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Master’s programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture
Curriculum 2026–2028
About the Programme
The degree program includes majors in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture.
The scope of the Master's degree is 120 ECTS credits, and the target completion time is two years. The Master's Programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills acquired in the bachelor's degree and to orient themselves in their chosen area. It encourages creative exploration, experimentation and multidisciplinary collaboration, and prepares students for doctoral studies.
Situated at the intersection of technology and art, the degree programme provides an opportunity to have a significant impact on society, the economy, culture, and the built environment.
Architecture and landscape architecture majors follow international requirements that regulate the field.
The aim of the degrees of Master of Science in Architecture, Master of Science in Landscape architecture or Master of Arts in Interior architecture is to provide students with
- good theoretical skills and advanced knowledge of artistic and practical expertise in their field.
- knowledge and skills to understand the issues of sustainable environment from esthetical, technical, economic, and societal viewpoints.
- ability and skills needed to apply research methods to develop artistic intentions.
- ability to work on demanding design or planning projects independently and in multidisciplinary collaboration.
- competence to perform in demanding expert tasks, development and management duties in the field.
- good communication skills to cooperate also in international context.
- knowledge and skills needed for education leading to a Doctoral degree and for lifelong learning.
The education shall be based on research, artistic and professional practices in the fields of majors. The programme enhances students’:
- ability to critical thinking, skills in academic writing and argumentation.
- skills in problem-setting and problem-solving, gathering and analyzing information and applying it to design and research.
- ability to create key concepts, theories and research approaches and familiarize with current academic discussion and literature in the field
Degree structure
*Major-specific advanced studies in three majors
Advanced major studies 90 ECTS
Code: ARTS3104
Credits: 90 ECTS credits
Head of major: Hossam Hewidy
Huvudämne på svenska: Arkitektur
Major description
The major in Architecture offers a two-year Master of Science degree, 120 ECTS, with a strong focus on sustainable and responsible design. The curriculum integrates design studios, core and elective courses, and opportunities for internships or summer schools, enabling students to develop both their professional expertise and research skills. Students will be able to tailor their studies through electives and practicebased experiences, while the second-year studies center on thesis preparation and completion. Specialization is possible in areas such as wood construction, building design and reuse, multispecies design and wellbeing, computational design, history & preservation, or urban design and planning. Accredited under EU directives, the major prepares graduates for professional practice in Finland and internationally, as well as for careers in research, the public and private sectors, or entrepreneurship.
Teaching is mostly in English, but students have a possibility to complete the degree in Finnish and Swedish.
Major's intended learning outcomes:
Architecture is a field at the intersection of technology and art with strong social, cultural, environmental, and economic implications. The Major in Architecture aims at developing the following competences:
- Design competence: Ability to develop architectural proposals that integrate sustainable and responsible design principles within the framework of comprehensive design studios
- Sustainability knowledge: Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application to architectural practice.
- Research skills: Introduction to architectural research methods, fostering the ability to critically analyse, conceptualise, and frame research questions.
- Technical proficiency: Development of practical skills in construction drawing and related technical communication.
- Integration of theory and practice: Engagement with studio lectures or electives to connect theoretical discussions with studio-based design work.
- Professional communication: Ability to present, discuss, and defend design and research work in academic and professional settings.
After completing the degree, the students will have:
- Specialisation and breadth: Ability to tailor expertise through elective coursework, deepening knowledge in selected thematic or methodological areas of architecture.
- Professional readiness: Development of applied experience and skills through internships, summer schools, or independent studies that bridge academic learning with professional practice.
- Research preparedness: Capacity to define, frame, and refine a thesis topic, and to engage with supervisors and peers in structured seminar discussions.
- Independent research skills: Readiness to conduct sustained and self-directed research and writing, culminating in the master’s thesis.
- Integration of knowledge: Ability to synthesise coursework, studio experience, and independent learning into a coherent research project addressing architectural and societal challenges
NOTE! This concerns major in Architecture.
The education shall be based on scientific research and the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology, and on artistic activity. In addition, the degree of Master of Science (Architecture) shall meet at least the requirements set forth in the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7 September 2005) System for the recognition of professional qualifications | EUR-Lex. Students must ensure that the Architectural degree (Ba+Ma, 5 years) has at least 4 years worth of architecture studies to meet the criteria.
Building Designer reguirements: Rakennussuunnittelija
Advanced major studies 60 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK-E3020 | Sustainable Design Principles | 6 | |
| ARK-E5520 | Thesis Seminar | 3 | |
| ARK-E3520 | Construction Documents | 6 | |
| ARK-E1020 |
Studio_Autumn
|
12 | |
| ARK-E1021 |
Studio_Spring
|
18 | |
Choose 3 ECTSChoose either of the following two courses ARK-E1521 or ARK-E1522. |
|||
| ARK-E1521 | Introduction to Architectural Research OR | 3 | |
| ARK-E1522 | Architectural Research Basics, Self-Paced Online | 3 | |
Choose 12 ECTSChoose at least 2 courses related to the studio selection so that the optional studies are a total of 12 credit. |
|||
| ARK-E2020 | Building Design Studio Lectures | 3 | |
| ARK-E2021 | Interplay of Cultures, Research and Theory | 6 | |
| ARK-E2521 | Design of Structures_Advanced | 3 | |
| ARK-E3522 | Circular construction lectures | 6 | |
| ARK-E4020 | Wood Architecture Lecture course: Wood in Architecture and Construction | 6 | |
| ARK-E4512 | Housing Design - Research and Practise | 3 | |
| ARK-E5521 | Urban Design Studio Lectures | 3 | |
| ARK-E5523 | Computational Design Studio Lecture Course | 3 | |
| ARK-L5004 | Urban Studies | 6 | |
| ARK-E1031 | History of Architecture Lectures | 6 | |
| ARK-E1032 | Arkkitehtuurin historian ja restauroinnin kenttätyöt | 6 | |
| ARK-E1016 | Principles of Building Conservation | 6 | |
| ARK-E4513 | Housing Politics for Housing Designers | 3 | |
Master's Thesis 30 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK.thes | Master´s Thesis | 30 | |
| ARTSt.matr | Maturity test | 0 |
Code: ARTS3105
Credits: 90 ECTS credits
Head of major: Antti Pirinen
Huvudämne på svenska: Inredningsarkitektur
Major description
The Interior Architecture major addresses the design of space and furniture on a human scale. Rooted in the Nordic design culture driven by everyday aesthetics and sustainable materials, our goal lies in creating meaningful environments and objects for the changing world, with different life spans and conscious use of resources. To transform the surroundings, we foster critical thinking, cultural and social reflection, and sustainable design strategies such as reuse and repurposing of materials.
The studies emphasise the skill to manage the entire design process from the beginning to the outcome. An essential part of the education is studio-based hands-on learning. The students are encouraged to utilise experimental approaches and find their personal expression and voice as a designer. This is supported by research and theory, studying human behaviour and changing needs, understanding materiality, colour, and light, making use of new technologies and production methods in interior architecture, and connecting with real design contexts and actors locally and globally. The education stresses the cultural, social, and environmental role of interior architecture, preparing graduates to work as leading experts in their field in diverse roles.
The curriculum is built to deepen and develop further the skills obtained during bachelor’s studies with emphasis on more advanced questions and approaches in interior architecture as well as integrating research with design. The first study year comprises intensive design project-based studio courses in spatial design, furniture design, and sustainable materials, complemented by smaller thematic courses and learning of sustainable design principles. On the second year, students take elective courses in interior architecture, architecture, design, art, business, or other fields depending on their interests and goals. Studies may include special projects such as exhibitions, study trips, and self-initiated work. Students complete a master’s thesis that enables in-depth investigation of chosen topic, supported by study of research methods and academic writing.
Major's intended learning outcomes:
The Interior Architecture major aims at educating creative and responsible design professionals with cultural, social and environmental awareness. On the master’s level, students deepen the skills learned in bachelor’s studies and broaden their knowledge in interior architecture by exploring more advanced questions in spatial and furniture design. Students graduating from the major gain:
- Ability to interpret and transform living environment and culture through creative and analytical insight, personal design expression, and professional skills.
- Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and research to address human needs and experiences through interior architecture in meaningful and responsible ways.
- Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in interior architecture through intelligent (re)use of materials, resources, and construction.
- Advanced practical skills in interior architecture including command of design methods, processes, tools, and technologies for developing and visualising solutions.
- Experience of material design experimentation and innovation harnessing the possibilities of traditional and new production methods.
- Competence to work independently as experts in their profession who are versed in multi-disciplinary teamwork and able to integrate knowledge from other fields.
- Readiness to practice interior architecture in the broader operational environment of architecture and construction, industrial product development, business, art, and society.
- Knowledge of theory, research methods and topical research discourses in interior architecture, and development of academic writing and argumentation skills.
Advanced major studies 60 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK-E3020 | Sustainable Design Principles | 6 | |
| ARK-E5520 | Thesis Seminar | 3 | |
Choose 3 ECTSChoose either of the following two courses ARK-E1521 or ARK-E1522. |
|||
| ARK-E1521 | Introduction to Architectural Research | 3 | |
| ARK-E1522 | Architectural Research Basics, Self-Paced Online | 3 | |
Choose 36 ECTSChoose four (4) courses from the competence areas: Furniture Design, Spatial Design and Sustainable Materials. |
|||
| Furniture Design | |||
| SARK-E5046 | Furniture: Experimental Project | 9 | |
| SARK-E5047 | Furniture: Advanced Project, Part A | 9 | |
| SARK-E5048 | Furniture: Advanced Project, Part B | 9 | |
| Spatial Design | |||
| SARK-E5049 | Interiors: Conceptual Design Development | 9 | |
| SARK-E5050 | Interiors: Practice-based Case Studies | 9 | |
| SARK-E5051 | Interiors: Reshaping Space | 9 | |
| Sustainable Materials | |||
| SARK-E5036 | Woodstudio: Design Project | 9 | |
Choose 12 ECTSChoose two (2) thematic courses. |
|||
| SARK-E5037 | Exhibition Design | 6 | |
| SARK-E5052 | Lighting Design: Products and Space | 6 | |
| SARK-E5045 | Service Design for Interior Architecture | 6 | |
Master´s Thesis |
30 |
||
| SARK.thes | Master´s Thesis | 30 | |
| ARTSa.matr | Maturity test | 0 | |
Master's Thesis 30 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARK.thes | Master´s Thesis | 30 | |
| ARTSa.matr | Maturity test | 0 |
Note that this major is offered only in Finnish.
Code: ARTS3104
Credits: 90 ECTS
Head of major: Matleena Muhonen
Huvudämne på svenska: Landskapsarkitektur
Major description
Landscape architects create visually appealing, engaging, and functional environments. Landscape architecture is an interdisciplinary and artistic field that combines expertise in arts, natural sciences, and engineering. Aesthetics, ecology, and functionality are core values of landscape architecture. In practice, this involves for instance the design of living environments and public green spaces, land use planning, and the conservation and management of historical landscapes, as well as related research and expert tasks.
In the two-year Master's studies in Landscape Architecture (120 ECTS), students deepen and apply previously acquired knowledge following their personal study plans. A central component of the major is extensive design projects undertaken in studio courses. These studios focus on topics related to landscape design and construction, landscape planning and management, and urban planning and design from various socio-ecological, functional, and artistic perspectives. To complement these, mandatory courses in the first year cover areas such as green area planning, environmental legislation, and principles of sustainable design.
In addition, elective studies can include a diverse range of courses, internships, and international exchange studies in subject areas that support the major studies. It is advisable to schedule international exchange studies for no earlier than the spring semester of the first year.
By the beginning of the second year of the Master's studies, students prepare for their thesis work, choose a topic, and participate in the thesis seminar.
The Landscape Architecture education at Aalto University is accredited by the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). This accreditation, renewed every five years, ensures that Finnish education aligns with the international standards of the profession and educational field.
Major's learning outcomes
The goal of the major in Landscape Architecture is to prepare students for the profession and to practice it competently and responsibly. In the Master’s studies, the skills acquired at the Bachelor’s level are developed and deepened. A Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture provides the following competencies and skills:
- A comprehensive understanding of the theory of landscape architecture, practical design skills, and the implementation of landscape architecture projects.
- Knowledge and proficiency in the history and theoretical foundations of the field, as well as in various design methodologies and strategies.
- Skills to design and promote aesthetic, functional, and sustainable approaches across various tasks, including landscape planning, design, management, and conservation, as well as urban planning and design, and environmental governance.
- The ability for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, landscape architectural expression, and the assessment of complex ecological, aesthetic, and functional aspects.
- Preparedness to serve as an expert in landscape architecture, for example, in roles related to environmental governance, project management, and strategic planning.
- The ability to apply cross-disciplinary knowledge base and collaborate with experts from other fields both independently and as part of a team.
- The ability to appreciate the international and expanding scope of the landscape architect's professional role, as well as to understand the significance of different cultural and natural conditions in design.
- The readiness to develop skills in academic writing and argumentation, particularly in articulating sustainability challenges and theoretical and societal discourse in landscape architecture.
Advanced major studies 60 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK-E3020 | Sustainable Design Principles | 6 | |
| ARK-E5520 | Thesis seminar | 3 | |
| MAR-E1050 | Viheraluesuunnittelu | 6 | |
| MAR-E1000 | Ympäristöhallinto ja lainsäädäntö | 3 | |
Choose 42 ECTS in totalA student must complete at least three studio courses in three different subject areas, two of which are in landscape architecture (MAR) and one in urban planning or urban design (ARK). In one of these subject areas, the student must complete advanced studies (6 ECTS) and their master’s thesis. If the student does their master’s thesis in landscape architecture and has completed the studio course worth 12 ECTS, the student must supplement their major studies with advanced optional landscape architecture courses (MAR), totaling 6 ECTS. If the student chooses urban planning as their specialization area, takes Studio Autumn, Urban Planning for 12 ECTS, and completes their master’s thesis in this subject area, the student must complete one advanced optional urban planning course (ARK), totaling 6 ECTS. If the student chooses urban design and takes Studio Spring, Urban Design for 18 ECTS, the student is not required to complete advanced optional courses. Advanced optional courses can also be included in elective studies. |
|||
Choose 24-30 ECTSSTUDIO COURSES IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (MAR) |
|||
| Landscape Design and Construction | |||
| MAR-E1069 | Maiseman suunnittelu ja rakentaminen, studio | 18 | |
| MAR-E1071 | Maisemasuunnittelu, studio | 12 | |
| MAR-E1053 | Monialainen projekti, studio* | 12 | |
| Landscape Planning and Society | |||
| MAR-E1057 | Maisemanhoito, studio, 12 op | 12 | |
| MAR-E1053 | Monialainen projekti, studio* | 12 | |
| Landscape Design and Ecology | |||
| MAR-E1063 | Sosio-ekologiset systeemit, studio | 12 | |
| MAR-E1053 | Monialainen projekti, studio* | 12 | |
| *A multidisciplinary project can only be completed once. | |||
Choose 0-6 ECTSADVANCED ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPE ACHITECTURE COURSES (MAR) |
|||
| MAR-E1054 | Maiseman suunnittelu ja rakentaminen, studiota syventävä kurssi | 6 | |
| MAR-E1055 | Maisema-arkkitehtuurin kritiikki | 6 | |
| MAR-E1060 | Kulttuurimaisemat | 3 | |
| MAR-E1061 | Suomen maisema-arkkitehtuurin historia | 3 | |
| MAR-E1065 | Maiseman suunnittelu ja ekologia, studiota syventävä kurssi | 3 | |
| MAR-E1066 | Maisema-arkkitehtuurin tutkimus | 3 | |
| MAR-E1067 | Maisema-analyysin syventävä kurssi | 3 | |
| MAR-E1043 | Metsänhoidon perusteet | 3 | |
| MAR-E1070 | Maisema-arkkitehtuurin kirjallisuus | 3 | |
Choose 12-18 ECTSSTUDIO COURSES IN URBAN PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN (ARK) |
|||
| URBAN PLANNING | |||
| ARK-E1020 | Studio autumn: Urban Planning, 12 op | 12 | |
| URBAN DESIGN | |||
| ARK-E1021 | Studio spring: Urban Design | 18 | |
Choose 0-6 ECTSADVANCED ALTERNATIVE COURSES IN URBAN PLANNING (ARK) |
|||
| ARK-L5003 | Planning theory | 6 | |
| ARK-L5004 | Urban studies | 6 | |
Master's Thesis 30 ECTS
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAR.thes | Master's thesis | 30 | |
| ARTSt.matr | Maturity test | 0 |
Elective studies 30 ECTS
The Master's degree includes 30 credits of elective studies. As elective studies, you can for example:
- Take extra courses from your own major or courses from another major of the Master's programme
- Take elective courses offered by your own programme
- For list of courses, see title "Elective studies offered by Master's Programme in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture" on this page
- ARTS elective art and theory studies
- For list of courses, see title "Elective art and theory studies" on this page
- Elective language studies
- Complete a minor or take individual courses from a minor
Minors offered by Aalto university - Take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University
- Take individual courses from other Finnish universities
- Participate in an international student exchange programme
- Do an internship in Finland or abroad.
NOTE! This concerns major in Architecture. The education shall be based on scientific research and the professional practices of fields requiring expertise in science and technology, and on artistic activity. In addition, the degree of Master of Science (Architecture) shall meet at least the requirements set forth in the Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (7 September 2005) System for the recognition of professional qualifications | EUR-Lex. Students must ensure that the Architectural degree (Ba+Ma, 5 years) has at least 4 years worth of architecture studies to meet the criteria.
Building Designer reguirements: Rakennussuunnittelija
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARK-E0013 | Course with varying contents in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Interior Architecture | 1-12 | |
| ARK-E1022 | Sustainability Tools for the Built Environment | 6 | |
| ARK-E1023 | Parametric Design | 3 | |
| ARK-E1024 | Algorithmic Design | 6 | |
| ARK-E1025 | Urban Narratives | 6 | |
| ARK-E1026 | Inclusive Space Design | 3 | |
| ARK-E1028 | Wood Architecture Research Course: Industrial Wood Construction | 6 | |
| ARK-E5517 | Urban Design Thinking | 3 | |
| ARK-L5003* | Planning Theory | 6 | |
| ARK-L5004* | Urban Studies | 6 | |
| ARK-E1031 | History of Architecture Lectures | 6 | |
| ARK-E1032 | Arkkitehtuurin historian ja restauroinnin kenttätyöt | 6 | |
| ARK-E1016 | Rakennussuojelun yleiset perusteet | 6 | |
| ARK-E4513 | Asuntopolitiikkaa asuntosuunnittelijoille | 3 | |
| MAR-E1043 | Metsänhoidon perusteet | 3 | |
| MAR-E1044 | Maisemarakennushanke | 3-6 | |
| MAR-E1070 | Maisema-arkkitehtuurin kirjallisuus | 3 | |
| SARK-E5037 | Exhibition Design | 6 | |
| SARK-E5052 | Lighting Design: Products and Space | 6 | |
| SARK-E5045 | Service Design for Interior Architecture | 6 | |
| ARK-C2505 | Design Computing II: Visualization & Fabrication | 3 |
*Completing both courses, ARK-L5003 and ARK-L5004, will be accepted as a studio.
Independent studies**
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARK-E0010 | Special Project of Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Interior Architecture | 1-12 |
| ARK-E0011 | Suunnittelukilpailu | 1-12 |
| ARK.trai | Harjoittelu | 1-15 |
**If you have already completed ARK-E0010, ARK-E0011 or ARK.trai, you can't complete the course 2nd time with the same code. New credits would would “overdrive” the previous credits received under the same course code. In this situation, you must apply for the so-called "custom course credit" in SISU.
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 | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0201 | Freehand Drawing | 6 | English | I-II, III-IV |
| ARTS-A0208 | Life Drawing | 6 | English | I-II, III-IV |
| ARTS-A0223 | Watercolour Workshop | 3 | English | summer |
| ARTS-A0226 | Painting Workshop | 6 | English | III-IV |
| ARTS-A0224 | Drawing in Space | 3 | English | V-summer |
| ARTS-A0225 | Contemporary Drawing | 6 | English | I-II |
| ARTS-A0217 | Landscape - Then and Now | 3 | English | IV |
| ARTS-A0227 | Basics of Comics | 6 | English | I-II |
| ARTS-A0219 | Forms of Comics Expression and Storytelling | 6 | English | II |
| ARTS-A0228 | Introduction to Comics Project | 3 | English | II |
| ARTS-A0229 | Comics Project | 6 | English | III-V |
| ARTS-A0630 | Piirustus ja kuvitus | 3 | Finnish | I (2024-2025 only) |
Colour and perception
Colour and perception studies focus on visual perception and the theories about it. The English-language version of the course contains both theory and practical assignments. The course covers basic concepts about colour and the principles of colour perception. The course covers basic colour concepts and principles of colour perception. Colour composition and contrasts and their effects – mainly in two-dimensional expression – are studied by experimental means.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0304 | Colour and Perception | 3 | English | I |
| ARTS-A0305 | Colour and Painting | 3 | English | II |
Sculpture
Sculpture studies provide students with the skills needed to work with contemporary sculpture and design. Skills that students can apply in their own fields are emphasised, such as how to research new materials, working methods and methodologies. The ‘Ways of Making’ courses offer practical experience working in a sculptor’s studio, and ‘Metal Casting’ introduces foundry techniques. ‘Digital Sculpture’ introduces new and developing technologies in 3D art, and ways to combine these with traditional sculptural techniques. Conceptual and theory-intensive sculpture studies are also included within the contemporary art courses programme.
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0416 | Ways of Making 1 - Mold making & casting techniques | 6 | English | summer |
| ARTS-A0417 | Ways of Making 2 - Constructing sculpture with wood and metal | 6 | English | IV |
| ARTS-A0412 | Digital Sculpture 1 - 3D Modelling for Sculpture | 3 | English | I |
| ARTS-A0418 | Digital Sculpture 2 - Programming for sculptors | 3 | English | III |
| ARTS-A0413 | Metal Casting 101 | 3 | English | I, IV |
| ARTS-E0402 | Advanced Sculpture Project | 6 | English | II-V |
| ARTS-E0711 | Sculpture Now! | 6 | English | III |
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 | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0509 | Introduction to Silkscreen | 6 | English | I-II, III-IV |
| ARTS-A0510 | Advanced Course in Screenprinting | 6 | English | IV-V (2024-2025 only) |
| ARTS-A0511 | Japanese Watercolour Woodcut | 6 | English | III-IV |
| ARTS-A0512 | Basic Course in Woodcut | 6 | English | I-II, IV-V |
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 | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0621 | History of Contemporary Art | 3 | Finnish | I-II |
| ARTS-A0624 | History of Comics | 3 | Finnish | I |
| ARTS-A0623 | Global Perspectives: Re-mapping the History of Art | 3 | English | III-IV |
| ARTS-A0622 | Environmental Thinking | 6 | English | I |
| ARTS-A0633 | Technology, Tools and the Human Agency | 6 | English | II |
| ARTS-A0637 | The Colourful Past: A Historical Exploration of Colours, Natural Dyes and Dyeing | 3 | English | III |
Other courses
| Code | Course name | ECTS credits | Teaching language | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS-A0639 | Programming for Visual Artists | 3 | English | IV |
| ARTS-A0626 | Becoming a Creative Professional | 3 | English | IV |
| ARTS-A0631 | Art, Life and Entrepreneurship 1 | 3 | English | II |
| ARTS-A0632 | Art, Life and Entrepreneurship 2 | 3 | English | V |
| ARTS-A0634 | Reading the Room - Course on Artistic Collaboration | 3 | English | I (2024-2025) / II (2025-2026) |
| ARTS-A0635 | The Environment in Me – Practices and Spaces | 6 | English | I-II |
| ARTS-A0636 | Site-Specific Online Exhibition | 6 | English | III-IV |
| ARTS-A0638 | Exhibition Pass | 3 | Finnish | I-II, III-V |
| ARTS-A0625 | Lecture Pass | 3 | Finnish | I-II, III-V |
Students educated in Finnish or Swedish
For students educated in Finnish or Swedish language studies are designed to be completed as part of the Bachelor of Arts (Art and Design) or another Bachelor’s degree. Students who have not completed the required language studies before starting to pursue the master’s degrees specified above must complete them either as elective studies or in addition to the studies required for the degree. In such cases, the language requirements are as follows:
Master of Arts (Art and Design):
-
9 credits: 3 cr in written and oral communication, 3 cr in the second national language of Finland, and 3 cr in one foreign language.
Students whose language of primary and secondary education is other than Finnish or Swedish
Students who have received their primary and secondary education abroad or whose language of primary and secondary education is other than Finnish or Swedish must demonstrate their foreign language proficiency either by completing three (3) credits of language and communication studies corresponding to the degree requirements in one foreign language, or by completing three (3) credits of language and communication studies in Finnish or Swedish.
Note: The language studies accepted for the degree vary based on the year the studies have started. See below the detailed language study requirements for your own degree.
Students who have a language of primary and secondary education other than Finnish or Swedish and who have begun their master’s degree studies before 1 August 2022 may complete the required 3-credit language studies in accordance with the previous degree regulations of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture until 31 July 2026.
- students pursuing a Master of Arts (Art and Design) and educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or educated abroad shall earn 3 credits in one language;
- students pursuing a Master of Science (Architecture)/(Landscape Architecture) and educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish or educated abroad shall earn 3 credits in one language.
The language studies can be completed in any language of the student's choice and there is no CEFR level requirement for course completion (elementary courses and basic courses are also accepted).
After the transitional period (31 July 2026), the language studies earned for the degree must comply with the requirements set for those who have started their studies on or after 1 August 2022.
Students with a language of primary and secondary education other than Finnish or Swedish who started their studies on or after 1 August 2022 shall complete their required language studies in compliance with the provisions of the Aalto University Degree Regulations for Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees.
The 3-credit foreign language requirement of the degree may be fulfilled by taking a course in one of the following languages: English (CEFR B2-CEFR C1), Spanish, Chinese, French, German and Russian (CEFR B1). From the course offerings of Aalto University's Language Center, you can recognize the courses accepted for the degree by (w, o), (w) or (o).
The study attainment may consist of oral or written communication studies or both. In addition, the foreign language requirement may be fulfilled by earning 3 credits in Finnish or Swedish at the proficiency level appropriate for the student’s skills.
In the case of language studies completed between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2024, the proficiency level requirement may, however, be disregarded in the case of students who completed a language course at a CEFR level lower than the required level due to insufficient communication about the changed degree requirements.
The language studies for master’s degrees completed on or after 1 August 2026 must comply with the Aalto University Degree Regulations for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees (CEFR-level) and the specifications set forth in this decision.