Visual Communication Design

The Bachelor's Programme in Visual Communication Design at Aalto University offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of visual communication. This comprehensive programme emphasizes creativity, conceptual thinking, and practical skills necessary to design effective visual messages across a variety of media and contexts. Students are introduced to fundamental principles of design, typography, image-making, and digital techniques, which they apply through hands-on projects and collaborative work. The curriculum is structured to foster both artistic development and strategic understanding, preparing graduates to address the communication needs of diverse audiences in an increasingly complex media landscape.

Throughout the programme, students engage with contemporary design challenges, exploring areas such as branding, interface design, environmental graphics, and multimedia communication. Emphasis is placed on innovative problem-solving, user-centered design, and sustainability in visual communication. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and digital labs, supporting experimentation and skill mastery. The programme also encourages engagement with industry projects, internships, and collaborations with companies and cultural institutions, providing valuable real-world experience.

The teaching staff comprises experienced designers and researchers who guide students through theoretical and practical aspects of visual communication design. The curriculum combines foundational courses with advanced topics, enabling students to develop a personal design voice while understanding the societal, ethical, and environmental impacts of their work. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in graphic design, branding, advertising, digital media, and other related fields, or to continue their studies through master's programmes.

Aalto University’s environment promotes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and innovation, preparing students to be adaptable and forward-thinking designers. The programme encourages students to challenge conventions, explore new technologies, and develop sustainable and inclusive design solutions. Graduates leave with a strong portfolio, a deep understanding of visual communication strategies, and the ability to contribute creatively and strategically to the visual culture of our society.

The Master’s Programme in Visual Communication Design allows students to execute demanding design assignments which develop their conceptual and aesthetic design skills. Students acquire methodological skills in design research and develop a responsible view of the effects of visual communication while deepening and broadening their competencies.

The master’s programme is intended to be completed in two years. Students make a personal study plan that builds on their interests and special skills, and supports their master’s theses. The degree structure provides students with an opportunity to pursue studies towards a minor in the other schools of Aalto University or at other national or international universities.

Visual Communication Design with a Concentration in Information Design

The concentration in Information Design offers a practical education in visual communication of information. It has been estimated that humanity doubles its data every two years. The demand for design solutions for visual presentation of information is driven by, among other things, this rapid expansion of available data, and the accompanying growth in computational capability to process it. Information design is a competence with applications far beyond the traditional design professions. It finds use also in, for example, journalism, science and engineering, business intelligence, and the civil service. Information design is at its core a highly interdisciplinary field, combining skills from graphic design, new media, interaction design, computer science, statistics, geoinformatics, journalism, and more. At the intersection of design and technology, Aalto is uniquely positioned to provide the eclectic mix of expertise needed for this growing field.

Visual Communication Design with a Concentration in Visual Narrative

Visual Narrative is an exciting, emerging field that touches on many disciplines, and brings together a synthesis of skill sets from graphic design, writing, interactive media, film, animation, graphic novels, and games. We approach these forms as explorations into visuals that tell stories. Students study forms such as story-telling, narrative architecture, and authorship. Publishing, on traditional as well as emerging platforms, is addressed as the production and distribution of authored works. Founded with the methodologies of design and sequential art, this major will embrace the digital innovations that are transforming all narratives - in books and games, on film and the web - into hybrid media.

Prospective students of the Master’s Programme in Visual Communication Design apply to the programme in the master’s degree admissions process for the field of art and design. Please indicate which major you are most interested in. The key admission criteria for the master’s programme in visual communication design are artistic talent, motivation and the potential for the applicant’s development. In addition, applicants are required to have methodological abilities for conducting artistic and scientific research. 

The admission is based on a two-stage entrance examination, where qualified students are selected to continue after each stage. The admission is based on the application documents, a portfolio, a short assignment, a letter of intent (in which applicants reflect on their areas of interest and propose the topic of their master’s theses), a CV and an interview.

The financing of the Visual Communication Design program at Aalto University is primarily supported through a combination of tuition fees, government funding, and financial aid options. As a university in Finland, Aalto University benefits from Finnish government investments aimed at promoting education and research, ensuring the stable provision of resources necessary for high-quality instruction and facilities. For international students, tuition fees are applicable, and students are encouraged to explore various scholarship opportunities offered by the university based on merit or need. Aalto University provides several scholarship programs, including full and partial scholarships that can significantly offset tuition costs for talented students. Additionally, students can access the Finnish student financial aid system, which includes government grants and loans available through the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela). These financial aid options are designed to support students throughout their studies and are contingent upon the student’s eligibility and residence status. Moreover, students may seek external funding or sponsorships from private foundations, organizations, or corporate partners interested in fostering design and innovation. The university also offers guidance and counseling on applying for scholarships and grants, helping students to navigate the funding landscape effectively. Overall, the combination of institutional funding, government support, scholarships, and personal financial planning ensures that students enrolled in the Visual Communication Design program have access to the necessary financial resources to complete their studies successfully.

The Master’s Degree Programme in Visual Communication Design at Aalto University aims to cultivate innovative designers capable of engaging with complex visual communication challenges across various contexts and media. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach that combines artistic creativity, theoretical understanding, and practical skills to prepare students for diverse professional environments in the field of visual communication. Students explore a wide range of topics, including graphic design, typography, interaction design, motion graphics, information visualization, and branding. The curriculum encourages experimental approaches and critical thinking, enabling students to develop unique visual solutions that communicate effectively and creatively.

Throughout the studies, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and workshops equipped for digital fabrication, printmaking, photography, and multimedia production. The program also fosters a strong connection with the industry through collaborations, internships, and project work with real-world clients, providing valuable experiential learning opportunities. Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to guiding students in developing their individual design practices while understanding the broader societal, cultural, and technological contexts influencing visual communication today.

The program encourages internationalization by attracting students from diverse backgrounds and offering courses in English. Graduates are equipped to work in a variety of sectors such as advertising, branding, digital media, publishing, and design consultancy. They are prepared to take on roles as visual communication designers, typographers, brand strategists, content creators, and multimedia artists. The degree also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral research or academic careers in design-related disciplines.

Aalto University’s strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and user-centered design is integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that students develop socially responsible and environmentally conscious design solutions. The program aims to not only develop technical proficiency but also to foster critical reflection and a nuanced understanding of visual culture and its impact on society. Overall, the Master’s in Visual Communication Design at Aalto University offers a comprehensive, forward-thinking education that prepares graduates to influence and shape visual culture in a rapidly changing digital and global landscape.