Study options

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.
Image of a film set which resembles a café.

Degree:

Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Application period:

30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 2024

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) Read more

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).

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

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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.

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

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