Master's Programme in Design for Theatre, Film and Television - Production Design

Study objectives

The major in production design involves training artistic designers who are responsible for the visual, operational and production entity of a film production.

The aim of the education is to find and enhance the student’s personal artistic vision, to extend his/her professional competence and/or specialisation and to provide skills needed for doctoral studies. Along with broad-ranging professional skills, the goal is to obtain the ability to develop the student’s own field in a creative and independent manner. Master’s degree students are expected to work independently and to play an active role in planning their studies.

A key objective of master’s degree studies in production design is to support the student’s personal goals and reinforce the competence of students with different backgrounds in the field of production design as well as direct them in their choice of specialisation. Another aim is to encourage the student to boldly bring forth his/her perspective on artistic collaboration as a whole.

A graduate of the Master’s Degree Programme in Production Design will be able to

• work as a production designer in demanding film and television productions
• manage broad artistic entities
• guide and motivate the working group implementing the designs
• deepen his/her artistic expression
• expand his/her skills through developments in the field and new demands, (for example, digital production design, new narrative forms for film and television)
• develop new work methods by means of experimental and investigative work
• renew the field in collaboration with other people responsible for artistic content in film/TV productions
• continue his/her studies in a programme leading to a doctoral degree

Study languages

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

Tuition fees

15 000 € per year for non EU/EEA citizens in programmes instructed in English. More information on Scholarships and Tuition Fees page (aalto.fi).

Career opportunities

In particular, the training prepares students to be production designers in film and television. Through the skills provided by the programme and their further adaptation, it is also possible to work in digital production design.  In addition, a production designer also has the possibility to apply their skills in other work related to graphic design and the use of space, such as in the production of different kinds of performing arts, as a concept designer, or as a designer for exhibitions and fairs.

The degree includes 30 credits of elective studies. They allow the student to complement his/her degree according to personal orientation or deepen his/her competence in a desired area.

Graduates of the programme can work in many positions: set designer, production designer, Art Director, Production Designer, concept designer, exhibition designer, interior designer, researcher, teacher.

Post-graduate studies

After graduation the student can apply for doctoral studies towards a Doctor of Arts degree.

Study contents

Master’s degree studies include delving into the special areas of production design, research related studies to develop conceptual thinking relating to design for theatre, film and television, and productions that realise artistic expression.

The students can take research-oriented and theoretical studies that are an introduction to doctoral studies in the Degree Programmes of both Film and Television and Design for Theatre, Film and Television.

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

Internationalisation

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

A significant amount of master’s studies are completed in English.

Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria

What we look for in an applicant?

We seek for applicants with artistic talent and personality, the capacity for illustrative and spatial understanding, readiness to work in a group and the ability to express oneself. A bachelor’s degree completed in the field or equivalent knowledge and skills is a requirement for admission.

Evaluation criteria

The criteria we use to evaluate the applications in the first stage are

• Sufficient evidence on skills of skills and understanding related to the processes of production design for film and/or tv productions 
• In addition to or instead of the previous criteria, sufficient experience in professional or student film or tv productions
• Spatial understanding
• Artistic vision
• Visual storytelling abilities

In addition to these, in the second stage the evaluation criteria also includes

• communication skills
• motivation
• presentation skills
• listening and argumentation skills

First stage and required application documents

In the first stage of the evaluation the selection committee evaluates the applications based on the 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.

Portfolio

The portfolio (single PDF file) is a showcase for the applicant’s artistic production. The portfolio should be a well-rounded and comprehensive display of your previous professional and/or artistic activity. You may present your work as drafts, technical drawings and/or photos.

The works in the portfolio must be in the form of a list containing the work titles and/or themes, the production methods and materials as well as the size, format, year, and purpose of the productions and any working group members. The list must also specify when and where the works have been exhibited, performed or published.

CV

Include with the application materials a CV containing your personal details, educational background, work experience and any exhibitions, publications, articles, awards, grants, study trips or positions of trust.

Motivation letter

Write a letter of motivation of at most 4000 characters (approx. one A4 sheet) explaining your reasons for applying to this area of specialisation and telling of your particular interest(s) in the field as well as your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your strengths and interests, creative goals and other points relating to your work.

The motivation letter should contain a section in which you briefly describe what kind of work you anticipate doing in future.

Language of application documents

The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.

Second stage

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.

The students selected to the second stage are invited to an interview. During the interview the applicant's cv and portfolio will be reviewed and possibly their previous work experience is discussed. The applicant may be asked to bring some additional samples of their previous work.