Graduates of the Master's Degree Programme in Photography understand the many different uses and special characteristics of a photograph and can work with them in a professional manner.
He/she knows the trends and methods in photography research and, more broadly, in visual culture research and the related knowledge theory backgrounds.
After completing a master's degree, the student can apply for doctoral studies in photography.
The programme's studies consist of 90 ECTS of major studies and 30 ECTS of elective studies. The major studies consist of joint compulsory studies of the Department of Media (14 ECTS) and the major's compulsory studies (76 ECTS).
The studies emphasize photography as a means of independent and multidisciplinary arts expression and the development of conceptual thinking and research skills.
The languages of instruction in the master's programme are Finnish and English. Students may write their Master's thesis in Finnish, Swedish or English.
The staff and students in the Master's Degree Programme in Photography form an academic and creative community. International artistic activities and the various photograph publication processes and platforms are core areas of the degree 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 research courses. The teaching methods are workshops, study projects, theoretical studies, lectures, seminars and personal guidance. Studies in international student exchange programmes are recommended as part of the degree 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 an interest in the working methods of photographic expression as well as the ability to independently solve problems and complete tasks related to the work processes in the professional field of photography. The studies are full-time studies. They enable the development of advanced professional competence, expressive skills and theoretical thinking. A strong artistic vision and the ability to think conceptually are key objectives of the studies.
In addition, 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 Master's Degree Programme in Photography. The offering of a major's elective studies may vary depending on the academic year.