Contemporary Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
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Description
What alternative materials can support a transition away from fossil-based forms of production? How can craft traditions inform contemporary design? What kind of products do we need and what is our role as designers in these changing times?
The Contemporary Design major educates sensitive and visionary students who have the skills to propose radical solutions and responsible innovations for the future. The teaching supports process-led inquiry and studio practice, while integrating research and writing into the course structure. We believe that the most creative solutions arise from an in-depth immersion in the chosen topic and a freedom of expression in processes and outcomes. The outcomes may range from concepts to material innovations, functional objects, and future scenarios.
Contemporary Design is one of the three majors of the Master’s Programme in Design, others being Fashion and Textile Design and Collaborative and Industrial Design. In addition, the Master’s Programme in Design collaborates closely with the Master’s Programmes in Creative Sustainability and International Design Business Management. All are two-year programmes, whereby students graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Design.
Aalto University is globally ranked in the top ten in the field of art and design by QS World University Ranking. The world-class teaching and facilities ensure that, upon graduating from the study option, graduates are able to:
Please see the intended learning outcomes of the study option at the Programme page.
Language of instruction
In the Contemporary Design major, the language of instruction is English.
Tuition fees and scholarships
The tuition fee for this programme is 20 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.
Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.
Structure of studies
The Master’s Programme in Design – Contemporary Design major comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. Main compulsory studies are selected from the major’s study offering. Students participate in joint studies of the Department and produce a master’s thesis (30 ECTS). In addition, students choose elective studies according to their Personal Study Plan.
The first study year introduces students to contemporary design cultures and reflective practices, considering their societal and environmental impact. Students explore varied materials, including biomaterials and, as their studies evolve, they develop their individual competencies with material-specific design, such as ceramics, glass, biodesign or wood.
During the second year, students complete their master’s thesis in their area of their specialisation. A thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic, or applied research, a design investigation, an art project or a combination of these. Theses always include a written component.
For further information about studies see Student guide under Curriculum
Specialisations
The Contemporary Design major has a small annual intake of students, assuring that each student receives individual guidance and attention. The academic advisors assist in defining the scope and content of alternative and elective studies, including a possible minor or internship.
The curriculum, supported by Aalto's other schools, allows students to focus on their area of interest. For example, the students can include CHEMARTS courses in their studies.
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Internationalisation
Upon joining Aalto University, students are joining an international community of competent, creative, and responsible individuals. 15 % of the students and 40 % of the faculty in the University come from across the world, bridging students with the global design network. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has strong connections to other leading design schools and universities across the globe. Students are encouraged to apply for internships and exchange studies as well as gain experience by taking part in international competitions, exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs to further enrich their personal learning path. In addition, the Contemporary Design major provides the opportunity to build design and research relationships with external partners.
Further study opportunities
Contemporary Design graduates are eligible to apply for doctoral studies at Aalto University or at another university in Finland or abroad.
Career opportunities
Master’s studies in CoDe prepare graduates to pursue careers as creative entrepreneurs creating new practices and/or contributing to collectives, start-ups or academic research. Graduates are prepared to work in teams and projects in collaboration with companies, organisations and the public sector. They may also continue to develop their design expertise and research skills through doctoral studies.
Research focus
Design research at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture is at the international forefront of sustainable design, practice-based design research, human-centered design, and co-design. Our research environment and culture enable goal-oriented research, imaginative experiments, critical discussion, and transdisciplinary collaboration.
Contemporary Design studies are closely linked to ongoing research. Prominent themes include design’s social and environmental responsibility, and the conceptual and expressive possibilities of varied materials such as geopolymers, bio-materials, seaweed and soil.
Co-operation with other parties
Multidisciplinary collaboration between the six Aalto University schools is extensive. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture has a long tradition of successfully collaborating with external partners on projects and courses and nurturing close relationships with several external stakeholders. Companies, research institutes, for-profit, not-for-profit, and public organizations frequently reach out ÄűĂʵĽş˝ University as one of the leading design schools in Europe to work with students on real-world societal problems and business opportunities.
Study-option-specific Evaluation Criteria in Master's Admissions 2026
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 Design - Contemporary 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 |
Skills in relevant area of design; Quality of the creative work including conceptual strength, visualization and communication of the concepts; Courage to explore relevant topics and engagement with materiality. |
| 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 | Completion of adequate undergraduate courses and degree |
| 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 |
Appropriate mindset for the studies: willingness to collaborate and take risks when exploring new procedures, techniques and materialities for the future; Ability, fluency and clarity in written English. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter |
| Other areas of competence | |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Basic skills in some design field; Working experience; Art, craft and design related activities |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Curriculum vitae |
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 | Passion to both deepen and broaden the already existing knowledge; Willingness to engage in critical thinking and to find one’s own path to contribute to the field of design; Interest in the social and ecological context of design; Ability to communicate fluently in spoken English. |
| 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 of 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
- Other areas of competence
- Suitability/Motivation letter
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
- Suitability/Interview
Part of the applicants are invited to the second phase. The invitation to the second phase is sent to the applicants at latest 7 days in advance.
The second phase consist of an interview, which will 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.
The documents required from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website: /en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes. In addition, applicants to this study-option are required to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
- Portfolio
- Motivation letter
- CV
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 portfolio can include illustrations, drawings, photographs and technical drawings. The works that are displayed 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 programme applied for must be indicated clearly in the portfolio.
The portfolio should be uploaded as a single PDF-file. Maximum size for the portfolio is 30 MB and it can include maximum of 14 pages, larger ones will not be evaluated, even if the system allows uploading larger ones. Name the file as: Portfolio-surname-firstname.pdf. 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. The portfolios may be examined on a laptop display of ca. 14”. It is highly advisable to use e.g., 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio.
Motivation letter
In the motivation letter the applicant should explain the reasons for applying to Contemporary Design. The letter should also indicate what are the main and particular areas of interests in the field as well as goals and expectations for the studies to be completed in the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The applicant can describe his/her strengths and interests, as well as vision of art and design, aspects related to work and creative goals.
The maximum length of the motivation letter is 2000 characters, including spaces.
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.
Language of application documents
The documents must be submitted in English.
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Contact information
Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.
arts-admissions@aalto.fi
Admissions Services
For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.
admissions@aalto.fi