Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria
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 Collaborative and Industrial Design (CoID) will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Phase I
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Academic performance
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Assessed area
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Grades of the previous degree(s) [+ e.g pace of studies]
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Admission requirements
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Applicant shows a progress in studies, and solid academic performance. There may be some weaker areas, especially if there are relevant strong areas visible in the records.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
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Artistic and/or design practice
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Assessed area
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Demonstrations of artistic and/or design work or assignments
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Admission requirements
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High quality of selected works in the portfolio, both substance (strength of presented concept or solution) and presentation. Relevance of them for the programme objectives. Ability to raise interest by presenting some works concisely, but informatively.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Portfolio
assessed together with CV and Motivation letter
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Relevance of previous studies
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Assessed area
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Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements
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Admission requirements
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Undergraduate degree in a relevant field
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s)
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Recognition and quality of institution
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Assessed area
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Recognition and quality of the applicant's previous institution
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Admission requirements
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Reputation of the institution, both national and international.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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International and national rankings of higher education institutions. Diploma of degree.
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Suitability
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Assessed area
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Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills
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Admission requirements
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Well-articulated motivation and reasoning for applying to the programme, including a link to the earlier experiences (studies, work, other). Well-articulated, sensible, and impactful description about the plans going forward after the studies.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Motivation Letter
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Other areas of competence
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Assessed area
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Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions
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Admission requirements
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Clearly articulated description of relevant experience in fields relevant to design, and as a productive member of society.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Curriculum vitae, letter of references, proof of employment, publications
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Phase II
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Suitability
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Assessed area
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Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills
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Admission requirements
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Well-articulated motivation and reasoning for applying to the programme, including a link to the earlier experiences (studies, work, other). Well-articulated, sensible, and impactful description about the plans going forward after the studies.
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Method of demonstrating competence
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Interview
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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.
Phase I
In Phase I, the applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Admission requirements as stated in the evaluation topic-specific tables above (following topics):
- Academic performance
- Relevance of previous studies
- Recognition and quality of institution
- Artistic and/or design practice
- Suitability/Motivation letter
- Other areas of competence
Only the applicants who fulfill the requirements/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
- Admission requirements as stated in the evaluation topic-specific tables above in this document (following topics):
- Suitability/Interview with:
- Other evaluation topics (above) as they form a coherent picture of the applicant
Part of the applicants are invited to Phase Ii. The invitation to Phase II will be send to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance. Phase II consist of a face-to-face interview, which can be conducted online.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
Study-option-specific documents requested
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:
- Curriculum vitae (see below)
- Motivation Letter (see below). The lack of this application document will adversely affect the evaluation of your application
- Document listing sources for evidence of the quality and recognition of the academic home institution.
Portfolio
In the portfolio, applicants display work that shows their designerly insights and skills. The portfolio must contain diverse samples of the applicant’s previous scientific, professional and/or design projects.
Designwork can be provided as technical drawings, computer renderings, sketches, illustrations, storyboards or photographs. Include six (6) work samples in the portfolio. The work contained in the portfolio must be catalogued, listing at least the title and/or theme, purpose and year of completion of each piece. The catalogue must also detail where and when the work has been completed, exhibited, displayed or published. Each work should be accompanied by a brief explanation. The contribution of the applicant in the work should be stated in case the work has been completed in a group. The applicant’s name, address and phone number and the degree programme applied for must be indicated clearly on the portfolio.
The portfolio should be uploaded as a single PDF-file. Maximum size for the portfolio is 1.0 GB. Name the file as: Portfolio-surname-firstname.pdf. If your portfolio contains password protected video links, include the password(s) in your portfolio. If a portfolio is not uploaded to the online application form by the deadline, the application will be rejected.
The intake committee will only evaluate the material displayed in the PDF-file. Links to external material (e.g. website) or video material will not be considered during the intake process.
CV
Applications must include the applicant’s CV indicating personal data, educational background, work experience, exhibitions, publications and articles, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust.
Motivation letter
Write a motivation letter explaining your reasons for applying for this programme and your particular interest(s) in the field as well as your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your strengths and interests, vision of art and design, aspects related to the work and creative goals.
The letter of motivation must clearly answer the following questions:
- What is your biggest achievement/success in the field of design?
- Why are you applying for Aalto University?
- What do you want to learn by studying at the Collaborative and Industrial Design programme?
- What is the role of the master’s programme for your professional development?
- What would you like to do after completing the master’s programme?
Max. 4000 characters
Language of application documents
All the application documents should be submitted in English.
