Program structure

The Bachelor’s Programme in Design and Media at Aalto University is a comprehensive three-year program totaling 180 ECTS credits. It is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in design and media, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Program Structure:

1. Major Studies (111 ECTS):

   • Core courses covering various facets of design, including graphic design, industrial design, and digital design.
   • Emphasis on developing creative and technical skills through hands-on projects and collaborative work.
   • Courses such as "Introductory Design Project," "Digital Service Design Project," and "Design Futures" are included.

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2. Common General Studies (26 ECTS):

   • Courses designed to provide a broad educational foundation.
   • Includes studies in languages, communication, and other essential academic skills.

3. Minor Studies (Minimum 18 ECTS):

   • Opportunity to specialize in a secondary field of interest.
   • Students can choose from a variety of minors offered within the university.

4. Elective Studies (Maximum 25 ECTS):

   • Flexibility to select courses that align with personal interests and career goals.
   • Options to explore interdisciplinary subjects or deepen knowledge in specific areas.

Yearly Breakdown:

• Years 1 and 2:

  • Structured curriculum focusing on foundational courses in design and media.
  • Fast-paced learning environment to build essential skills and knowledge.

• Year 3:

  • Students have the opportunity to profile themselves by selecting minor and elective studies.
  • Completion of a bachelor's thesis, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic.

The program emphasizes a holistic and thematic approach to design, encouraging students to analyze and address societal challenges through innovative solutions. The curriculum integrates theory, skill development, and practice, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

For detailed information on specific courses and curriculum updates, please refer to the Student Guide.

Fees and Funding

Aalto University offers bachelor's programs with tuition fees applicable to non-EU/EEA citizens. Here's an overview of the fees and available funding options:

Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor's Programs: €12,000 per academic year.

Scholarship Opportunities:

Aalto University provides several scholarships to support students financially:

1. Aalto University Scholarship Program:

   • Scope: Offered as tuition fee waivers covering either 50% or 100% of the tuition fee.
   • Eligibility: Merit-based and granted on a competitive basis to the highest-achieving applicants.
   • Application: Applicants can apply for this scholarship when applying for their preferred study options.

2. Finland Scholarship for Master's Students:

   • Scope: Includes a full (100%) tuition fee waiver for the first year and a €5,000 grant for relocation and other costs.
   • Eligibility: Available to the most talented non-EU/EEA applicants.
   • Application: Applicants can apply for this scholarship during the application process for master's programs.

3. Incentive-Based Scholarships:

   • Scope: Financial rewards for students demonstrating excellent academic progress during their studies.
   • Eligibility: Based on the number of credits completed within a specific timeframe.
   • Application: Details are provided to students upon enrollment.

Additional Financial Considerations:

• Living Expenses: Students should budget approximately €800 per month to cover living costs in Finland, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

• Student Union Fee: A compulsory fee of €65 per academic year, which provides access to various student services and benefits.

• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance is mandatory for all students, covering medical expenses during their stay in Finland.

For detailed and up-to-date information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial requirements, please visit Aalto University's official Scholarships and Tuition Fees page.

Scholarship Guidance

Aalto University offers scholarships to support non-EU/EEA students enrolled in its bachelor's programs, including the Design and Media program. Here's an overview of the available scholarships:

Aalto University Scholarship Programme:

• Scope: Provides tuition fee waivers covering either 50% or 100% of the tuition fee.
• Eligibility: Open to non-EU/EEA students liable to pay tuition fees. Scholarships are merit-based and awarded on a competitive basis.
• Application Process: Applicants can apply for the scholarship simultaneously when applying for their preferred study options by indicating their interest in the scholarship on the application form.
• Duration: Scholarships are granted for the standard duration of the degree program, which is three years for bachelor's degrees, provided that the student’s studies progress according to the approved personal study plan.

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Finland Scholarship for Master's Students:

• Scope: Includes a full (100%) tuition fee waiver for the first year and a €5,000 grant for relocation and other costs.
• Eligibility: Available to the most talented non-EU/EEA applicants.
• Application: Applicants can apply for this scholarship during the application process for master's programs.

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Incentive-Based Scholarships:

• Scope: Financial rewards for students demonstrating excellent academic progress during their studies.
• Eligibility: Based on the number of credits completed within a specific timeframe.
• Application: Details are provided to students upon enrollment.

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Additional Financial Considerations:

• Living Expenses: Students should budget approximately €800 per month to cover living costs in Finland, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

• Student Union Fee: A compulsory fee of €65 per academic year, which provides access to various student services and benefits.

• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance is maents, covering medical expenses during their stay in Finland.

For detailed and up-to-date information on tuition and financial requirements, please visit Aalto University's official Scholarships and Tuition Fees page.

Admission Requirements

The Bachelor’s Programme in Design and Media at Aalto University is a competitive program that combines both bachelor's and master's degrees in art and design. Admission is based on a multi-stage evaluation process designed to assess applicants' creative abilities, motivation, and suitability for the program.

Application Period:

• Dates: 8 January 2025 to 23 January 2025.
• Studies Commence: August–September 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Educational Background: Applicants must have completed or be in the final year of completing an upper secondary education that qualifies them for university-level studies in their home country.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency is required. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
  • IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with no section below 5.5.
  • TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with a minimum of 22 in the writing section.
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 62, with no section below 54.
  • C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) or C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): Grade C or higher.

Admission Process:

1. Preliminary Assignments:

   • Applicants submit assignments demonstrating their design skills and creativity.
   • These assignments are evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
   • Only those who pass proceed to the next stage.

2. Intake Assignments:

   • Selected candidates complete additional tasks to further assess their competencies.
   • Details and deadlines for these assignments are provided to successful applicants from the preliminary stage.

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3. Interview:

   • Final candidates participate in an interview to discuss their motivation and suitability for the program.
   • The interview may include a separate intake assignment.

Required Documents:

• Educational Certificates: Official transcripts and diplomas.
• Proof of Language Proficiency: Valid test scores as specified above.
• Passport or Official ID: A copy of a valid passport or national ID card.
• Preliminary Assignments: As per the program's requirements.

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Important Dates:

• 18 December 2024: Preliminary assignments are published.
• 30 January 2025 at 3 pm (UTC+2): Deadline to submit preliminary assignments, academic documents, language test results, and identification documents.
• 19 March 2025 after 3 pm (UTC+2): Results of preliminary assignments are sent to applicants.
• 2 April 2025 at 3 pm (UTC+3): Deadline to submit intake assignments.
• 5–9 May 2025: Interviews are conducted.
• 28 May 2025: Admission results publication deadline.

For detailed and up-to-date information on admission requirements, please refer to Aalto University's official admissions page.

Application Procedure

The Bachelor’s Programme in Design and Media at Aalto University offers a comprehensive education that bridges art, media, and technology. This multidisciplinary approach encourages students to explore various facets of design, including graphic, industrial, and digital design, while building their identities as emerging creative professionals.

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Programme Structure:

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Art and Design) followed by a Master of Arts (Art and Design).
• Duration: 3 years for the bachelor's degree, with an additional 2 years for the master's degree.
• Credits: 180 ECTS for the bachelor's degree and 120 ECTS for the master's degree.
• Language of Instruction: English.
• Tuition Fees: For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15,000 per year for bachelor's studies and €20,000 per year for master's studies.

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Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the programme will be equipped to:

• Identify and generate innovative responses to societal phenomena from a reflective design perspective.
• Apply emerging tools and practices in design and contribute to developing new ones.
• Create proposals that align with personal and societal values, evaluating the broader impact of their work.
• Plan and execute professional practices within transdisciplinary environments involving various stakeholders.
• Document and contextualize their work processes and results both visually and textually.

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Application Process:

• Application Period: 8 January 2025 to 23 January 2025.
• Admission Criteria: The selection process includes preliminary assignments, intake assignments, and an interview. Applicants are evaluated at each stage, with only those passing the preliminary assignments advancing to subsequent stages.

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Career Prospects: Graduates are prepared to conceptualize and execute impactful art, media, and design projects that address contemporary societal challenges. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students to tackle complex issues through innovative design solutions.

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For more detailed information, please visit the official programme page.