Contemporary Design, 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 Contemporary Design MA (CoDe) is a two-year (120 ECTS) major in the Master's programme in Design at Aalto University. It focuses on process-led inquiry, studio practice and material encounters across analog and digital fabrication (ceramics, glass, wood, biodesign). Students complete coursework and a master's thesis (30 ECTS) with a small intake and individual guidance.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter roles as creative entrepreneurs, collective or start-up contributors, and designers collaborating with companies, organisations and the public sector. They also work as product and service designers, design strategists, consultants, curators, educators and researchers, or continue to doctoral and academic studies.
The Contemporary Design (CoDe) major foregrounds material encounters and studio practice in the context of real-world needs.From hands-on making to biodesign and digital fabrication, students research and critically reflect on human-matter relationships. They expand their thinking beyond conventional limitations, adopting a design mindset that is both experimental and professional.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aalto University is ranked in the top ten in the field of art and design by QS World University Rankings.
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.
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.