The documents required 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 for this study option are required to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
Portfolio
In the portfolio, applicants display work that shows their designerly insights and skills. The portfolio must contain diverse samples of the applicant’s previous scientific, professional and/or design projects.
Designwork can be provided as technical drawings, computer renderings, sketches, illustrations, storyboards or photographs. Include 4-6 work samples in the portfolio of 4-14 pages. The work contained in the portfolio must be catalogued, listing at least the title and/or theme, purpose and year of completion of each piece. The catalogue must also detail where and when the work has been completed, exhibited, displayed or published. Each work should be accompanied by a brief explanation. The contribution of the applicant to the work should be stated in case the work has been completed in a group. The applicant’s name, address and phone number and the degree programme applied for must be indicated clearly on the portfolio.
The portfolio should be uploaded as a single PDF-file. Maximum size for the portfolio is 30 MB and it can include maximum of 14 pages, larger ones will not be evaluated, even if the system allows uploading larger ones. Name the file as: Portfolio-surname-firstname.pdf. The intake committee will only evaluate the material displayed in the PDF file. Links to external material (e.g. website) or video material will not be considered during the intake process. The portfolios may be examined on a laptop display of ca. 14”. It is highly advisable to use e.g., 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio.
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.
Motivation letter
Write a motivation letter explaining your reasons for applying for this major and your particular interest(s) in the field as well as your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your strengths and interests, a vision of art and design, aspects related to the work and creative goals.
The letter of motivation must clearly answer the following questions:
- What is your biggest achievement/success in the field of design?
- Why are you applying to Aalto University?
- What do you want to learn by studying in the Collaborative and Industrial Design major?
- What is the role of the master’s programme in your professional development?
- What would you like to do after completing the master’s programme?
The maximum length of the motivation letter is 2000 characters, including spaces and special characters.
Language of application documents
All the application documents should be submitted in English.