Creative Sustainability

The application period for Master’s Degree Programmes has ended 15 Feb 2012. Next application period will start at the beginning of 2013.

Who can apply
Master’s Degree Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) is a multidisciplinary Master’s degree programme organised by Aalto University. The following Schools and departments are organizing the programme:

• School of Art and Design, Department of Design
• School of Economics, Department of Management and International Business
• School of Engineering, Department of Architecture
• School of Engineering, Department of Surveying, Real Estate.

Applicants must have a suitable Bachelor’s degree related to one of the disciplines included in the programme. An applicant can apply to the CS programme through more than one School/Department. In such a case an applicant should deliver the appropriate application package fulfilling the entry requirement for each School/Department. Such an applicant, however, can be selected only through one of the Departments. An accepted student completes the master’s degree of the Department which he/she is accepted to. In the Department of Design in School of Art and Design, students will complete Master of Arts degree (MA in Creative Sustainability).  (Please take the following thing into consideration. If an architect applies through the Department of Design, the degree that will be completed is Master of Arts in Creative Sustainability. If an architect would like to complete Master’s degree in Architecture in the Creative Sustainability programme, the application process must be done through the Department of Architecture.)

Description of the degree programme
The Master's Degree Programme in Creative Sustainability brings together students from different fields to study in multidisciplinary teams that increase understanding of sustainable design, business, building design, urban design, landscape planning and real estate. The education in the CS programme enhances adapting systems approach and strategic thinking. This activates students to create new sustainable solutions for human, urban, industrial and business environments. The pedagogy is based on integrating teaching and research, problem-based learning, blended learning and strong connection to practical outcomes. At the heart of the programme is the idea of promoting sustainable development through creative design thinking and innovation.

Objectives of the programme
The CS programme is built on a number of disciplines: design, business, building design, landscape planning, urban design and real estate. The aim of the CS programme is to develop competences and skills in the following areas: design thinking, project management, multidisciplinary operations and activities, systematic sustainable design and sustainable business management. Creative Sustainability studies prepare students to work as sustainability experts in organizations that have strategic view on transformation towards sustainability. These include private and public sectors as well as a wide range of NGO´s. 

Structure of the programme
The two-year Master’s degree programme is a 120-ECTS entity including a 10-ECTS shared introduction to creative sustainability and at least 40 ECTS in creative sustainability studies from various perspectives. The programme gives students chances to choose CS courses in other Schools of Aalto University. The studies contain a master’s thesis related to sustainability in the chosen field.

Course languages
All teaching is in English, and the degree can be also completed fully in English.

Programme's own page: www.creativesustainability.info

Selection Process 2012

Portfolio
See general portfolio instructions.

Required Application Documents
See Required Application Documents.

How to Apply
Read the application instructions carefully: How to Apply.

Evaluation criteria in applicant selection

The applicants are evaluated in two phases on the basis of their CVs, personal study achievements (scientific and/or artistic) and motivation, which are also discussed in an interview.

Phase I: documentation

-  Letter of motivation (1-2 pages): Attention! Letter of motivation replaces Study plan which is required as one of the application documents for School of Art and Design.

-  CV

- Degree certificate and transcript

- Portfolio. Maximum size: A3 (297x420 mm). Portfolio should be in paper form. Portfolios in electronic or digital format will not be accepted.

1) Motivation

An applicant must convey his/her motivation for studying in the CS programme by writing a letter of motivation. The letter should be 1-2 pages long and it should answer at least the following questions:

• Why am I applying for CS programme?
• Why should I be admitted?
• What interests me in CS programme?

2) Academic Excellence and Portfolio

Applicant’s transcript about studies completed and of which the applicant has provided the appropriate documents by the end of application period will be evaluated. Portfolio will be evaluated.

3) Professional Experience

Applicant’s professional experience is looked at broadly and is considered to include work experience relevant to the CS programme. Professional experience will be evaluated based on the CV.

Phase II: interview

Some of the applicants from Phase I are invited for interview. Interviews can be conducted by phone if necessary. The interview is intended to evaluate the applicants’ potentials of completing the studies successfully.