Photography - Art and Media, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Master's Programme in Photography

Education content

The studies emphasize photography as a means of independent and multidisciplinary artistic expression, highlighting the development of conceptual thinking and research skills.

The staff and students in the Master’s Programme in Photography form a creative academic community. International artistic activities and the various publication processes and platforms are core areas of the programme. The most visible results of the activities are domestic and international exhibitions, photography publications, Helsinki Photomedia Conference and Helsinki School activities.

The studies include vocational, artistic and theoretical courses. The teaching methods are workshops, study projects, lectures, seminars and personal guidance. Studies in international student exchange programmes are recommended as part of the programme. Based on his/her orientation, the student can supplement intermediate studies with courses in the humanities, business or technology offered by other Aalto University schools and other universities. The student also has the opportunity to learn about current international activities in photography research at the Helsinki Photomedia Conference that is held in even years.

The studies require personal motivation and interest in the working methods of photographic expression as well as the ability to solve problems and complete tasks individually. The studies are full-time and mainly completed independently. The studies enable the development of advanced professional competence, expressive skills and theoretical thinking. A strong artistic vision and the ability to think conceptually are the key objectives of the studies.

The language of instruction in the Master’s Programme are Finnish and English and a large part of the courses are taught in English only. Students may write their Master's thesis in Finnish, Swedish or English. The degree can be fully completed in English.

Career opportunities

The aim of the Master’s Programme in Photography is to create an individual competence profile for the student, which will allow him/her to succeed in the changing and developing domestic and international field. The Master's degree allows the student to apply for doctoral studies leading to a Doctor of Arts (Ph.D.) degree.

Valokuvataiteen maisteriopinnot sisältävät ammatillisia, taiteellisia ja tutkimuksellisia kursseja. Opetusmuotoja ovat työpajat, opintoprojektit, teoreettiset opinnot, luennot, seminaarit ja henkilökohtainen ohjaus. Tutkintoon suositellaan sisällytettäväksi opintoja kansainvälisissä vaihto-ohjelmissa.