Design & Crafts

Design & Crafts MA programme's online info session on 4th of February 2021 at 17:00 (GMT+2). More info and registration: www.artun.ee/en.

The Estonian Academy of Arts Design and Crafts MA programme prepares students as creative practitioners and critical thinkers able to advance in their professional practice by holding agency to effect positive and responsible change. The programme highlights the importance of seamlessly combining traditional craft to contemporary practices and advanced technologies as a means to push forward the boundaries between design, crafts and arts, challenging our current understanding of the fields. The students enter a common programme but also select a speciality: Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery and Blacksmithing, Textile Design, Accessory Design or Fashion Design.

Within the institution’s environment, students are invited to discover studios and workshops beyond their specialisation, confronting traditional notions of discipline and creative practice. With the support of a highly skilled body of lecturers and tutors, and a low student/tutor ratio, students receive personalised feedback and guidance to experiment and excel in their fields of interest. Additionally, exposure to renowned practitioners and researchers in design and crafts – through lectures and workshops –, added to international exchange and internship, provides students with a great opportunity to develop their career both locally and internationally.

While students that start their studies in the Design and Crafts programme will be linked to their field, the curriculum invites them to interact across the different specializations offered as to create their own journeys. With a strong belief in the value of material-based design and indigenous knowledges, the Estonian Academy of Arts is proud to offer a degree in fields such as ceramics, glass, jewellery and blacksmithing, textile design, accessory design, fashion design. Each of these specialities have a unique outlook and philosophy, and the Estonian Academy of Arts is one the few places in the world where it is possible to study in some of these fields at MA level.

Who are the instructors?

Our MA instructors are top professionals of their fields. The curricula is study and case-based, introducing up to 40 professionals from different segments of the design arena – from package designers to photographers, from design managers to high-end craftsmen – during the two years of study. EAA is a very democratic and non-hierarchical institution, so you have access to all the human resources we have.

What skills will I acquire?

Besides professional training in the chosen crafts/design curricula, there are opportunities to learn about product development, environmental issues, economy, presentation skills, sustainability, cultural philosophy, etc.

What jobs will be available after I graduate?

Hopefully you be your own boss and create a design brand. In addition, there are several options to work as a designer, educator, technician, etc

Curriculum

Total required 120 credits:

• 24 ECTS specialist subjects
• 18 ECTS electives from the Faculty of Design
• 6 ECTS theory subjects from the Faculty of Design
• 15 ECTS general theory subjects
• 6 ECTS practice
• 6 ECTS optional subjects
• 15 ECTS MA projects and seminar
• 30 ECTS MA thesis

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Application (submitted through Dream Apply between 01.02–01.03.2021)
• 50€ application fee (paid via bank transfer)
• Copy of your Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent and its translation into Estonian or English (both, copies and translations have to be attested by notary).
• Copy of your Transcript of Records (and translation into Estonian or English; both copy and translation must be attested by notary).
• Certificate of foreign language skills, see the requirements HERE
• Copy of the data page of your passport or ID-card
• CV
• Project of your Master’s thesis or vision in the form of essay
• Portfolio (as PDF, max 40MB)
  • Portfolio should include up to 10 projects with short descriptions. Works in video format should be added as working web links.
  • Please add portfolio to application
• Answers to following questions (add to application in PDF file):
  • What are your expectations for the Design & Crafts MA programme?
  • Please describe your previous experience in the field of Design & Crafts. What will be your main focus of interest in your research?
  • Do you want to focus on developing knowledge and skills in your chosen speciality or are you also interested in more general topics and practices related to Design & Crafts?
  • Where would you like to be professionally in 5 years? What topics and issues related to Design & Crafts do you see yourself dealing with in the future?
  • Why did you choose Estonian Academy of Arts? Where did you get your information about the programme?