Study options

Film Directing, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

For applicants

Master’s program in Film and Television, major in Film Directing in Elo Film school Finland (ELO) concentrates on scripted fiction formats in audiovisual production. The studies strengthen the student’s capacity to generate and develop cinematic ideas, story building and narration skills in addition to developing the director’s personal cinematic style and directorial identity.

Degree:

Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Application period:

28 Nov 2024 – 27 Dec 2024

Language of instruction:

English

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, €20000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

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HOW TO APPLY

Description

Master’s studies in Film Directing deepen the student’s visual and dramaturgical abilities, provides competence in production and directing actors as well as enforces the student’s ability to lead a creative process in collaboration with other artistic leads. The goal of the education is to provide the necessary skills to direct a feature-length film and a fiction TV -series.

In addition to the teamwork skills essential to the job description, studies emphasize the importance of personal time management and stress tolerance.

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

Language of instruction

The teaching language in the major Film Directing 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

During the MA courses, the student challenges their artistic thinking, studies the conventions and new forms of film and TV drama, studies dramaturgical structures and examines the starting points of their personal artistic work in more detail. The studies enforce the director’s role and defines the responsibilities during the whole production.

The student learns to understand the importance of resourcing when planning and realizing a film and becomes familiar with the professional field of film and television in Finland (production companies, financing, and distribution).

The studies consist of four elements (30 ETC each)

Joint compulsory content for all majors in film, which develops the student’s skills in research and working life. It includes courses in entrepreneurial and working life skills, analytical and research skills.
Advanced studies only for majors in Film Directing, which combine theory, individual research, and practical workshops. Some courses concentrate on working with actors for better understanding the different acting and directing methods. Some concentrate in writing own material for finding one’s own voice as a director and some courses are laboratories built around a central theme and realized in collaboration with one or more majors within ELO. The courses jointly organized by Theater Academy are also part of the major’s advanced studies.
Elective studies, which can be composed of studies within ELO, all of Aalto or any Finnish University.
Written Master’s Thesis where the student does research on learnt elements in artistic practices on theoretical bases. An artistic production can be a part of the thesis, but it is not obligatory for the degree. ELO does not fund a graduation film for each master student.

The student can choose to concentrate either in feature film or tv-drama. Thus, the student should choose courses from other majors (screenwriting and/or production for example). The student can also do a voluntary and self-imposed internship in the field, either in film, television, or other professional audiovisual production.

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

Courses and curriculum

Specialisations

Film Directing 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. According to the personal study plan (HOPS / PSP) advised by the professor, the student can additionally deepen their competence in other fields of film such as screenwriting, production, cinematography, production design or sound.

Internationalisation

The student can take part in international studies offered by the department such as short exchange period abroad or do a voluntary, self-imposed international internship. Also subject to application, the student can participate in the department’s international projects and programs, if it suits the student’s study plan. As part of their studies, the student can also participate to international film festivals with their ELO funded short film, if it has been selected to competetion.

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 student who graduates from master’s studies in Film directing can direct a fiction feature-length film and scripted TV-series. Film directors work mostly as freelancers in film and TV production companies in Finland, directing films or scripted TV, or radio plays for YLE (National Broadcasting Company). They mostly work as individual freelance artists, but can direct commercial films, video productions and non-fiction productions, or work as instructors in the field at universities of applied science and media institutions.

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 here.

Co-operation with other parties

The Department cooperates actively with major stakeholders in the field of film and television in Finland. The studies include meetings with domestic professionals in the field (commissioners, producers, TV companies). The students participate in the activities of SELO ry, the Association of Finnish Film Directors and the Major also collaborates actively with other universities, such as Theater Academy (UniArts).

HOW TO APPLY

Evaluation criteria 2027

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 - Film Directing will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

Phase I

What is evaluated	Demonstrations of artistic work in audiovisual and written formats.
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements	Strong artistic quality and unique audiovisual works. Bold vision and dramatic storytelling skills. The ability to observe the world, represent characters and interpret them in scripted format. Experience in directing actors and in the processes of fiction film and scripted TV.
Method of demonstrating competence	Portfolio

Phase II

What is evaluated	Demonstrations of artistic work
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements	Visionary and dramatic storytelling skills, strong visual potential and a sense of rhythm. The ability to direct actors/performers and to create emotional impact. Capacity to observe and interpret the surrounding world in a cinematic form. Skills in written expression, to produce and analyse fictional text.
Method of demonstrating competence	Assignment for second phase

Phase I

What is evaluated	Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, their motivation and ability to enrich the field. High quality in written communication and analytical thinking.
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements	Bold visual and dramatic thinking, ability to use one’s personal experiences and insights in artistic processes. Motivation and willingness to study and to complete studies in target time. The need for and commitment to studies as a director and/or researcher.
Method of demonstrating competence	Motivation letter

Phase II

What is evaluated	Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, communication skills, academic learning skills, motivation, and commitment for studies. The need for studies as a director and/or researcher (academic background). The ability to analyze and reflect the assignment required for the second phase.
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements	Verbal expression of one’s artistic ambitions and dramaturgical thinking. Group work skills, the ability to accept feedback and work under pressure, group leadership skills. Knowledge of film history, the Finnish and international field of film and scripted television, theatre and literature are considered an advantage.
Method of demonstrating competence	Interview

What is evaluated	Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements	Degree related to film, theatre or (audio)visual arts is beneficial.
Method of demonstrating competence	Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)

What is evaluated

Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. directed films, experience in directing actors, publications, non-formal education, competitions.

What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements

Experience as a director: the ability to direct actors and tell stories using audiovisual means. Broader experience in the film and television sector, its funding mechanisms in particular.

Method of demonstrating competence

Curriculum Vitae

The committee does not assess or consider letters of recommendations.

We expect our Master's students in Film Directing to have originality, bold visual and dramatic storytelling skills, readiness for analytical thinking and openness to learning. Knowledge of film history, Finnish and international film and television field as well as theatre and literature are considered an advantage. The applicant is expected to have directed actors or performers and directed at least one film (short or feature) and/or episodes in scripted television series. We also expect the applicant to be familiar with the field of film and television and especially its financing mechanisms.

The selection group will take into account those who don’t have a BA degree, but sufficient amount of experience in the field of film as well as those who have a degree in other fields than film and audiovisual arts.

Evaluation criteria

Bold visual and dramatic thinking, ability to utilize their own personal experiences and insights in the artistic process, need for studies and willingness to study full time.

The overall assessment also emphasizes possible research interests, written expression skills and the suitability to be a director.

In the second stage, the evaluation criteria consist of communication and social skills, ability for empathy and variety of point of views, stress tolerance and ability to receive feedback.

The talented students who are selected for the major in Film Directing want to develop their directing skills and deepen their understanding in film and scripted TV as an artform as well as learn about the history and theory of the various genres of fiction film and the narrative audiovisual field in general.

Evaluation process

The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the 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 selection process for applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises of two phases:

In Phase I, the applications are evaluated based on the following criteria

Artistic practice/Portfolio
Suitability/Motivation letter
Relevance of previous studies
Other areas of competence

Bold visual and dramatic thinking and the ability to use one’s personal experiences and insights in an artistic process are emphasized alongside the applicant’s motivation and willingness to study. The overall assessment also takes account of the applicant’s possible research interests, written expression skills and suitability to be a director.

Only the applicants who fulfill the requirements/are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to phase II in the selection process.

In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria

Suitability/Interview
Artistic practice / Assignment

In Phase II, the evaluation criteria consist of assessing artistic vision, communication and social skills, the ability to tolerate stress and the ability to finish studies in target time. The ability to empathize and to come up with new ideas, as well as the ability to receive feedback are also assessed.

The invitation to Phase II will be send to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance. Selected applicants will need to accomplish an assignment to be returned by a given date before the phase II interview. This assignment consists of 2 parts: a written and an audiovisual part which are both evaluated and discussed in the interview.

After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.

Documents required by the study option

This study option (master’s programme) requires two sets of documents from their applicants:

Obligatory application documents detailed on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage
Documents required by the study option listed below

The applicant is required to have directed fiction films. The portfolio should include a link to at least one, maximum two films directed and selected to the portfolio by the applicant. Length of selected film(s) should not exceed 20 min in total. The entire film(s) or excerpts from them should be selected to best show the applicant’s abilities and skills as a director. A showreel does not count for a film. A video recording excerpt of a theatrical play can be considered as one of the films.

Upload your digital portfolio as a single PDF file to the application form. Include in the portfolio links to the video(s) and ensure that the video file(s) open and play in common Mac or PC programs. The samples must be as links on Vimeo. Maximum size for the portfolio is 1.0 GB. Name the file as portfolio-surname-firstname.

In addition, include a description of each film (why you have selected it, a synopsis and a description of the artistic intentions of the work). The maximum total length of the descriptions is two (2) A4 sheets.

If your portfolio contains password protected video links, include the password(s) in your portfolio. If a portfolio is not uploaded to the application form by the deadline, the application will be rejected.

Document language: English

The application must include a CV with your personal details, education, work experience, completed films (with your professional roles specified), festivals and other artistic work, awards, grants, workshops, positions of trust and other background information relevant to the application. Please upload your CV as one single PDF file into the application form before the deadline.

The committee does not assess or consider letters of recommendations.

Document language: English

In the motivation letter, describe why you are applying to the major in Aalto University and specify what are your special interests including areas of research in the specific educational field. Also, you should specify the strengths of your directorial skills, areas of interest and your views and artistic visions as a film director. Additionally, you should explain and justify how film directing studies in ELO Film School Finland could support your intentions mentioned above. As part of your artistic orientation, you should also describe your potential (national and/or international) career plans after the graduation.

The maximum length of the motivation letter is 4000 characters. Submit the motivation letter to the application form by the deadline.

Document language: English

Checklist of all application documents

Obligatory application documents required from all applicants:

Bachelor’s degree certificate
Transcript of records
Authorised translations (if applicable)
Degree certificate and transcript of records of another higher education degree (if applicable)
Copy of a valid passport or an official identification card (does not apply to Finnish citizens)
Proof of language proficiency
Copy of your fee-exempting residence permit card in Finland (if applicable)

Documents required by this study option:

Portfolio
Motivation letter
CV

Remember to check the detailed instructions for the obligatory application documents, including the language requirements, on the Apply to master’s programmes webpage.

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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

Updated: 27.8.2026
Published: 9.9.2018

Film Directing, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Degree:

Application period:

Language of instruction:

Duration:

Eligibility:

Field of study:

Credits:

Organising school:

Tuition fees:

Checklist of all application documents

A new boom in Finnish cinema (external link)

A deep dive into radical creativity

Film Directing, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Degree:

Application period:

Language of instruction:

Duration:

Eligibility:

Field of study:

Credits:

Organising school:

Tuition fees:

Table of contents

Description

Language of instruction

Tuition fees and scholarships

Structure of studies

Specialisations

Internationalisation

Further study opportunities

Career opportunities

Research focus

Co-operation with other parties

Evaluation criteria 2027

Artistic and/or design practice

Suitability

Relevance of previous studies

Other areas of competence

What we look for in an applicant?

Evaluation process

Phase I

Phase II

Documents required by the study option

Portfolio

Curriculum Vitae

Motivation letter

Checklist of all application documents

Read more about filmmaking

A new boom in Finnish cinema (external link)

A deep dive into radical creativity

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