Master of Science - Accounting
Aalto University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is de...
Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design
Aalto
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program at Aalto University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create innovative and sustainable design solutions for a variety of industries. This interdisciplinary program focuses on collaboration, combining industrial design, engineering, and business to address complex design challenges. Students learn to approach design not just as a product development tool, but as a strategic process that enhances user experiences, fosters creativity, and integrates functionality. The program emphasizes a user-centered design process while also considering sustainability, ethics, and social impact.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program combines theory, practice, and hands-on experience. Core courses cover areas such as industrial design processes, design thinking, product development, and design for sustainability. Students explore topics related to design innovation, the role of design in business and manufacturing, and the ethical implications of design decisions. The curriculum includes project-based learning, allowing students to collaborate with industry professionals on real-world design challenges. Elective courses provide further specialization in areas like digital fabrication, smart product design, and interaction design. The program culminates in a master’s thesis, which allows students to demonstrate their design and research capabilities in a comprehensive project.
Research Focus: The Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program at Aalto University encourages research in a wide range of design-related areas. Research focuses on how design can address societal challenges, such as sustainability, accessibility, and the intersection of technology and human experience. Key research areas include industrial design processes, user experience, design thinking, product design, and innovation in design. Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches, working across boundaries between design, engineering, business, and the social sciences. Aalto’s extensive design research environment, including dedicated labs and centers, provides students with the opportunity to engage in both academic and applied research projects that advance the field of collaborative and industrial design.
Industry Engagement: Industry collaboration is an integral part of the Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program. Aalto University’s strong ties with leading companies and design agencies allow students to engage in live projects and internships. This direct connection to the industry enables students to work on design solutions for real-world challenges, often resulting in design prototypes, innovative products, or strategies that are implemented by partner organizations. Students benefit from mentoring by industry professionals, gaining valuable insight into the design process, and building networks that will be beneficial throughout their careers. Aalto also hosts design exhibitions, events, and collaborative workshops with companies, which further strengthens the connection between academia and industry.
Global Perspective: Aalto University’s Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program is highly international, attracting students and faculty from around the world. This global perspective enriches the learning environment and allows students to engage in cross-cultural collaborations, which are essential in today’s interconnected design world. Students explore international design trends, participate in global exchange programs, and gain exposure to different design practices from around the world. Aalto University’s global network of partner institutions and companies offers students the opportunity to work on international projects and engage with global design challenges. This international outlook prepares students for careers in diverse global markets and equips them with the skills to adapt to a rapidly evolving design landscape.
Location
Aalto
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 20000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Overall score of 315 or higher is required.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Overall score of 600 or higher is required.
Aalto University in Finland offers a variety of scholarships to support international students who wish to study at one of the leading universities in Europe. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and help students focus on their studies while living in Finland.
Aalto University Tuition Fee Scholarships: Aalto University offers scholarships specifically for international students who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships cover either partial or full tuition fees for master’s degree students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship amounts range from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the applicant’s academic achievements. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application and the applicant’s academic background.
Aalto University Scholarship for Living Expenses: While the primary focus of the scholarship program is to assist with tuition fees, some additional financial support is available for students to help cover living expenses. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who already receive a tuition fee scholarship but need further assistance to cover their living costs.
Graduates of the Master of Arts and Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design program at Aalto University have access to a wide range of career opportunities in design, innovation, and product development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and sustainability, the program prepares students for leadership roles in various industries, from design agencies to multinational corporations.
Industrial Designer: Create and develop products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Industrial designers work across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, and home appliances, designing products that meet market demands and enhance user experiences.
Product Designer: Focus on designing new products from concept to production, taking into account usability, sustainability, and market needs. Product designers often collaborate with engineers and business teams to ensure that products are not only visually appealing but also practical and market-ready.
Service Designer: Develop and improve services by focusing on user experience, service delivery processes, and customer satisfaction. Service designers work in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, improving the quality and efficiency of service interactions.
Design Consultant: Offer expertise to companies seeking to improve their product lines, services, or brand identity. Design consultants help businesses implement design strategies that align with company values, enhance customer engagement, and drive innovation.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Specialize in optimizing the user experience of products or services, particularly digital interfaces. UX designers use research and testing to improve how users interact with websites, apps, and other digital tools.
Sustainability Designer: Focus on creating environmentally friendly and sustainable products and services. Sustainability designers work to minimize environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and processes that reduce waste and promote recycling.
Interaction Designer: Work on designing the interaction between users and digital products, such as websites, mobile applications, and smart devices. Interaction designers ensure that digital products are intuitive, engaging, and accessible.
Design Researcher: Conduct research to inform the design process, focusing on understanding user needs, market trends, and technological advancements. Design researchers provide valuable insights that guide the development of new products and services.
Creative Director: Lead creative teams in developing design concepts and visual solutions for advertising, branding, and product development. Creative directors oversee the creative process, ensuring that the design vision aligns with the company’s objectives and brand identity.
Design Strategist: Focus on long-term planning and strategy for product development and design initiatives. Design strategists use market research, user insights, and business analysis to create strategies that ensure the successful launch and sustainability of design projects.
Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Start their own design-focused business or agency, offering innovative solutions to clients in industries like product design, branding, and user experience. Entrepreneurs leverage their creative and industrial design skills to develop new products or services that meet unmet market needs.
Design Educator/Academia: Share knowledge and experience by teaching design courses at universities or design schools. Design educators are instrumental in shaping the next generation of designers, guiding students through design theory, techniques, and trends.
Corporate Innovation Manager: Lead innovation efforts within large organizations, focusing on new product development, design thinking processes, and collaborative design approaches to drive business growth and market competitiveness.
