Student Guide

Programmes

Master's Programme in Architecture

Programme main page

Curriculum 2020–2022

The master’s degree consists of

Major studies:
- Advanced major studies 60 cr
- Thesis 30 cr
Elective studies 30 cr

Structure of the Master's Degree Programme

Major studies 90 cr, comprising advanced studies in the major (60 cr) and the master's thesis (30 cr).

The scope of a master's thesis is 30 credits. The thesis seminar which may be a part of the degree requirements for a master's degree is not part of the thesis, but is a separate study attainment that is included in advanced studies in the major.

Elective studies 30 credits comprising alternative studies and/or elective studies (minor, specialisation studies, individual courses, training).

Degree in Architecture	120
Major (Architecture)	60
Elective studies	30
At least 15 cr of elective studies must be selected from alternative studies in the Master's Programme in Architecture. Architecture studies completed elsewhere (for example, abroad) can also be accepted for credit. In addition to the above-mentioned 15 cr, 3-12 cr of internship can also be accepted as elective studies.
Master’s Thesis(ARK.thes)	30
The thesis is completed on one of the following topics: Building Design (Professorships: Housing Design, Building Design, Building Technology, Wood Constructions, Design of Structures,Health and Wellbeing Architecture, Emergent Design Methodologies ); Urban Planning and Design (Professorships: Urban Planning, Urban Design,Computational Methodology in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism); History and Theory of Architecture (Professorships: Architectural Principles and Theory , History of Architecture)

The aim of the degrees of Master of Science (Architecture) and Master of Science (Landscape Architecture) is to provide students with:

good knowledge of the advanced studies of the master's programme;
knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods and the skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work;
knowledge and skills to understand the problems of the field from the point of view of users and technical and social systems, as well as from that of the environment;
knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field of study;
good language and communication skills for work in the field and for international operations and cooperation;
the knowledge and skills needed for scientific postgraduate education and lifelong learning.

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) (see Appendix 3).

Architecture is a field at the intersection of technology and art. Architects should be able to approach problems not only from a technical or artistic perspective but they also should understand the social, cultural, environmental and economic implications of their work. This is the reason for the broad-based nature of the education in architecture. Because of this, the Master' Programme aims at developing the student's technical, scientific and artistic thinking with respect to the construction of a socially responsible and sustainable future. After completing the degree program, students will have:

the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and related fields of art, technology and human sciences.
knowledge of urban design and planning and the skills involved in the planning process.
understanding of the relationships between people and the built environment as well as between the built environment and the natural one.
understanding of the structural, constructional and engineering problems associated with the design of buildings and the ability to provide internal conditions of comfort and protection against various climatic conditions.

The learning outcomes of the program are in line with the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). Hence, the program also enables students to:

understand the methods of investigation and preparation of a brief for a design project.
meet with their designs the building users' requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations.
understand the various regulations and procedures of the industries and organisations involved in translating design concepts into buildings and urban planning.

The program facilitates students to pursue a career in architecture within Finland but also abroad regardless of whether the goal is to work as an employee in the private or public sector or as an entrepreneur. It also strengthen the student's competence in co-ordination tasks related to design, thus enabling graduates to work as a head designer of demanding construction projects.

The key focus in master's program education is on developing and deepening of skills and knowledge obtained during the bachelor's phase. The topics include the history and theory of architecture, building design and Finnish building art as well as urban planning and design. Course and design studio teaching is enhanced by means of multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced teaching methods. A number of courses are based on a learning-by-doing approach and the working on 'real' design assignments often in collaboration with the local community. In addition, experimental and design research-oriented courses are offered that allow the in depth exploration of specialized topics and the development of an individual expression and voice as a designer.

The program provides opportunities for internationalisation through, for example, exchange studies and international student competitions and study trips. The internships as part of the program can be completed abroad and students can also do field work outside Finland.

Advanced Studies

Code: ARTS21.M
Credits: 90 op.
Responsible Professor: Professori Toni Kotnik

Code	Course name	Credits: min. 42-56 + Master's Thesis 30
Compulsory courses
ARK-E3500	Building Site Monitoring	3 - 6
Choose at least one methodology course (5 cr) below or other methodological studies approved by the programme
ARK-E1508	Introduction to Architectural Research	5
ARK-E5512	Pre -Thesis Seminar	5
ARK.thes ARTSt.matr(done simultaneously with the Thesis)	Master's Thesis Maturity test	30 0
STUDIOS The student also selects at least three of the following architecture studio courses in at least two different topics. Select also studio related lecture.
Topic 1: Building Design (ARK-E3509 Construction documents 5-10 ects, is mandatory in case you make thesis from the field of building design)
ARK-E2013 (ARK-E201301)	Building Design Studio	12
ARK-E2014	Advanced Building Design Studio	12
ARK-E2011 (ARK-E201101)	Interplay of Cultures, Studio	12
ARK-E4508 (ARK-E450801)	Diversifying Forms of Living, Studio	12
ARK-E3510	Reuse of Buildings Studio (ARK-E3512 Building Technology Lecture Revitalized! 6 ects included to the studio credits)	18
ARK-E3009	Design of Structures Studio	12
ARK-E2103 (ARK-E210301)	Health and Wellbeing Architecture Design Studio	12
ARK-E4015 (ARK-E401501)	Wood Architecture, Design Studio	15
Topic 2: Urban Planning and Design
ARK-E5008	Possible Cities	12
	Planning Theory and Urban Studies Studio	12 (Planning Theory 6 cr and Urban Studies 6 cr)
ARK-E5513 (ARK-E551301)	Urban Design, Studio	15
ARK-E5518 (ARK-E551801)	Digital Speculative Urbanism, Studio	12
ARK-E2011 (ARK-E201101 )	Interplay of Cultures, Studio	12
MAR-E1033	Computational Territories, Studio	10 - 15
Topic 3: History and Theory of Architecture
ARK-E1510 (ARK-E151001)	Architectural Studio	12
ARK-E1015 (ARK-E101501)	History of Architecture, Research Topics, Studio	12
ARK-E1018	Building Conservation, Studio	12 Will be arranged in autumn 2021
Building Conservation (study module)		12
Choose combination of 12 credits.
ARK-E1016	Principles of Building Conservation	6
ARK-E1017	Traditional Structures	6
ARK-E1018	Building Conservation, Studio	6 - 12 Will be arranged in autumn 2021
ARK-E1019	Building History Survey	6

Code	Course name	ECTS credits
Alternative courses		Max. 4-18
All of the belowe mentioned master's courses that are not included in compulsory minimum requirements are acceptable as alternative studies. For example, as following:
Topic 1: Building Design
ARK-E2012	Basics of User Oriented Space Design	3
ARK-E2006 (ARK-E200601)	Building Design Studio Lectures	3
ARK-E2010 (ARK-E201001)	Interplay of Cultures, Research and Theory	3-6
ARK-E2514	Design of Structures Theory	3
ARK-E2511	Digital Fabrication	3
ARK-E2515 (ARK-E251501)	Parametric Design	3
ARK-E2513	Algorithmic Design	3 - 6
ARK-E3511	Architect as Principal Designer	2
ARK-E3512	Building Technology Lecture REVITALIZED! (Can be made without participating to the studio ARK-E3510 Reuse of Buildings)	6
ARK-E3509	Construction Documents (Note: compulsory if the master's thesis is in Building Design)	5 - 10 (min. 5)
ARK-E2102 (ARK-E210201)	Health & Wellbeing Lecture	3
ARK-E2101	Health & Wellbeing Summer Intensive	3
ARK-E4018 (ARK-E401801)	Sustainability Tools for Building Designers	3–6
ARK-E3513	Reflections on Sustainable Design	2
ARK-E4013	Wood Architecture Seminar Course: Matters of Buildings	6
ARK-E4014 (ARK-E401401)	Wood Architecture Research Course: Industrial Wood Construction	6
ARK-E4012 (ARK-E401201)	Wood Architecture Lecture course: Wood in Architecture and Construction	6
ARK-E4509	Housing Design - Research and Practice	3
ARK-E4511	Housing Design since the 1860's to the Present Day	3
ARK-E4510	The Bright Living Area - Course of Natural Lighting	3
ARK-C4504	Housing Politics for Housing Designers	3
CIV-E5010	Geometry and Lightweight: Structures and Architecture	5
CIV-E5020	Structures and Architecture: Parametric Engineering	3 - 6
CIV-E5030	Structures and Architecture: Informed Structures	10
CIV-E5040	Structures and Architecture: Design Build Advance	10
Topic 2: Urban Planning and Design
ARK-E5514 (ARK-E551401)	Urban Design Studio Lectures	3
ARK-E5515 (ARK-E551501)	Urban Narratives 1	3
ARK-E5516 (ARK-E551601)	Urban Narratives 2	3
ARK-E5517	Urban Design Thinking	3
ARK-L5003	Planning Theory	6 *If completing both Planning Theory and Urban Studies course, it will consider as Planning Theory and Urban Studies Studio
ARK-L5004	Urban Studies	6*
ARK-E5510 (ARK-E551001)	Digital Speculative Urbanism Lecture	3 - 6
MAR-E1040	Computational Discourse of Territories, Lecture course	3 – 9
USP-E0314	Capstone project	5-12
Topic 3: History and Theory of Architecture
ARK-E1511 (ARK-E151101)	Theory of Architecture 2, Lecture Course	5
ARK-E1501	Writing Architecture	3
ARK-E1012	History of Finnish Architecture 1	3*
ARK-E1013	History of Finnish Architecture 2	3*
ARK-E1014	History of Finnish Architecture 3 (Not available 2021-2022)	3-6*
*Those who have not done Architecture in Finland and Scandinavia 1 and 2
More suitable courses you can find in the minor: “History and Theory of Architecture”
Other courses
ARK-E0101	Architectural Competition	1-6
ARK-E0001 (ARK-E000101)	Special Project of Architecture	1-12
ARK-C0013	Excursion of Architecture	1-5

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.

Courses fulfilling language requirements for Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Code	Course name	ECTS credits
Written and Oral Communication		3
Courses LC-7108 Write Competently and LC-0450 Speak Competently for students educated in Finnish. Course LC-5000 Kommunicera som expert for students educated in Swedish.
LC-7108	Write Competently	2
LC-0450	Speak Competently	1
LC-5000	Kommunicera som expert	3
Second national language of Finland		3
LCA-5703	Writing and Talking about Art in Swedish	3
LCA-5704	Foundations of Writing and Talking about Art (Swedish)	4
LCA-5701	National Language Requirement (Swedish) Writing Test)	2
LCA-5702	National Language Requirement (Swedish) Oral Test	1
LCA-7003	National Language Requirement (Finnish) Writing Test	2
LCA-7004	National Language Requirement (Finnish), Oral Test	1
Foreign language: English		3
To fulfil the foreign language requirement (3 cr), students must demonstrate both oral and written skills(marked o+w) in a single language of their choice by taking courses at the CEFR level of B1–B2. In addition to English, the required foreign language studies may be completed in any of the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, French, German or Russian.
LCA-1001	Expressing your Idea (w+o)	3
LCA-1002	Expressing your Expertise (o+w)	3
LCA-1110	A Digital Presence in English (o+w)	3
LCA-1020	Academic Communication for Master's students (o,w)	3
LCA-1022	Academic Writing (w)	3
LCA-1015	Autonomous Language Learning Path (o + w)	3
LCA-1111	Reading Project in ARTS (online) (o + w)	3
LCA-1112	Online Presentation Skills for ARTS (o)	3

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).

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 language requirements are:

Master of Arts (Art and Design): 3 cr

Students in this category may fulfil the language requirement for their Master of Arts (Art and Design) degree by completing courses that support their studies or their stay in Finland. Students who have been educated abroad are recommended to take Finnish courses as well as English courses that focus on the field-specific language of arts and fulfil the language requirement of the degree. Students may also choose to fulfil the language requirement by completing courses in another foreign language of their choice. All courses counted towards the requirement must be taken in the same language. Language studies may either be counted towards the electives of the degree or completed in addition to the studies required for the degree.

Elective Studies

Students choose 30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, do an internship in Finland or abroad, or take elective courses offered by student’s own programme/major.

Note. At least 15 ects should be from the architectural field. Kindly note that training is not counted as architectural study.

Transdiscliplinary Arts Studies offer a variety of art and theory courses which can be included in the elective studies.

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	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-A0608	General Studies Courses with Varying Contents Courses under this code will be organized in 21-22 with the following codes: ARTS-A060801, ARTS-A060802 and ARTS-A060803. The first is a comics course and the other two are Entrepreneuship courses.	2-10	Finnish / English	I, II. III, IV or V
ARTS-A0201	Freehand Drawing	6	English	I-II, III-IV
ARTS-A0213	Watercolour Workshop	4	English	summer
ARTS-A0209	Drawing and Painting Workshop, BA	6	English	III-IV
ARTS-A0214	Life Drawing for Comic Artists	1	English	I
ARTS-A0215	Drawing in Space	2	English	V
ARTS-A0217	Landscape - Then and Now	3	English	IV
ARTS-A0218	Basics of Comic Art	6	English	I-II
ARTS-A0206	Comics Workshop 1	1	English	I
ARTS-A0220	Comic Art Project	6	English	III-V
ARTS-A0219	Forms of Comics Expression and Storytelling	6	Finnish	II
ARTS-A0208	Life Drawing	6	English	I-II, III-IV

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. The course ‘Colour-light-space’ is aimed mainly at Master’s students of architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture. Through lectures and assignments, it deals with the role of colour and lighting in architecture and in building a city’s image.

Code	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-E0301	Colour - Light - Space	6	Finnish	III-IV
ARTS-A0302	Colour and Perception	4	English	I

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	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-A0404	Ways of Making 1 – Mold making & casting techniques	5	English	summer
ARTS-A0411	Ways of Making 2 – Constructing sculpture with wood and metal	5	English	IV
ARTS-A0412	Digital Sculpture 1 – 3D modelling for Sculpture	3	English	I
ARTS-A0407	Digital Sculpture 3 – Programming for sculptors	2	English	III
ARTS-A0413	Metal Casting 101	3	English	I, IV
ARTS-A0414	Synths & Amps	3	English	III
ARTS-E0401	Advanced Sculpture Project	4	English	II-V

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	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-A0502	Introduction to Silkscreen	3	English	I-II, III-IV
ARTS-A0503	Advanced Course in Screen Printing	3	English	IV-V
ARTS-A0506	Japanese Watercolour Woodcut	3	English	III-IV
ARTS-A0507	Basic Course in Woodcut	3	English	I-II

Contemporary art

While the contemporary art courses are aimed at the Master’s level, Bachelor’s as well as Doctoral students may also attend or seek admission. Most of the courses are taught in English.

Code	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-E0700	Aistien maailma / The Realm of the Senses	4–8	Finnish	III-IV (2022)
ARTS-E0701	Contemporary Drawing	6	English	III-IV
ARTS-E0708	Sculpture Now!	5	English	III

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	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-A0612	History of Contemporary Art	4	Finnish	I-II
ARTS-A0607	History of Comics	2	Finnish	I
ARTS-E0604	Global Perspectives: Re-mapping the History of Art	4	English	III-IV
ARTS-E0603	Seminar of Environmental Thinking, Aesthetics and Art	3	English	I

Digital Arts

Code	Name	ECTS credits	Language of instruction	Teaching period
ARTS-A0701	Digital art 1 - programming for visual artists	2	English	IV

Published: 24.8.2022
Updated: 17.8.2023

Master's Programme in Architecture

Programme main page

Curriculum 2020–2022

The master’s degree consists of

Structure of the Master's Degree Programme

Degree structure of the Master's Degree Programme in Architecture (120 credits)

Aims of the Master of Science (Architecture) and Master of Science (Landscape Architecture) degree

Master's Degree Programme in Architecture Learning Outcomes

Education content

Advanced Studies

Compulsory courses in architecture master's degree programme, 1st-2nd year of master's studies

Alternative courses in architecture master's degree programme, 1st-2nd year of master's studies

Master's Thesis

Language Study Requirements