About

Learning outcomes

• apply design knowledge and skills in multidisciplinary productions in the field of visual communication. These productions might take the form of information visualisation, concept design, visual narrative or design that is investigative and critical in nature;
• use visual analysis, design research methodologies and academic writing to investigate design-related research questions;
• engage other disciplines and industries using design thinking and methods, authoring both content and form in order to respond with targeted design narratives;
• situate design responses within cultural, social, conceptual, and ecological contexts using ethnographic research to create an awareness of users and audiences, both local and global, with a sensitivity to cultural perspectives and an empathetic feedback loop.

Students with a Concentration in Information Design at Aalto University will also be able to:

• create compelling and insightful data visualizations, infographics and maps, based on a variety of different data;
• effectively deploy a wide range of different information and research from a variety of fields, including scientific, technical and economic data;
• design and program interactive data visualizations that demonstrate awareness of current professional standards in user interface and new media design.

Students with a Concentration in Visual Narrative will also be able to:

• express the frameworks and theory of visual and verbal literacy by analysing and interpreting designed narratives;
• solve problems and publish projects with visual vocabularies using publishing, new media and emergent technologies and entrepreneurial strategies;
• demonstrate mastery of visual narrative, employing skills such as writing, story architecture, typography, visual concepting, interactivity, storyboarding, world building, and aesthetics.

Education content

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.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the programme will have skills and knowledge to work as design professionals in visual communication design.

Concentration in Information Design are qualified to work as an information designers, either independently or within a design agency or other organization. Other possible job titles include visual journalist, data journalist and data analyst. The skills learned in the Major can be combined with other studies to qualify the student for a job in a related field, such as cartography, interaction design or service design.

Concentration in Visual Narrative are original content creators, directors and authors, with all the tools of visual design. The focus on digital publishing for new devices means students will be able to publish eBooks and narrative apps. With courses from New Media they might become a Narrative Designer for a video game or interactive company. Combined with courses in film or animation they might become a screenwriter, storyboard artist or content creator. They will be attractive candidates for production or publishing companies. Each student will emerge from the major with a polished portfolio, innovative narratives, and a unique, self-initiated body of work, preparing them to be the story-tellers of tomorrow.

Visual Communication Design graduates can also work as design directors, graphics editors, or in another managerial role. In addition, the Master of Arts degree enables students to apply for doctoral studies in art and design.