Animation, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Espoo, Finland
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 20,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee only; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not pay
Key Summary
About: The Master’s Programme in Animation at Aalto University is a two-year, full-time (120 ECTS) programme. Year one covers storytelling, visualization, pre-production, directing, character design, animation (2D, 3D, stop‑motion, CGI). Year two focuses on a specialist area and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Studies emphasize teamwork, artistic research, entrepreneurship and encourage festivals, exchanges and internships.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in film, TV, games, advertising, VR, simulation and creative industries. Typical titles include animation director, animation designer, supervisor, producer, layout artist, storyboard artist, concept artist. Also work as animator, motion designer or VFX artist; Aalto supports searches in Finland and abroad.
The Master’s Programme in Animation (MA, Art and Design) at Aalto University is a two‑year, full‑time programme (120 ECTS) offered by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. The programme explores both theory and practice of animation, providing advanced skills to design, create and lead animation productions. During the first year students focus on storytelling, visualisation, pre‑production, directing, character design and character animation across a range of techniques (2D, 3D, stop‑motion, CGI). In the second year students move towards a specialist area and complete a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Studies emphasise teamwork, personal time management, artistic research skills and entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates are prepared for expert and creative roles in film, media, communications and other sectors that use moving image. The programme is internationally oriented and encourages participation in festivals, exchanges, internships and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
As stated on the programme page, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in animation, media, and related fields. Typical roles explicitly listed include:
- Animation director
- Animation designer
- Supervisor
- Producer
- Layout artist
- Storyboard artist
- Concept artist
The page also notes opportunities in visualisations, simulations, installations, creative arts, and entrepreneurial paths; Aalto’s career services support employment in Finland and abroad.
Total 120 ECTS over two years (full‑time):
- Advanced major studies: 60 ECTS
- Elective studies: 30 ECTS
- Master’s thesis: 30 ECTS
Year 1 focuses on storytelling, visualisation, pre‑production, directing, character design, and character animation across 2D and 3D techniques. Year 2 emphasizes a specialist area, entrepreneurial opportunities, and development of the master’s thesis.
Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships (tuition fee waivers) to fee‑paying students. Scholarships are awarded to the highest‑achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria and ranking.