Contemporary Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Description

What alternative materials can support a transition away from fossil-based forms of production? How can craft traditions inform contemporary design? What kind of products do we need and what is our role as designers in these changing times?  

The Contemporary Design major educates sensitive and visionary students who have the skills to propose radical solutions and responsible innovations for the future. The teaching supports process-led inquiry and studio practice, while integrating research and writing into the course structure. We believe that the most creative solutions arise from an in-depth immersion in the chosen topic and a freedom of expression in processes and outcomes. The outcomes may range from concepts to material innovations, functional objects, and future scenarios. 

Contemporary Design is one of the three majors of the Master’s Programme in Design, others being Fashion and Textile Design and Collaborative and Industrial Design. In addition, the Master’s Programme in Design collaborates closely with the Master’s Programmes in Creative Sustainability and International Design Business Management. All are two-year programmes, whereby students graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Design. 

Aalto University is globally ranked in the top ten in the field of art and design by QS World University Ranking. The world-class teaching and facilities ensure that, upon graduating from the study option, graduates are able to:

Please see the intended learning outcomes of the study option at the Programme page.

Language of instruction

In the Contemporary Design major, the language of instruction is 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

The Master’s Programme in Design – Contemporary Design major comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Main compulsory studies are selected from the major’s study offering. Students participate in joint studies of the Department and produce a master’s thesis (30 ECTS). In addition, students choose elective studies according to their Personal Study Plan.

The first study year introduces students to contemporary design cultures and reflective practices, considering their societal and environmental impact. Students explore varied materials, including biomaterials and, as their studies evolve, they develop their individual competencies with material-specific design, such as ceramics, glass, biodesign or wood. 

During the second year, students complete their master’s thesis in their area of their specialisation. A thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic, or applied research, a design investigation, an art project or a combination of these. Theses always include a written component.

For further information about studies see Student guide under Curriculum

Contemporary Design website

Specialisations

The Contemporary Design major has a small annual intake of students, assuring that each student receives individual guidance and attention. The academic advisors assist in defining the scope and content of alternative and elective studies, including a possible minor or internship.

The curriculum, supported by Aalto's other schools, allows students to focus on their area of interest. For example, the students can include CHEMARTS courses in their studies.

Internationalisation

Upon joining Aalto University, students are joining an international community of competent, creative, and responsible individuals. 15 % of the students and 40 % of the faculty in the University come from across the world, bridging students with the global design network. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has strong connections to other leading design schools and universities across the globe. Students are encouraged to apply for internships and exchange studies as well as gain experience by taking part in international competitions, exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs to further enrich their personal learning path. In addition, the Contemporary Design major provides the opportunity to build design and research relationships with external partners.

Further study opportunities

Contemporary Design graduates are eligible to apply for doctoral studies at Aalto University or at another university in Finland or abroad. 

Career opportunities

Master’s studies in CoDe prepare graduates to pursue careers as creative entrepreneurs creating new practices and/or contributing to collectives, start-ups or academic research. Graduates are prepared to work in teams and projects in collaboration with companies, organisations and the public sector. They may also continue to develop their design expertise and research skills through doctoral studies.

Research focus

Design research at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture is at the international forefront of sustainable design, practice-based design research, human-centered design, and co-design. Our research environment and culture enable goal-oriented research, imaginative experiments, critical discussion, and transdisciplinary collaboration.

Contemporary Design studies are closely linked to ongoing research. Prominent themes include design’s social and environmental responsibility, and the conceptual and expressive possibilities of varied materials such as geopolymers, bio-materials, seaweed and soil.

Co-operation with other parties

Multidisciplinary collaboration between the six Aalto University schools is extensive. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has a long tradition of successfully collaborating with external partners on projects and courses and nurturing close relationships with several external stakeholders. Companies, research institutes, for-profit, not-for-profit, and public organizations frequently reach out to Aalto University as one of the leading design schools in Europe to work with students on real-world societal problems and business opportunities.

Contact information

Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.

arts-admissions@aalto.fi

Admissions Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.

admissions@aalto.fi