhibition | 6 |
Drawing and painting
Drawing and painting courses consist of two-dimensional expression carried out by various methods. The work involved emphasises the importance of practice, or ‘learning by doing’, but without losing sight of the connections to theory. The studies include working with drawing, painting and mixed-media. The student will gain increased awareness of the workings of visual perception and of different ways of describing the surrounding world and our relationship to it. The course also examines the role of ideas and concepts in art as well as art’s relation to design, its role in society and its significance.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0201 | Freehand Drawing | 6 |
| ARTS-A0208 | Life Drawing | 6 |
| ARTS-A0217 | Landscape - Then and Now | 3 |
| ARTS-A0219 | Forms of Comics Expression and Storytelling | 6 |
| ARTS-A0223 | Watercolour Workshop | 3 |
| ARTS-A0224 | Drawing in Space | 3 |
| ARTS-A0225 | Contemporary Drawing | 6 |
| ARTS-A0226 | Painting Workshop | 6 |
| ARTS-A0227 | Basics of Comics | 6 |
| ARTS-A0228 | Introduction to Comics Project | 3 |
| ARTS-A0640 | Piirustus ja kuvitus | 3 |
| ARTS-A0229 | Comics Project | 6 |
Art history and theory
Art history and theory courses aim to provide a general overview of the history and key theoretical questions and conceptions of art, design and architecture.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0621 | History of Contemporary Art | 3 |
| ARTS-A0622 | Environmental Thinking | 6 |
| ARTS-A0623 | Global Perspectives: Re-mapping the History of Art | 3 |
| ARTS-A0624 | Sarjakuvan historia | 3 |
| ARTS-A0633 | Technology, Tools and the Human Agency | 6 |
| ARTS-A0637 | The Colourful Past: A Historical Exploration of Colours, Natural Dyes and Dyeing | 3 |
Printmaking
Printmaking involves the handcrafting of printing plates as well as the prints produced by various methods (copperplate, woodblock, limestone, mesh screen). Prints are regarded as original artworks. Basic courses in printmaking offer the rudiments in a variety of printing techniques and develop the student’s command of the tools used. The intermediate courses deepen the knowledge and skill levels of students in their chosen method and enlarge their range of artistic expression. As printmaking is a specialisation study, beginners are recommended to take it during their second year of Bachelor’s studies.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0509 | Introduction to Silkscreen | 6 |
| ARTS-A0511 | Japanese Watercolour Woodcut | 6 |
| ARTS-A0647 | Intensive Woodcut Course | 6 |
| ARTS-A0648 | Intensive Silkscreen Course | 6 |
| ARTS-A0512 | Basic Course in Woodcut | 6 |
Other courses
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0626 | Becoming a Creative Professional | 3 |
| ARTS-A0649 | Artpreneurship: Understanding Business & Communicating the Value of Your Skills | 3 |
| ARTS-A0650 | Artpreneurship – From Creative Potential to Entrepreneurial Ideas | 3 |
| ARTS-A0639 | Programming for Visual Artist | 3 |
| ARTS-A0638 | Exhibition pass | 3 |
| ARTS-A0625 | Lecture pass | 3 |
You can use elective studies for example:
- To broaden your expertise:
- with interdisciplinary studies like UWS studies
- by completing studies in European Unite! universities or other network universities
- by completing a minor or individual courses at Aalto or other domestic universities
- with elective arts and theory studies organised by ARTS.
- To deepen your language and communication skills by taking additional studies from the language and communication studies
- To broaden or deepen your expertise in your field by taking additional studies in your major, other majors in your programme, or a minor related to your field of studies.
- To acquire working life skills by completing an internship
- To learn self-leadership skills, find meaning and improve student wellbeing by taking Personal Impact courses
- For exchange studies
Course replacements
Bachelor's Programme in Design and Media
