Master of Arts and Design - Animation

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 - Animation program from Aalto University are equipped with the creative and technical skills needed to pursue a variety of careers in the animation, film, and media industries. The program’s diverse curriculum and strong industry connections open up a wide range of career paths for students. 

Animator: As an animator, graduates can work in a variety of sectors, including film, television, advertising, and video games. They may specialize in 2D or 3D animation, character design, motion graphics, or stop-motion animation. Animators create the visual movement of characters and scenes, bringing stories to life through their technical and artistic expertise.

Character Designer: Character designers focus on creating the visual appearance, personality, and movements of characters in animated films, games, and other media. Graduates of the animation program can work as freelance character designers or for animation studios, ensuring that the characters align with the narrative and aesthetic of the project.

Storyboard Artist: Graduates can pursue a career as a storyboard artist, where they plan and sketch the scenes of an animation or live-action film, mapping out the narrative flow. They work closely with directors and animators to ensure that the storytelling is visually compelling and that the scenes are captured in the most effective way possible.

Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: A career as a VFX artist involves creating special effects for animated films, television shows, or video games. These professionals use computer software to generate realistic or fantastical effects, such as explosions, magic, or simulations, contributing significantly to the visual impact of a project.

Game Designer/Animator: For those interested in the gaming industry, graduates can become game designers or animators, responsible for creating the visual elements of a video game. They may focus on character design, environmental animation, or game cutscenes, contributing to an engaging and interactive gaming experience.

Interactive Media Designer: Graduates may also choose to work as interactive media designers, where they create animated content for digital platforms such as websites, apps, and virtual or augmented reality experiences. This career combines animation with user interaction to design engaging and immersive experiences for audiences.

Animation Director: Animation directors oversee the creative and technical aspects of animation production. They work with teams of animators, designers, and other creatives to ensure that the vision of the project is realized. This role involves leadership, project management, and high-level decision-making skills.

Film Director/Producer: Some graduates may go on to work as film directors or producers in the animation industry, managing the overall vision of an animated film or series. These professionals are responsible for guiding the project from concept to completion, working closely with animators, voice actors, and other production staff.

Producer for Animation Studios: As a producer, graduates manage the logistics, budget, and scheduling for animation projects. They ensure that production runs smoothly and that the project meets deadlines and quality standards. Producers work closely with directors and other key personnel to manage resources and navigate challenges during production.

Motion Graphics Designer: Graduates can also pursue careers as motion graphics designers, where they create animated graphics for films, commercials, websites, and social media. They work on the visual elements of branding and storytelling, using animation to add dynamic and creative elements to static designs.

Visual Storyteller: Some graduates may focus on becoming visual storytellers, using animation as a medium to tell powerful stories across various platforms, including films, documentaries, and advertising. Visual storytellers are skilled at combining narrative and animation to engage and captivate audiences.

Teaching and Academia: For those interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise, there are opportunities in teaching and academia. Graduates can become professors or lecturers in animation, digital media, or design programs at universities and colleges. They may also contribute to research in the field of animation and digital storytelling.

Freelance Animator/Artist: Many graduates choose to pursue a career as freelance animators or artists, offering their services to various clients across the film, television, advertising, and gaming industries. Freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, from small independent films to large-scale animation productions.

Animation Researcher: Some graduates may venture into animation research, focusing on exploring new techniques, technologies, and trends in the field of animation. This career involves investigating the latest developments in animation software, storytelling techniques, and visual effects, contributing to the continuous evolution of the industry.