Master's Programme in Interior Architecture

Study objectives

Content outcomes

Students learn to manage design processes, learn about the regulations in construction, material knowledge, skills in 3D composition, and understand the spatiality of people and products. They deepen the skills learned in Bachelor's studies and broaden their knowledge in spatial design and furniture design. Students gain knowledge on different design approaches and methods, and learn to practice interior architecture in the broader operational environment of building and construction, product development, business and culture. Examples of themes in the studies include:

• The human experience, body and senses as basis of interior architecture.
• Experimental, critical and artistic design practice engaging with the society and instigating change.
• Human-centred, collaborative and conceptual design in interior architecture.
• Strategies for adaptive reuse, sustainability and flexibility in interior architecture.

Skill outcomes

Students learn to interpret and transform living environment and culture through their insight and professional skills. They develop an artistic and designerly insight, learn to master their creative design process, and deepen their expertise in materials, knowledge of design tradition, and cultural discussion.

The programme trains students in personal design expression, gives them ability to master design processes, and to understand the discipline’s tradition and presence as a base for curiosity and experimentation. Students develop their practical skills in spatial and furniture design further. They are also trained to develop technical, aesthetic and research skills to support the design process. They become competent in exploring technologies and visualising, creating and demonstrating innovative concepts and experiences using the latest technology. They become professionals versed in multidisciplinary teamwork.

Academic skills

The programme enhances students’ presentation skills in writing and visualisation. The students learn skills in problem-setting and problem-solving relevant to interior architecture. They also learn to gather and analyse information and apply it to design and research. They learn key concepts, theories and research approaches in interior architecture and familiarise with current research in the field.

The language of instruction is English.

Education content

The programme is based on an exploratory approach to design-based problem setting, elaboration and solving. It emphasises the skill to manage the entire design process from the beginning to the final outcome. An essential part of the education is project-based hands-on learning. In the projects, the students are encouraged to utilise artistic and experimental approaches and find their personal expression and voice as a designer. This is supported by more analytical, research-driven methods and tools.

The key content in master's programme education is to develop and deepen the skills obtained during the bachelor's phase. Studio-based courses in spatial design and furniture design form the core of education. Other topics include history, theory and methodology of interior architecture and teaching of practical design skills and tools. The student can choose selective courses and a minor according to her interests and professional profile. In the final year, the student completes a master’s thesis on chosen topic.

For further details on the education content, see the study guide for the 2020-2022 academic years

Career opportunities

Career opportunities vary from entrepreneurship to expert tasks in private and public organisations. Graduates work as interior architects in design and architect studios, as independent entrepreneurs, and as in-house designers in industry. They also work as designers, managers, researchers and teachers, and engage in artistic practice. The programme prepares its graduates also for doctoral studies.

Interior architects may focus on various areas, such as workspaces, retail spaces or care environments. Their tasks typically include spatial, surface, interior and lighting design in interior renovations and alterations. They also work on exhibition design and the design of other temporary structures, concept design, branding and corporate identity design, and design of furniture, lighting fixtures and other interior design components. Strategic, conceptual and managerial designer roles are increasingly common.

Internationalisation

Students are encouraged to apply for international exchange studies or internships. They are also encouraged to participate in international competitions, exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs. The department has international research and teaching projects with different universities.

Programme-specific Admission Procedure and Evaluation Criteria

Study-option-specific 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 the Master’s Programme in Interior Architecture will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

Phase I

Phase II

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

• Academic performance
• Artistic and/or design practice
• Relevance of previous studies
• Suitability/Motivation letter
• Other areas of competence

Phase II

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

• Suitability/Interview

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:

Attach each of the following application documents to the electronic application form in PDF format.

Portfolio

In the portfolio, applicants display work that shows their artistic expression and design skills. The portfolio must contain diverse samples of the applicant’s previous artistic, professional and/or scientific activity.

The work contained in the portfolio must be catalogued, listing at least the title and/or theme, materials used, size, purpose and year of completion of each piece. The catalogue must also detail where and when the work has been exhibited, displayed or published and whether the work is based on individual or group work. 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 program applied for must be indicated clearly on the portfolio.

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.

CV

The application must include the applicant’s CV with personal data, educational background, work experience, exhibitions, publications and articles, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust. No links. 

Motivation letter

The applicant must convey his/her motivation for applying for Interior Architecture programme by writing a motivation letter. The applicant can describe his/her strengths and interests, visions in art and design, as well as design, and creative goals. Motivation letter is maximum 4000 characters.

Language of application documents

All the application documents must be submitted in English.