Master's Programme in Architecture

Goal of education

Architecture is a field at the intersection of technology and art. Architects should be able to approach problems not only from a technical or artistic perspective but they also should understand the social, cultural, environmental and economic implications of their work. This is the reason for the broad-based nature of the education in architecture. Because of this, the Master' Programme aims at developing the student's technical, scientific and artistic thinking with respect to the construction of a socially responsible and sustainable future. After completing the degree programme, students will have:

• the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
• knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and related fields of art, technology and human sciences.
• knowledge of urban design and planning and the skills involved in the planning process.
• understanding of the relationships between people and the built environment as well as between the built environment and the natural one.
• understanding of the structural, constructional and engineering problems associated with the design of buildings and the ability to provide buildings with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate.

The learning outcomes of the programme are in line with the regulations of the EU directive that applies to pursuing the professional activities of an architect (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications). Hence, the programme also enables students to:

• understand the methods of investigation and preparation of a brief for a design project.
• meet with their designs the building users' requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations.
• understand the various regulations and procedures of the industries and organisations involved in translating design concepts into buildings and urban planning.

The programme facilitates students to pursue a career in architecture within Finland but also abroad regardless of whether the goal is to work as an employee in the private or public sector or as an entrepreneur. It also strengthen the student's competence in co-ordination tasks related to design, thus enabling graduates to work as a head designer of demanding construction projects.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Master’s Programme in Architecture is English. However, part of the courses in the field of Architectural History and Renovation are taught in Finnish. The degree can be completed in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Education content

The key focus in master's programme education is on developing and deepening of skills and knowledge obtained during the bachelor's phase. The topics include the history and theory of architecture, building design and Finnish building art as well as urban planning and design. Course and design studio teaching is enhanced by means of multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced teaching methods. A number of courses are based on a learning-by-doing approach and the working on 'real' design assignments often in collaboration with the local community. In addition, experimental and design research-oriented courses are offered that allow the in depth exploration of specialized topics and the development of an individual expression and voice as a designer.

For further details on the education content, see the study guide for the academic years of 2018-2020.

Career opportunities

The majority of architects work as project architects in a company or as entrepreneurs in their own architectural agency, working with new or renovation projects. The public sector is another important employer, with job titles including zoning architect, permit architect, cultural environment manager, museum director and municipal architect. Architects work as academic researchers or teachers, such as professors or lecturers. Architects can also be construction managers, project designers or experts in the property field; senior inspectors or specialists in the environmental field or exhibition architects and curators in the field of art. The duties of an architect are steadily expanding from traditional design tasks to other fields that require comprehensive vision and creative problem-solving ability.

Duties of an architect

• Project planning
• Building design in all scales
• Construction, property development
• Urban design, urban planning/zoning of regional entities
• Museum work
• Building history inventories and surveys
• Administrative, teaching, management and research duties, expert tasks
• Furniture design, interior decorating, design, exhibition design
• Architectural graphics, IT, multimedia

Titles

The majority of architects work as project architects in a company or as entrepreneurs in their own architectural agency, working with new or renovation projects. The public sector is another important employer, with job titles including zoning architect, permit architect, cultural environment manager, museum director and municipal architect. Architects work as academic researchers or teachers, such as professors or lecturers. Architects can also be construction managers, project designers or experts in the property field; senior inspectors or specialists in the environmental field or exhibition architects and curators in the field of art. The duties of an architect are steadily expanding from traditional design tasks to other fields that require comprehensive vision and creative problem-solving ability.

Internationalisation

Studies provide the opportunity for internationalisation through, for example, exchange studies and international student competitions and study trips. The internship that is an optional part of the degree can be completed abroad and students can also do field work outside Finland. Some of the department staff are international and lecturers and guests from international schools of architecture visit the department. The department has international research and teaching projects with different universities.

Department of Architecture has international students, both degree students and exchange students. Teaching is provided partly in English and all students study in the same courses. Students participate in international student events through the EASA umbrella organisation for students and students have exchanges among the guilds.

Admission procedure and evaluation criteria

Competences and skills we look for in an applicant

Architecture is a field at the intersection of technology and art. Because of this, students need to have good knowledge in architectural construction, structural design and building physics and the ability to use this knowledge in the shaping of our living environment by means of creation of space, atmospheres and social conditions.  

Evaluation criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent
• Good communication skills in visual format and writing
• The academic performance of the applicant that is good representation skills and good technical skills, a well-developed understanding of architecture in relation to its context and the ability of creating adequate spatial conditions and dynamics. The academic performance is evaluated by portfolio.
• The motivation for studies at Aalto University and commitment of the applicant on the basis of a motivation letter.

Required application documents

Study Option’s requirements for the application documents are listed below. Please also note requirements for the application documents presented in the general application instructions. Attach each application document to the electronic application form in PDF form (except portfolio, kindly sent via postal mail).

Portfolio

The portfolio should demonstrate the academic excellence of the applicant with respect to the criteria listed in point 3 of the evaluation criteria. A coherent layout and consistent quality of drawings and images is expected. The size of the portfolio should not exceed 20 pages (max A3) and in case of team work the contribution of the applicant should be clearly stated.  The portfolio should include a CV of the applicant and the motivation letter.

CV

The CV should be maximum 1 page and include at least information on previous studies, work experience, software skills and prizes. The CV should be included in the portfolio.

Motivation letter

The motivation letter should state clearly the reason for studying architecture and the relevance of studying at Aalto University for development of applicant’s career plan. The motivation letter should be a maximum of two pages and included in the portfolio.

Language of application documents

Application documents should be submitted preferably in English but applications in Finnish or Swedish are accepted too.

Complementary studies

The student may be required to take complementary studies (max. 20 ECTS). These studies will be determined individually at the latest in the beginning of the studies while making the personal study plan.