127 Creative Arts and Design Degree Programs in Finland

In Digital Design studies, you will develop design thinking to create and optimize products, services, and systems with a human-oriented approach.

The student’s personal aspirations, freedom of choice, and individual guidance are integral to studies in fine arts. Our teachers are distinguished visual artists and experts from Finland and abroad. You will be provided a workspace and an excellent opportunity to exhibit your art in public, thanks to the Academy’s active exhibition activities.

The Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning (USP) prepares students to excel as professionals capable of understanding and addressing complex urban development challenges. Students learn to address such challenges through a curriculum and pedagogical approach that includes interdisciplinary breadth as well as depth in core areas of knowledge, skill and practice. USP is a joint programme between the University of Helsinki and Aalto University.

A two-year, full-time Master’s major in Game Design and Development within Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The programme focuses on both artistic and technical aspects of game creation using a project-based, “hands-on with minds-on” approach and close industry collaboration. Graduates receive a Master of Arts (Art and Design) degree.

The Bachelor's Programme in Design and Media at Aalto University is a multidisciplinary, English‑taught undergraduate degree (180 ECTS) that develops students' creative, technical and critical skills across art, media and design. Graduates obtain a strong foundation for professional practice and may continue to Aalto Master's programmes (MA, 120 ECTS). Typical combined duration: 3 + 2 years (5 years full‑time).

The Master of Culture and Arts, Design for the Planet Design thinking provides a means to search for opportunities and create improvements toward sustainable futures. The interdisciplinary Master’s Degree Programme in Design for the Planet is based on the principles of ​meaningful, sufficiency, and place-based design. It emphasizes creative design thinking processes with human empathy for each other around real-world problems.

Visual Communication Design (VCD) is a 2-year, full-time Master of Arts (Art and Design) programme at Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The 120 ECTS curriculum combines studio practice, theory and practice-based research across information design, visual narratives, and typography/written language. Students refine their individual design practice through studio projects, elective studies and a master’s thesis (practical or research-based). Language of instruction: English.

A practice-based, research-oriented Master’s major in Costume Design for Performing Arts and Film. Taught in English, the programme (120 ECTS) develops students' personal artistic vision, advanced costume design skills and professional competence for live performance, film and media. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, time and budget management, and participation in international events and projects.

A two-year (full-time), 120 ECTS Master of Arts major in Film Sound Design that trains sound designers for film, TV and other audiovisual productions. The major emphasises practical, project-based learning (‘learning by doing’), advanced sound techniques (sound effects recording, audio drama, music as a narrative device), and collaborative production work. Graduates are prepared for professional roles as sound designers, engineers and creative leads in film, television, games and other audiovisual media.

Collaborative and Industrial Design (CoID) is a two-year, full-time Master of Arts (Art and Design) programme at Aalto University that explores design’s role in society. The programme develops human-centred, strategic and technical design skills for careers as design experts, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Students can specialise in service & social design, industrial/product development or interaction design & UX, and complete a 120 ECTS curriculum culminating in a 30 ECTS master’s thesis.

The Fashion and Textile (FaTe) major combines practice-based creative work with critical thinking to develop sustainable, culturally aware solutions in fashion and textile design. The two-year MA (120 ECTS) emphasises experimentation with materials and form, multidisciplinary collaboration and leadership for an industry in transition.

In the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Design Business, students learn the creative methods of product design, design thinking, and user interfaces. Sustainability and international business knowledge are at the core of my studies.

International Design Business Management (IDBM) is a two‑year, full‑time Master of Arts programme at Aalto University that integrates design, business and technology. Through interdisciplinary teamwork and a six‑month industry project with real organisations, students develop strategic design, project management and leadership skills to work across public, private and startup contexts. The programme is taught in English and awards 120 ECTS.

The MA (Art and Design) major in Cinematography is a two‑year, full‑time postgraduate programme (120 ECTS) at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. It develops advanced artistic, technical and production competence for cinematography in film, television and advertising through hands‑on workshop practice, collaborative projects and personal artistic research.

Contemporary Design (CoDe) is a studio- and material-led two‑year Master’s major in the Aalto University Master’s Programme in Design. It foregrounds hands-on making, experimental material research (including biomaterials and geopolymers) and critical reflection, preparing graduates to produce innovative design solutions, material innovations and research-informed art/design projects.

Interior Architecture MA at Aalto University (School of Arts, Design and Architecture) is a two-year (full-time) postgraduate degree (120 ECTS) taught in English. The major focuses on spatial and furniture design through studio-based, project-led learning, combining advanced practical design skills with conceptual, strategic, and research-driven approaches. Students complete advanced studies (90 ECTS), elective studies (30 ECTS), and a master’s thesis.

The Production Design major (MA, Art and Design) trains artistic designers responsible for the visual, functional and production aspects of production design in film and television. The programme emphasises visual storytelling, personal artistic vision, specialization, leadership and professional competence. It is a 2-year full-time master's (120 ECTS) taught in English.

REPLAY is a two-year Erasmus Mundus joint Master’s (120 ECTS) that brings students to three partner institutions (Portugal, Belgium, Finland) to create meaningful, experimental and culturally aware game experiences. The programme combines studio practice, industry seminars and interdisciplinary teamwork to prepare graduates for international careers in the game and playful media sectors.