Overview

This Arts, Design and Architecture programme offered by Aalto University prepares candidates to conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge through scientific, artistic, and design-based methods. Offered across art, media, architecture, design, and film, the programme enables students to engage with complex research questions while developing high-level expertise in their chosen field. In artistic disciplines, doctoral work may include creative productions, performances, or design outcomes alongside scholarly investigation.

Key Facts

The programme is delivered within an international and multidisciplinary research environment that supports collaboration, transferable skills development, and professional growth. Students strengthen competencies in research methodology, communication, leadership, project management, ethics, sustainability, and responsible research practices while disseminating findings through academic and professional forums. The degree prepares graduates for careers in academia, expert positions, entrepreneurship, and independent artistic practice.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research through Art and Design

Methods of Qualitative Research

Artistic and Art-Based Research

Knowing Aesthetics

Global Perspectives: Re-mapping the History of Art

The Realm of the Senses

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-06 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Helsinki, Finland

Disciplines

Architecture Design Visual Arts

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

62

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to a doctoral study field within Arts, Design, Film, Media, Architecture, or related areas.
Completion of doctoral studies including research field studies, general research studies, and a doctoral thesis.
Doctoral thesis may include artistic or design productions where relevant to the field.
Ability to conduct independent and original academic research.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Aalto University and/or in Finland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

Aalto University doctoral studies are free of tuition fees.

Living costs

Helsinki

Finland

975 - 1584 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.