Study options

Cinematography - Film and Television, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

In Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Cinematography, the student deepens his/her vocational competence to achieve a greater mastery of the overall artistic, production and technical entity of his/her professional area in various film, TV and advertising productions. A student of cinematography has a wide-ranging mastery of artistic means of expression, cinematography methods and challenging technical concepts, equipment and work methods. In addition, the student becomes familiar with both the cinematographer’s changing role and also the use of new artistic and technical working methods and technologies along with innovative research connected with them.
A student in a hat filming in front of a red curtain.

Degree:

Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Application period:

28 Nov 2024 – 27 Dec 2024

Language of instruction:

Finnish
English
Swedish

Duration:

2 years, full-time

Eligibility:

Relevant Bachelor's degree

Field of study:

Art and Design

Credits:

120 ECTS

Organising school:

School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €20000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

In Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Cinematography, the student deepens his/her vocational competence to achieve a greater mastery of the overall artistic, production and technical entity of his/her professional area in various film, TV and advertising productions. A student of cinematography has a wide-ranging mastery of artistic means of expression, cinematography methods and challenging technical concepts, equipment and work methods. In addition, the student becomes familiar with both the cinematographer’s changing role and also the use of new artistic and technical working methods and technologies along with innovative research connected with them.

The goal of education is to reinforce the student’s personal strengths and development in line with personal artistic vision, deepen cooperation skills with others responsible for artistic film work, and provide the skills needed for independent research work. The studies emphasize the importance of personal time management and stress tolerance.

Major's intended learning outcomes

A student who graduates from the major in Cinematography:

  • can conceive, build and develop high-quality film and television visualisations.
  • is able to create personal and original artistic works.
  • knows the craft and tradition of cinematography and film dramaturgy and is able to apply these in their own
  • work and create new methods of working.  Can work in a long term projects, both independently and as part of a creative team, including in leadership and specialist positions.
  • will be able to evaluate the different professional roles of a cinematographer and the duties, responsibilities and practices of the profession.
  • understands and can evaluate and apply different artistic and production processes as well as creative work of a cinematographer in film-, television- and in other visual products that require high-end visualisation of moving images. Has the ability to analyse, apply and develop all previous in leadership role.
  • is able to apply professional skills both in documentary- and feature film productions during pre-production, production and post-production phases.
  • is familiar with the main theoretical issues in the field and has the ability to carry out basic research activities.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Master’s Programme in Film and Television, major in Cinematography is Finnish. However, part of the courses are taught in English. The degree can be completed in English.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 20 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

During the education, the student’s personal vision is strengthened with a focus on artistic-technical cinematography competence and cooperation skills.

The job description of a cinematographer is reinforced and deepened in extensive master’s study modules and workshop exercises, both in Finland and internationally and by means of courses on vocational technology and artistic expression. The education is mainly based on practical learning by doing, work in small groups, personal guidance and dialogue-based interaction. During the studies, the student is introduced to all phases of preliminary planning in cinematography and artistic and production cooperation in film and television productions.

Studies in the master's programme include departments joint courses (30 ECTS) which are obligatory. These courses deal with entrepreneurial and working life skills, analytical skills, and provide research skills.

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

Master's Programme in Film and Television

Specialisations

Cinematography is one of the majors in the Master’s Programme of Film and Television.

Each student creates their Personal Study Plan (PSP), which is a practical tool to define a student’s own study path, compiling an optimal selection of courses that are aligned with the student's interests and programme requirements. PSP is also a useful tool for students to keep track of their studies. At best, it shows where students are with their studies and sets concrete milestones for them to follow.

Internationalisation

Students are encouraged to complete part of their studies in international exchange programmes or internships. International visiting teachers and students enrich the teaching and help students network.

Students’ internationalisation and networking are supported by participation in domestic and international festivals, where students gain a deeper understanding of and learn more about the profession of cinematographer. The major in Cinematography also focuses on cooperation between different film schools and student exchange at the workshop, course and student meeting level.

Further study opportunities

Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture offers doctoral studies in the fields of architecture, art, design, media, film and scenography. For more information about our research groups visit the following link.

Career opportunities

A cinematographer with an MA is able to work as the person with artistic responsibility in demanding drama, documentary and advertising films. A graduate of the major in Cinematography is able to work as a cinematographer in a feature-length drama film, documentary film, television or advertising film.  Cinematographers also work as instructors in the field at universities of applied science and media institutions.

Although the goal of education is to primarily produce professionals with strong personalities for the film industry, it also encourages students to apply for further studies and lifelong learning.

Cinematographers are mainly employed as freelancers in film, television and audiovisual productions. Cinematographers are also suited to work in various phases of digital post-production and effects work and in designing and realising virtual scenography.

Recommended minor subjects for students of cinematography include directing, film editing, graphic design, digital and virtual scenography and digital modelling.

Research focus

Research at the Department of Film and Television creates understanding about the means of expression and the production process. The research orientation (practice based research) is based on the fruitful dialogue of theory and practice. You can find more information about the Department’s research and research groups from here.

Co-operation with other parties

The Department cooperates actively with different parties in the field of film and television. Students have the possibility to take courses from other Aalto schools. We also collaborate with other universities (for example UniArts).

Applying to master’s programmes

Study-option-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria 2024

Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option. The applications to Master’s Programme in Film and Television – Cinematography will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

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Contact information

Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Application documents required for the study option and questions concerning studying may be sent to the Learning Services staff of Aalto ARTS.

[email protected]

Admissions Services

Questions concerning the required application documents, the application process and the required English proficiency level may be sent to Aalto’s Admission Services.

[email protected]

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