AALTO UNIVERSITY · FINLAND
Collaborative and Industrial Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€20k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Master of Arts (Art and Design)Degree Awarded
- 2 yearsDuration
- 120 ECTSCredits
- EnglishLanguage of Instruction
- Top 10 globally in Art & DesignUniversity Ranking
- Specialise in Service & Social Design, Industrial Design & Product Development, or Interaction Design & UXSpecialisations
The Collaborative and Industrial Design (CoID) Master's program at Aalto University focuses on the evolving role of design in society, extending beyond traditional industrial design to encompass interaction design, service and social design, and co-design. This two-year program helps students develop critical, strategic, and technical competencies, preparing them to become design experts, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in diverse sectors. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of design's relationship with innovation and contemporary culture, and learn to lead design processes in multidisciplinary contexts. The program is part of the Master's Programme in Design, known for its world-class teaching and facilities, and is globally recognized by QS World University Rankings.
Curriculum
The Master's Programme in Design – Collaborative and Industrial Design requires 120 ECTS credits. The first study period focuses on grounding students in human-centred design principles. After this, study paths become more personalized, though a mandatory interaction design course begins the spring semester. Students can tailor their studies by choosing courses within and beyond the core curriculum. The second year is primarily dedicated to the Master's thesis (30 ECTS), which is an individual study or project. Department-level joint studies, such as Design Research, bring together students from different MA programs. Students prepare a Personal Study Plan with an academic advisor.
- Year 1
- Human-centred design principles
- Interaction Design (mandatory)
- Elective studies (within programme, other degree programmes, or minor programmes)
- Joint Departmental Studies (e.g., Design Research)
- Year 2
- Master's Thesis
- Course work (Autumn semester, alongside thesis development)
- Elective studies
Careers
Graduates of the Collaborative and Industrial Design program gain a deep understanding of design's role in society and advanced skills for their specialization. They are prepared to become design experts, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, or innovators in both private and public sectors.
- Design Expert
- Design Leader
- Entrepreneur
- Innovator
- Service Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Product Developer
- Interaction Designer
- UX Designer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Non-EU/EEA citizens are charged a tuition fee of 20,000 euros per academic year. Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees. This fee covers educational expenses and university support services, but not personal study materials or mandatory annual fees.
- How long is the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program?
- The Collaborative and Industrial Design program is a two-year Master of Arts degree requiring 120 ECTS credits. The second year is primarily dedicated to completing the Master's thesis.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared to become design experts, leaders, entrepreneurs, or innovators. Potential roles include Service Designer, Industrial Designer, Product Developer, Interaction Designer, and UX Designer in various private and public sectors.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction for the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program is English.
- When is the application period for the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program?
- The application period for studies starting in 2026 is from December 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, Aalto University offers a merit-based scholarship program providing full or partial tuition fee waivers. Fee-paying students are automatically considered for these scholarships based on their admission application; no separate application is required.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeRelevant Bachelor's degree
Applicants must meet Aalto University's general eligibility criteria for master's studies. Admissions are based on study-option-specific evaluation criteria outlined for the Master's Programme in Design - Collaborative and Industrial Design (CoID) major.
Fees
Tuition (international)20,000 euros per academic year for non-EU/EEA citizens.
Tuition (home)Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees.
Living—
The tuition fee covers educational expenses, academic supervision, exams, counselling, and university support services like student services, library, and IT. It does not cover personal study materials, other university charges, or mandatory annual fees for Student Union membership and FSHS healthcare services. Living expenses in Finland must be financed separately.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet Aalto University's general eligibility criteria for Master's studies, including holding a relevant Bachelor's degree. Review the study-option-specific evaluation criteria for the Collaborative and Industrial Design major.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents for your application. These typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a portfolio, a letter of motivation, and potentially a CV or references, though specific documents for CoID are not detailed on the provided pages.
3. Submit Application OnlineApply through the official Aalto University application portal during the application period (1 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 for studies starting in 2026).
4. Await Admission DecisionApplications will be evaluated and ranked based on the programme's specific criteria. Aalto University will inform applicants of their admission decision.
5. Apply for Scholarship (Optional)If you are a fee-paying student, you will be automatically considered for an Aalto University Scholarship (tuition fee waiver) based on your application and academic merit. No separate scholarship application is needed.
6. Accept Study PlaceIf offered admission, accept your study place by the given deadline.
7. Pay Tuition Fee (If Applicable)If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and not granted a full tuition fee waiver, you will need to arrange payment of the tuition fee as instructed by the university.
8. Arrange Living in FinlandPlan for your accommodation and living expenses in Finland. Information on living costs is available on the university's Financial matters page.
Scholarships
Aalto University Scholarship ProgrammeFull or partial tuition fee waiver
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Non-EU/EEA citizens are charged a tuition fee of 20,000 euros per academic year. Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees. This fee covers educational expenses and university support services, but not personal study materials or mandatory annual fees.
How long is the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program?
+
The Collaborative and Industrial Design program is a two-year Master of Arts degree requiring 120 ECTS credits. The second year is primarily dedicated to completing the Master's thesis.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared to become design experts, leaders, entrepreneurs, or innovators. Potential roles include Service Designer, Industrial Designer, Product Developer, Interaction Designer, and UX Designer in various private and public sectors.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction for the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program is English.
When is the application period for the Collaborative and Industrial Design Master's program?
+
The application period for studies starting in 2026 is from December 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, Aalto University offers a merit-based scholarship program providing full or partial tuition fee waivers. Fee-paying students are automatically considered for these scholarships based on their admission application; no separate application is required.