Major studies

• Advanced major studies 60 cr
• Thesis 30 cr
• Elective studies 30 cr

Aims of the Master of Arts (Art and Design) degree

The aim of the degree is to provide students with:

1. good theoretical and general knowledge of as well as artistic and practical expertise in their field of study as well as a general knowledge of the field of arts;
2. knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work and for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods;
3. knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field, and to cooperate internationally;
4. knowledge and skills needed for education leading to a Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) degree and for lifelong learning;
5. good language and communication skills for work in the field of arts and for international operations and cooperation.

The education shall be based on scientific research and artistic activity and professional practices in the field.

Director of the Master's Programme: Professor Mikko Jalas

Programme content and structure for Creative Sustainability, ARTS

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through design. Sustainability is pertaining to all fields of design. Designers are increasingly expected to help facilitate innovation processes, manage representation of stakeholders and contribute to creative problem framing.

Programme description

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, or poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The Creative Sustainability programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) brings together students who are devoted to developing systemic solutions, working in multidisciplinary teams and challenging themselves with practical learning tasks. Creativity in the programme denotes a focus on fresh, holistic and emerging innovations and far-reaching alternative solutions. The studies include state-of-the-art knowledge about the interlinked environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of sustainability coupled with learning in practical projects conducted together with partner organizations.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. CS students who enter the programme via the School of Arts, Design and Architecture graduate with a degree of Master of Arts.

The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory Design studies, elective studies, and a Master’s thesis. Students can also include in their degree studies conducted elsewhere at Aalto University or at other universities in Finland or abroad. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme website.

Learning Outcomes of the Master`s Programme in Creative Sustainability:

• Multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines to co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges and to promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
• Systems thinking: Students learn to use systems thinking to create new holistic understandings of complex situations and to problem-solve.
• Sustainable use of materials: Students understand basic scientific principles and processes of bioeconomy and circular economy, and are able to use analytical tools and develop solutions for sustainable resource use.
• Design thinking: Students learn to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in design processes.
• Sustainability management: Students learn to develop, support and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations and to work proactively to promote sustainable development through business.

Career prospects

Studies in Creative Sustainability prepare the students to work as sustainability experts in organizations that have a strategic view on transformation towards sustainability. These include the private and public sectors as well as a wide range of NGO´s. The student can develop expertise in different professional profiles which vary from research skills to the practical skills of management, leadership and design in different environments.

Design confronts new challenges in innovating for sustainable development. The CS programme teaches skills to meet these challenges through specialization and interdisciplinary work, while students simultaneously fulfill criteria for professional design. Graduates from CS programme are attractive targets for progressive local and international employers as well as prepared for independent entrepreneurial activity.

Code: ARTS215.M
Credits: 90 ECTS of major studies (60 ECTS courses + 30 ECTS master's thesis)

Simple visualization of the curriculum

Major Studies 90 ECTS (60 ECTS courses + 30 ECTS master's thesis)

Code: ARTSa.E
Credits: 30 ECTS of 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 courses from the Creative Sustainability electives list. Students are also recommended to take courses from the Department of Design, such as MUO-E3041 Designing for Services.

Elective studies are completed during the 1. year and 2. year.

Creative Sustainability electives list:

Other elective studies:

University Wide Studies:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/other-studies/university-wide-studies

Studies at other Aalto schools or in Finnish universities:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/other-studies/studies-at-other-aalto-schools-or-in-finnish-universities

Courses about entrepreneurship:
https://avp.aalto.fi/avp-courses/

Courses according to Schools:
https://courses.aalto.fi/

Aims of the master's thesis

To graduate, students must meet the aims set for the thesis. The aim of the master's thesis is that:

- Students demonstrate command of the field of the master's programme and ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme independently;

- Students demonstrate ability for research-oriented work on an artistic, theoretical or applied research topic and demonstrate ability to use data and source material for research purposes;

- Students demonstrate good communication skills for work in the field of study.

The thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic or applied research, a work of art or a combination of these; it may also include a production component. The production component may be, depending on the field, for instance, a design, a work of art, an exhibition, or project. Theses always include a written component. If the thesis consists of a design or other production component and a written component, the student must specify the emphasis to be given to the different components in the evaluation. However, the thesis is always evalu-ated as a whole, with all the components of the thesis included in the evaluation.

The recommended extent of the written component of the thesis is 25–70 pages (approx. 50 000–140 000 characters) depending on the extent of the possible production component.

Master's thesis is written during the 2. academic year.

For more information on completing your thesis see:Completing your master's thesis

• Major studies (60 cr)
• Master's thesis (30 cr)
• Elective studies (10 + 20 cr)

Creative Sustainability in Materials and Chemical Engineering 

Code: CHEM3056
Professor in charge: Mark Hughes

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through engineering and material science. Sustainability is pertaining to all fields of engineering. Engineers are increasingly expected to develop solutions for managing critical material flows, production processes and infrastructures but also to participate in multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder innovation processes for enhancing sustainability.

Programme description

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, or poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The CS programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The CS programme brings together students who are devoted to developing systemic solutions, working in multidisciplinary teams and challenging themselves with practical learning tasks. Creativity in the programme denotes a focus on fresh, holistic and emerging innovations and far-reaching alternative solutions. The studies include state-of-the-art knowledge about the interlinked environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of sustainability coupled with learning in practical projects conducted together with partner organizations.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. CS students who enter the programme via the School of Chemical Engineering graduate with a degree of Master of Science in Technology.

The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory studies in chemical engineering, elective studies, and a Master’s thesis. Students can also include in their degree studies conducted elsewhere at Aalto University or at other universities in Finland or abroad. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme website.

Learning Outcomes of the Master`s Programme in Creative Sustainability:

• Multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines to co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges and to promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
• Systems thinking: Students learn to use systems thinking to create new holistic understandings of complex situations and to problem-solve.
• Sustainable use of materials: Students understand basic scientific principles and processes of bioeconomy and circular economy, and are able to use analytical tools and develop solutions for sustainable resource use.
• Design thinking: Students learn to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in design processes.
• Sustainability management: Students learn to develop, support and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations and to work proactively to promote sustainable development through business.

Career prospects

Sustainability considerations arise in all business and industrial context and thus there are several possible career options for someone with expertise on sustainability and material science. Graduates of Creative Sustainability from Chemical Engineering can work as sustainability and business development managers in industries facing and dealing with major ecological challenges (e.g. bioproducts) as well as in the development of new material solutions for sustainability and circular economy.  The studies provide a good basis for managing stakeholder relations in different business and social contexts.

Study Structure

Table 1. Compulsory joint studies in CS (30 cr) 

Table 2. Compulsory for all students in CS CHEM (10 cr)

Table 3. Choose 10 ECTS from the following

Table 4. Choose 10 ECTS from the following

Table 5. Master's thesis and elective studies

Table 6. Creative Sustainability electives, choose 10 ECTS from the electives from ARTS/BIZ/CHEM

^{* course organized in cooperation with industry
ARTS = School of Arts, Design and Architecture, BIZ = School of Business.} 

The Creative Sustainability in Materials and Chemical Engineering contains 30 (10 + 20) credits of elective studies:

• 10 cr need to be completed from the electives from ARTS/BIZ/CHEM (Creative Sustainability electives list below).
• 20 cr: 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, or take more courses from the Creative Sustainability electives list.

Language studies

Language studies are mandatory according to Aalto degree regulation. If you have taken equivalent language studies in your bachelor’s degree, you do not have to take them in your master’s degree. This means 3  credits including both oral and written part. You can select courses that have letters O (for oral) and W (for written) in their name. Also basic Finnish and Swedish courses can be applied here.

Minor

Students can also include a minor in their studies as part of the elective studies. All minors offered in Aalto can be found here.

You can browse all currently offered courses on courses.aalto.fi.

Creative Sustainability electives list:

Courses offered by Department of Architecture (ARTS)

Courses offered by School of Business (BIZ)    

School of Engineering (ENG)

Courses offered by School of Chemical Enginering (CHEM)

^{* course organized in cooperation with industry} 

What is a master´s thesis?

Master’s thesis is a study attainment, which the student carries out at the final stages of her/his studies. For clarity, in this document terms master’s thesis project and master’s thesis report are used, the former referring to all the work the student does during this study attainment, and the latter referring to the written report on the project. During the master’s thesis project the student typically aims at solving a problem relevant to the field of study. The work is based on existing scientific knowledge, and it is conducted according to the principles of scientific research, following good engineering and scientific practices and ethical guidelines. This work is documented in a scientific thesis report, which on one hand summarizes the relevant existing knowledge on the thesis project’s topic area, and on the other hand, describes the research the student performed during the thesis project.

The master's thesis shall be written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme, agreed upon between the student and a professor who is either in charge of the research field linked with the topic or sufficiently specialised in the topic of the thesis.

The extent of the master’s thesis as a study attainment is 30 credits (ECTS), equaling to 800 working hours. The period of time spent working on the Master’s thesis may in reality be longer if the student is at the same time carrying out other studies or duties.

The master’s thesis includes not only the thesis but also the maturity essay and seminar presentation or a corresponding presentation.

Learning outcomes of the Master's thesis

These learning outcomes describe the student’s skills and competences, which should develop during the whole time span of the master’s thesis project. The evaluation of the thesis measures this development. The learning outcomes are divided in four groups, describing the student’s development in the areas of problem solving, knowledge in applying theories and methods in science and engineering, project management skills, as well as communication skills.

Problem-solving skills

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

• together with the cooperation partners, can define a clear scope for a research project, is able to formulate relevant and clear research questions, as well as describe logically the objectives of the project.
• can choose appropriate engineering or/and research methods and is able to apply the chosen methods in a logical way that fits the problem and the research questions. 
• can work independently but is also able to seek for guidance and take advantage of the received advice.

Skills in applying scientific and engineering theories and methods in the topic area

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

• demonstrates understanding of the relevant technological and scientific concepts and theoretical frameworks in the topic area.
• displays ability of conducting work according to good engineering and scientific practices, following ethical guidelines.
• shows ability of discussing the results in the context of the topic area and the research questions, and is able to draw justified conclusions from the results.
• shows command of data acquisition, and can refer correctly to appropriate, up-to-date scientific literature and other relevant sources of information.

Project management skills

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

• displays ability of making a feasible and logical plan for an engineering or scientific project, and can implement the plan in an efficient manner, which does not significantly exceed the set deadlines.
• can manage the acquired information in an organized manner, and is able to follow the given guidelines for documenting and presenting the work.

Skills in scientific and professional communication

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

• can present results of an engineering or/and research process clearly and discuss critically their significance to the cooperation partners, and possibly to the scientific and engineering community.
• shows skill in formal writing and can write a report, which is easy to read and which forms a well-organised, coherent whole.
• has practiced oral communication in varying work-life situation: from day-to-day discussion with colleagues to presentation of the results in personal discussions as well as in project meetings with the cooperation partners

• Programme studies 84 cr
• Master's thesis 30 cr
• Minor 24 cr
• Electives 12 cr

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through business. The linkages between business and sustainability are highly important in contemporary organizations, whether one wishes to be a sustainability specialist in business or a management professional operating in some other field.

Programme description

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, or poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The CS programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The CS programme brings together students who are devoted to developing systemic solutions, working in multidisciplinary teams and challenging themselves with practical learning tasks. Creativity in the programme denotes a focus on fresh, holistic and emerging innovations and far-reaching alternative solutions. The studies include state-of-the-art knowledge about the interlinked environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of sustainability coupled with learning in practical projects conducted together with partner organizations.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. CS students who enter the programme via the School of Business graduate with a degree of Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration.

The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory Management studies, elective studies which include a freely chosen minor subject, and a Master’s thesis. Students can also include in their degree studies conducted elsewhere at Aalto University or at other universities in Finland or abroad. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme website.

Learning outcomes

• Multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines to co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges and to promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
• Systems thinking: Students learn to use systems thinking to create new holistic understandings of complex situations and to problem-solve.
• Sustainable use of materials: Students understand basic scientific principles and processes of bioeconomy and circular economy, and are able to use analytical tools and develop solutions for sustainable resource use.
• Design thinking: Students learn to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in design processes.
• Sustainability management: Students learn to develop, support and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations and to work proactively to promote sustainable development through business.

Career prospects

Sustainability considerations arise in every organization and thus there are several possible career options for someone with expertise on sustainability in business. Sustainability specialists can work in multinational companies and other large organizations, as consultants, in start-ups and as entrepreneurs, or they may deal with sustainability issues in business from positions in NGOs or the public sector.

Figure 1. Possible professional identities and corresponding potential employment types of CS students

Programme directors

Professor Mikko Jalas, Director of the Creative Sustainability Programme (ARTS)

Senior University Lecturer Leena Lankoski, Creative Sustainability Programme Director at the School of Business

Programme Planning Officer

Kati Halminen [email protected]

Additional information

Creative Sustainability programme website

Please note that starting from autumn 2022, some of the courses have changed and some of the CS electives are not taught anymore. Please check the course equivalences on the curriculum 2022-2024 page or Sisu (study plan or course descriptions).

Compulsory joint studies of CS 18 cr 

Compulsory research methods in BIZ 6 cr 

Note that the research method courses have changed starting from autumn 2022. You are still required to take only one of these courses, even if they are only 3 credits each! You don't need to replace the missing 3 credits in CS studies but check that your degree includes at least 120 cr nevertheless.

Choose 18 ECTS from the following CS-course list from BIZ :

^{1) This course is strongly recommended for those with little or no background in sustainability in business.
2) Replaces course 21E16000 Sustainable Business and Consumption}

Compulsory CS-Capstone course from BIZ 6 ECTS:

Master's thesis 36 ECTS

The minor study module of the Master’s degree is 24 credits and can be one of the following:

1. a module confirmed in the curriculum (a minor study entity offered at the School of Business) ,
2. a module completed in an official exchange programme partner of the School of Business or in another programme meeting the requirements set in the official exchange programme policy of the School of Business, or
3. a module earned at another Aalto University school or at another Finnish university under the agreement on flexible study rights (JOO agreement).

For a list of all the minors at Aalto University, see Minors 2020-2022

Master's degree includes 12 ECTS credits of Electives. This can consist of for example

• additional studies in the degree programme,
• additional studies in the minor study module,
• courses from other programmes
• language and communication studies,
• studies at another Aalto University School,
• studies at another university through the flexible study right agreement (JOO studies), or
• internship (6 cr)

More information is provided under the titles Language and communication studies and Internship.

Elective studies can include basic, intermediate or advanced level courses.