The aim of the degree is to provide students with:

1. good theoretical and general knowledge of as well as artistic and practical expertise in their field of study as well as a general knowledge of the field of arts;
2. knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work and for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods;
3. knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field, and to cooperate internationally;
4. knowledge and skills needed for education leading to a Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) degree and for lifelong learning;
5. good language and communication skills for work in the field of arts and for international operations and cooperation.

The education shall be based on scientific research and artistic activity and professional practices in the field.

The Master's Programme in Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation. The students will deepen their knowledge of animation and its various applications, and they become professionals who are able to work as experts and creative innovators in the animation field. They will be able to design, create and head animation productions and act as member of a team. The aim of the studies is to support the development of a student's own strengths and artistic vision, as well as critical thinking. Students will become familiar with the traditions and the current trends of animation and they are encouraged to experiment for new and fresh approaches. Ability to work in a team is central to the course, furthermore it is important to understand the different roles and disciplines in a film making process (screenwriting cinematography, sound design, visual effects, production design etc.). The course supports progression to research at Doctor of Arts level as well as to advanced self-directed practice.

The study program focuses on storytelling and visualization, character design, character animation and directing, covering almost any 2D and 3D animation techniques (from CGI to cartoon and stop frame). The students will explore a range of both technical and conceptual approaches to animation. They have the opportunity to produce short form animation across 2D & 3D to set briefs. They will also engage in theoretical seminars and analysis of animation art. The curriculum consists of lectures, exercises, workshops, masterclasses, projects and master's dissertation.

Code: ARTS241.M
Credits: 90 ECTS cr
Head of Programme: Executive in Residence Tuula Leinonen

To graduate, students must meet the aims set for the thesis. The aim of the master's thesis is that:

• Students demonstrate command of the field of the master's programme and ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme independently;
• Students demonstrate ability for research-oriented work on an artistic, theoretical or applied research topic and demonstrate ability to use data and source material for research purposes;
• Students demonstrate good communication skills for work in the field of study.

The thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic or applied research, a work of art or a combination of these; it may also include a production component. The production component may be, depending on the field, for instance, a design, a work of art, an exhibition, or project. Theses always include a written component. If the thesis consists of a design or other production component and a written component, the student must specify the emphasis to be given to the different components in the evaluation. However, the thesis is always evalu-ated as a whole, with all the components of the thesis included in the evaluation.

The recommended extent of the written component of the thesis is 25–70 pages (approx. 50 000–140 000 characters) depending on the extent of the possible production component.

For more information on completing your thesis see: Completing your master's thesis

The Master's degree includes 30 credits of elective studies. As elective studies, you can for example: 

• Take extra courses from your own major or courses from another major of the Master's programme
• Take elective courses offered by your own programme
  • For list of courses, see title "Elective studies offered by Master´s Programme in Film and Television " on this page
• ARTS elective art and theory studies
  • For list of courses, see title "Elective art and theory studies" on this page
• Elective language studies
• Complete a minor or take individual courses from a minor
  Minors offered by Aalto university
• Take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University
• Take individual courses from other Finnish universities
• Participate in an international student exchange programme
• Do an internship in Finland or abroad.

Students choose 30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, do an internship in Finland or abroad, or take elective courses offered by student’s own programme.

Students can complete a minor as part of their elective studies. Please see all the minors under Minor studies 2024-2026.

^{* ) Students have the right to be credited with components of courses from courses over 12 ECTS.}

Drawing and painting

Drawing and painting courses consist of two-dimensional expression carried out by various methods. The work involved emphasises the importance of practice, or ‘learning by doing’, but without losing sight of the connections to theory. The studies include working with drawing, painting and mixed-media. The student will gain increased awareness of the workings of visual perception and of different ways of describing the surrounding world and our relationship to it. The course also examines the role of ideas and concepts in art as well as art’s relation to design, its role in society and its significance.

Colour and perception

Colour and perception studies focus on visual perception and the theories about it. The English-language version of the course contains both theory and practical assignments. The course covers basic concepts about colour and the principles of colour perception. The course covers basic colour concepts and principles of colour perception. Colour composition and contrasts and their effects – mainly in two-dimensional expression – are studied by experimental means. 

Sculpture

Sculpture studies provide students with the skills needed to work with contemporary sculpture and design. Skills that students can apply in their own fields are emphasised, such as how to research new materials, working methods and methodologies. The ‘Ways of Making’ courses offer practical experience working in a sculptor’s studio, and ‘Metal Casting’ introduces foundry techniques. ‘Digital Sculpture’ introduces new and developing technologies in 3D art, and ways to combine these with traditional sculptural techniques. Conceptual and theory-intensive sculpture studies are also included within the contemporary art courses programme.

Printmaking

Printmaking involves the handcrafting of printing plates as well as the prints produced by various methods (copperplate, woodblock, limestone, mesh screen). Prints are regarded as original artworks. Basic courses in printmaking offer the rudiments in a variety of printing techniques and develop the student’s command of the tools used. The intermediate courses deepen the knowledge and skill levels of students in their chosen method and enlarge their range of artistic expression. As printmaking is a specialisation study, beginners are recommended to take it during their second year of Bachelor’s studies.

Art history and theory

Art history and theory courses aim to provide a general overview of the history and key theoretical questions and conceptions of art, design and architecture.

Other courses