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Production Design - Film and Television, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
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.
Degree:
Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Application period:
1 Dec 2022 – 2 Jan 2023
Language of instruction:
Finnish
English
Swedish
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, €15000/y (Master’s studies)
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Applying to master’s programmes
Description
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 major 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
Language of instruction
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 and scholarships
Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.
Structure of studies
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.
For further details on the education content, see the study guide for the academic years 2022-2024.
Master's Programme in Film and Television
Specialisations
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. PSP is also a useful tool for students to keep track of their studies. At best, it shows where students are with their studies and sets concrete milestones for them to follow.
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.
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
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 their degree according to personal orientation or deepen their competence in a desired area.
Graduates of the programme are able to work in many positions in the Art Department (Film, TV-series etc): e.g: production designer, art director, property master, as well as in several different assistant-level position.
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: https://www.aalto.fi/fi/elokuvataiteen-ja-lavastustaiteen-laitos-elo
Co-operation with other parties
The Department cooperates actively with different parties in the field of film and television. Students have the possibility to take courses from other Aalto schools. We also collaborate with other universities (for example UniArts).
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Study-option-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria 2024
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 - Production design will be evaluated based on the following criteria
Phase I
| Artistic and/or design practice | |
| What is evaluated | Demonstrations of artistic and/or design work or assignments. |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
To be able to study in our program in Production Design the applicant should have a basic understanding of the role and responsibilities of working as a Production Designer on the professional field. Previous experience on professional field of filmmaking, long features, short features, TV-drama or previous education to able to understand role and responsibilities working as a Production Designer. For our majors Master´s program we are looking for students who have the basic know how of the technical work, group work, artistic planning and technical management related to the production designer’s profession- and of all of these in the different stages of the filmmaking process. Yet, it is possible to start in our MA-program even without actual previous BA-studies in any film school. But in that case, we are looking for a clear presentation of professional career, portfolio with working examples that needs to fulfill also artistic expectations. Portfolio is required from all applicants to evaluate applicant’s experience and artistic insight to the Production designer’s studies or work. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Portfolio |
| Relevance of previous studies | |
| What is evaluated | Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
A bachelor’s degree completed in the field or equivalent knowledge and skills is a requirement for admission. To be able to study in our program in Production Design the applicant should have a basic understanding of a role and responsibilities of working as a Production Designer on the professional field. The applicant should have a basic understanding of different phases of pre-production, filming and post-production. Chosen students should have at least basic education or experience of all of those fields, since in MA-level we focus to deepen the skills that the students have learned during their BA-studies or refine and enhance skills they have acquired in their previous professional career. Previous experience on professional field of filmmaking, long features, short features, TV-drama etc. To be able to understand role and responsibilities working as a Production Designer, which means knowledge or understanding different phases of pre-production, filming and post-production Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account if applicant demonstrates a knowledge of the entity of film making and/or it´s practical processes in production design. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Suitability | |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
|
What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
A letter of motivation 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. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter |
| Other areas of competence | |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other required knowledge/achievements |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | CV that explains applicant's accurate status in presented works. To evaluate the role and experience in the field or during previous studies. |
| Method of demonstrating competence |
CV The study option does not consider recommendation letters. |
Phase II
| Suitability | |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | During the interview phase we are checking the general understanding of the group work, film making processes and ability to analyse visual arts in general. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Interview |
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 two phases:
Phase I
In Phase I, the applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria
- Artistic and/or design practice
- Relevance of previous studies
- Suitability/Motivation letter
- Other areas of competence
Only the applicants who are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to phase II in the selection process.
Phase II
In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria:
- Suitability/Interview
During the interview phase we are checking the general understanding of the group work, filmmaking process and ability to analyse visual arts in general.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
The documents requested 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 to this study-option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
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 digital portfolio should be uploaded to the application system as a single PDF file before sending the application. The portfolio may consist in part of links to password protected or open video files (on Vimeo, YouTube, etc.). If protected, the password must be included in the portfolio. 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.
Maximum size of the file is 1.0 GB. Name the file Portfolio-lastname-firstname.pdf.
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.
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.
Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account.
The study option does not consider recommendation letters.
Language of application documents
Finnish (Swedish) or English.
Contact information
Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Application documents required for the study option and questions concerning studying may be sent to the Learning Services staff of Aalto ARTS.
Admissions Services
Questions concerning the required application documents, the application process and the required English proficiency level may be sent to Aalto’s Admission Services.
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