Product and Spatial Design

The Master's Degree Programme in Product and Spatial Design at Aalto University is a comprehensive and innovative program that prepares students to become creative and skilled designers capable of shaping the future of both physical and user-centered environments. This program uniquely integrates the principles of product design and spatial design, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to explore the relationships between objects, spaces, and their users. Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on projects, combining design thinking, technical skills, and strategic innovation to develop meaningful and sustainable solutions. Emphasizing a user-centered approach, the curriculum integrates research, material exploration, and digital tools to promote experimental and responsible design practices. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, and laboratories that support experimental prototyping and testing. The program encourages collaboration with industry partners, enabling students to work on real-world projects and understand the societal and environmental impacts of their design choices. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in diverse fields such as product development, interior architecture, spatial planning, and design consultancy. They are prepared to innovate in contexts ranging from urban environments and public spaces to consumer products and technical solutions. The faculty combines academic expertise with industry experience, fostering an enriching learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and sustainability. Overall, the program aims to cultivate forward-thinking designers who can contribute to creating functional, aesthetic, and sustainable solutions for the complex challenges of today’s world.

The programme enhances students’ presentation skills in writing and visualisation. The students learn skills in problem-setting and problem-solving relevant to the product and spatial design and in practice led design research. They also learn to gather and analyse information and apply it to design and research.

Applicants for the Master’s Degree Programme in Product and Spatial Design apply in the Master’s level admissions in the field of Art and Design. The main criteria are competence and suitability. Specifically, the programme seeks students who understand processes and structures, to create personal design solutions both individually and in teams, with personal and artistic insight, ideation skill, and goal-orientation and motivation. 

Eligible applicants for the programme have earned a Bachelor of Arts or completed equivalent studies. The Master’s Degree Programme in Product and Spatial Design consists of advanced studies, which can be completed in two years. 

Students are granted admission to the programme through a two-phase process. In the first phase students are evaluated based on the application as a whole, including portfolio, previous studies, CV and letter of motivation. In the second phase, the most suitable applicants are invited for an interview, from which a smaller subset of applicants is offered a study place.

Applicants accepted to the programme may be required to take supplementary studies.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Product and Spatial Design programme at Aalto University offers a variety of financing options for students. Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, and these fees are set annually by the university. For Finnish and EU/EEA students, there are no tuition fees, making higher education accessible without additional financial burden. Scholarships are available for talented non-EU/EEA students to help cover tuition costs, and these are awarded based on academic excellence and portfolio assessment. In addition to scholarships, students can seek funding through national student financial aid systems, such as the Finnish Student Financial Aid, which provides grants and loans to full-time degree students meeting certain residence and study requirements. Students may also obtain private student loans, depending on their country of residence, to finance their studies and living expenses. Part-time work is a common way for students to supplement their income during studies, and Aalto University supports students in finding employment through career services and job portals. The cost of living in Helsinki, including accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities, should also be considered in financial planning, with students typically budgeting for monthly expenses. The university offers guidance on financial planning and access to various scholarships and funding opportunities to ensure students can focus on their studies without undue financial stress. These financing options aim to make studying at Aalto University accessible and sustainable for a diverse student body, supporting both domestic and international students in their educational journeys in Product and Spatial Design.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Product and Spatial Design at Aalto University provides students with a comprehensive education in design principles, emphasizing the development of innovative and functional products and spatial solutions. The program combines theoretical studies with practical projects, fostering students' creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for the design industry. Students gain expertise in various design processes, including concept development, material understanding, manufacturing techniques, and user-centered design approaches. The curriculum incorporates coursework in design history, visual communication, ergonomics, sustainability, and digital tools, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for future designers.

Throughout the program, students work on individual and team projects, often collaborating with industry partners and real-world clients to gain practical experience and understand market demands. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and responsible design, encouraging students to create solutions that are environmentally conscious and socially relevant. In addition to technical skills, students develop their ability to present and communicate their ideas effectively through sketches, prototypes, and digital visualizations. The program fosters an innovative mindset, preparing graduates to work in various sectors, including product development, interior design, exhibition and spatial design, and more.

The teaching approach combines lectures, workshops, studio work, and field visits to museums and design studios, offering students diverse learning experiences. The vibrant campus environment, coupled with Aalto University's strong connections within the design industry, provides excellent opportunities for internships and networking. Graduates from the Product and Spatial Design program are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in design consultancy, manufacturing industries, or to continue their studies at a master's level. Overall, the program aims to nurture creative professionals who can contribute to advancing sustainable and user-oriented design solutions in a dynamic global context.