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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. 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.
Degree:
Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Application period:
30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 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, €15000/y (Master’s studies)
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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.
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
Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee.
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 in 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 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: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-film-elo
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).
Read more about filmmaking
A new boom in Finnish cinema (external link)
Finland’s film industry is thriving and attracting new audiences at home and overseas. Where does the success come from?
New Wave, radical ideas and the rise of Finnish movies — 60 years of Finnish film education
In the autumn of 2019, we celebrate the Finnish film education reaching the mature age of 60 years. We can proudly take a look at our history and say that film education in Finland began among the first in Europe, several years before the other Nordic countries. Where did it all begin, where are we now and what will the future look like?
Applying to master’s programmes
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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.
Phase I
| Artistic and/or design practice | |
| What is evaluated |
Demonstrations of artistic and/or design work or assignments. Previous experience in professional field of filmmaking, TV-drama or documentaries or previous education to be able to understand and use film- and digital camera equipment, lit scenes, take care of cinematic continuity and to work with camera- and film crews. |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
We are intensively looking for applicants who can handle basic technical work, group work, cinematographer's basics of artistic planning and technical management - and all these in different stages of filmmaking process. Yet, it is possible to start in our MA programme even without actual previous BA studies in any film school. But in that case, we are looking for a clear presentation of professional career, portfolio with work examples that need to fulfill also artistic expectations. Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account. Portfolio is required from all applicants to evaluate applicant’s experience and artistic insight to the cinematographer’s studies or work. |
| Method of demonstrating competence |
Portfolio |
| Relevance of previous studies | |
| What is evaluated | Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option specific requirements |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Ability to understand and use film- and digital camera equipment, lit scenes, take care of cinematic continuity and to work with camera- and film crews. Basic understanding of different phases of pre-production, filming and post-production. In order to cope in MA level, chosen applicants should have at least basic education or experience of all those fields, since in MA level we are focusing to deepen the skills that applicants have learned already during their BA studies. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Suitability | |
| What is evaluated |
Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Motivation letter to explain your reasons for applying for this major and your particular interest(s) including possible research questions of interest in the field in question. In addition, the plan must specify your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your strengths and interests, artistic vision, aspects related to the work and creative goals. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter |
| Other areas of competence | |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other required knowledge (achievements |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
CV that explains applicant's accurate status in presented works. To evaluate the role and experience in the field or during previous studies. |
| Method of demonstrating competence |
CV The study option does not consider recommendation letters. |
Phase II
| Suitability | |
| What is evaluated |
Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | During the interview phase we are checking the general understanding of group work, filmmaking process and ability to analyse visual arts in general. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Interview |
The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies are evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria decided in advance for each study option.
We are looking for applicants who have previous experience in professional field of filmmaking, TV-drama or documentaries or are educated and able to understand and use film- and digital camera equipment, lit scenes, take care of cinematic continuity and to work with camera- and film crews.
Students are taught to work during different phases of pre-production, filming and post-production. Our aim is not only to give technical education but also an artistic insight to the cinematographer’s work. In order to cope in MA level, chosen applicants should have at least basic education or experience of all those fields, since in MA level we are focusing to deepen the skills that applicants have learned already during their BA studies.
We are intensively looking for students who can handle basic technical work, group work, cinematographer's basics of artistic planning and technical management - and all these in different stages of filmmaking process. Yet, it is possible to start in our MA programme even without actual previous BA studies in any film school. But in that case, we are looking for a clear presentation of professional career, portfolio with work examples that needs to fulfill also artistic expectations and a CV that explains applicant's accurate status in presented works.
The selection process for those who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises two phases:
Phase I
In Phase I, the applications are evaluated based on the following criteria
- Artistic and/or design practice
- Relevance of previous studies
- Suitability/motivation letter
- Other areas of competence
Only the applications who are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to phase II in the selection process.
Phase II
In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria:
- Suitability/Interview.
During the interview phase we are checking the general understanding of group work, filmmaking process and ability to analyse visual arts in general.
Part of the applicants are invited to the second stage. The invitation to the second stage is sent to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
The documents requested from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). In addition, applicants to this study-option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Portfolio
Electronic portfolio that includes three (3) work samples accessible online via hyperlinks and both a written and visual portfolio to present the work. Maximum size for the portfolio is 1.0 GB. Name the file Portfolio-lastname-firstname.pdf.
The applicant uploads the electronic portfolio to the application system as one PDF file before sending the application. The portfolio should contain work related to your artistic expression, and showcase your prior scientific, professional and/or artistic activity on a broad scale. The list of works must include at least the name and/or theme, method of production, format, size, purpose and year of production, while also specifying where and when the works have been exhibited performed or published.
Motivation letter
The motivation letter should explain your reasons for applying for this major and your particular interest(s) including possible research questions of interest in the field in question. In addition, the plan must specify your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your strengths and interests, artistic vision, aspects related to the work and creative goals.
The maximum length of the motivation is 4000 characters.
CV
Applications must include the applicant’s CV indicating personal data, educational background, work experience, exhibitions, publications and articles, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust.
Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account. The study option does not consider recommendation letters.
Language of the application documents
The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.
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.
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.
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