Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria
What we look for in an applicant
We expect the applicants to have a prior degree in an applicable field, for example in landscape architecture, a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Design and Construction or in the field of natural sciences. Applicants should have landscape architectural design skills, visualisation skills, artistic creativity and the motivation and commitment to study landscape architecture.
Evaluation criteria
The criteria we use to evaluate the applications (in the first stage) are
- Applicable prior degree (to Landscape Architecture)
- The quality of the application as a whole, especially the quality of the portfolio
- The amount of applicable studies and previous academic performance
- The motivation and commitment of the applicant on the basis of a motivation letter
In addition to these, in the second stage the evaluation criteria also includes
- Aptitude based on the interview
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.
Portfolio including the CV and motivation letter is to be submitted by postal mail.
Portfolio
A portfolio composed of the applicant's own work samples (exercises, possible other work, etc.) must be enclosed in the application with integrated CV and motivation letter. The portfolio must illustrate the applicant's design skills and artistic nature in a broad-based and versatile manner. The main focus of the evaluation is placed on design sketches and other image material.
CV
The application should include a CV which states the applicant's personal data, information on their education, work experience and other professional/artistic activities and achievements (exhibitions, publications, prizes and grants, study visits and positions of trust, etc.). CV is integrated to the portfolio.
Motivation letter
In the motivation letter (max. 4,000 characters), the applicant must explain why he/she is applying to study landscape architecture, what are his/her particular areas of interests, and objectives and hopes regarding the studies in the Master’s programme in Urban Studies and Planning at Aalto University. Applicants must specify their visions of landscape architecture and explain how the visions can be seen in the portfolio’s work samples. Motivation letter is integrated to the portfolio.
Language of application documents
The application documents must be submitted in English.
Second stage
On the basis of the application documents, some of the applicants will be selected to an interview. Applicants can take part in the interview either in person or via skype. The invitation to the second stage is sent to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance.
Complementary studies
The student may be required to take complementary studies (max. 20 ECTS). These studies will be determined individually at the latest in the beginning of the studies while making the personal study plan.