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

1. good theoretical skills and advanced knowledge of artistic and practical expertise in their field.
2. knowledge and skills to understand the issues of sustainable environment from esthetical, technical, economic, and societal viewpoints.
3. ability and skills needed to apply research methods to develop artistic intentions.
4. ability to work on demanding design or planning projects independently and in multidisciplinary collaboration.
5. competence to perform in demanding expert tasks, development and management duties in the field.
6. good communication skills to cooperate also in international context.
7. 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’: 

1. ability to critical thinking, skills in academic writing and argumentation.
2. skills in problem-setting and problem-solving, gathering and analyzing information and applying it to design and research.
3. ability to create key concepts, theories and research approaches and familiarize with current academic discussion and literature in the field

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:

1. Design competence: Ability to develop architectural proposals that integrate sustainable and responsible design principles within the framework of comprehensive design studios
2. Sustainability knowledge: Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application to architectural practice.
3. Research skills: Introduction to architectural research methods, fostering the ability to critically analyse, conceptualise, and frame research questions.
4. Technical proficiency: Development of practical skills in construction drawing and related technical communication.
5. Integration of theory and practice: Engagement with studio lectures or electives to connect theoretical discussions with studio-based design work.
6. 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:

1. Specialisation and breadth: Ability to tailor expertise through elective coursework, deepening knowledge in selected thematic or methodological areas of architecture.
2. Professional readiness: Development of applied experience and skills through internships, summer schools, or independent studies that bridge academic learning with professional practice.
3. Research preparedness: Capacity to define, frame, and refine a thesis topic, and to engage with supervisors and peers in structured seminar discussions.
4. Independent research skills: Readiness to conduct sustained and self-directed research and writing, culminating in the master’s thesis.
5. 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

Master's Thesis 30 ECTS

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:

1. Ability to interpret and transform living environment and culture through creative and analytical insight, personal design expression, and professional skills.
2. Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and research to address human needs and experiences through interior architecture in meaningful and responsible ways.
3. Understanding of sustainable design principles and their application in interior architecture through intelligent (re)use of materials, resources, and construction.
4. Advanced practical skills in interior architecture including command of design methods, processes, tools, and technologies for developing and visualising solutions.
5. Experience of material design experimentation and innovation harnessing the possibilities of traditional and new production methods.
6. Competence to work independently as experts in their profession who are versed in multi-disciplinary teamwork and able to integrate knowledge from other fields.
7. Readiness to practice interior architecture in the broader operational environment of architecture and construction, industrial product development, business, art, and society.
8. 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

Master's Thesis 30 ECTS

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:

1. A comprehensive understanding of the theory of landscape architecture, practical design skills, and the implementation of landscape architecture projects.
2. Knowledge and proficiency in the history and theoretical foundations of the field, as well as in various design methodologies and strategies.
3. 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.
4. The ability for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, landscape architectural expression, and the assessment of complex ecological, aesthetic, and functional aspects.
5. Preparedness to serve as an expert in landscape architecture, for example, in roles related to environmental governance, project management, and strategic planning.
6. The ability to apply cross-disciplinary knowledge base and collaborate with experts from other fields both independently and as part of a team.
7. 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.
8. 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

Master's Thesis 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

^{*Completing both courses, ARK-L5003 and ARK-L5004, will be accepted as a studio.}

Independent studies**

^{**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.}