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G U I D E
O F T H E AR T S
H
E L S I N K I
F I N E
AR T S
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A dmi s si on s 2 01 5
A p
pli c a ti on p eri o d 7.–27.1.2 01 5
A p pli c a ti on p
eri o d 7.–27.1.2 01 5
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IND
Special arrangements Announcing the results
Appeals
Accepting the study place
One-place-per-student provision
Enrolment for the first year
Admission course assignments 2007–2014
MASTER’S ADMISSION 2015
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
Admission criteria
Admission procedure
Application procedure
Special arrangements
Announcing the results
Appeals
Accepting the study place
Enrolment for the first year
Frequently asked questions about the Mast
admissionFrequently asked questions about applying
about studying in Academy of Fine Arts
APPLICANTS AND STUDENTSACCEPTED IN THE ACADEMY OFFINE ARTS 2007–2014
SORA LEGISLATION
FURTHER INFORMATION
WHEN TO APPLY
TO THE APPLICANT
ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
DEGREES
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Doctor of Fine Arts
TEACHING STAFF
STUDY PROGRAMMES
SculpturePainting
Printmaking
Time and Space Arts
Art Theory and General Studies
Praxis – Master’s Programme for
Exhibition Studies
Doctoral Studies Programme
MAIN ADMISSION 2015
BACHELOR AND MASTER OFFINE ARTS
Admission criteria
Admission procedure
Application procedure
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1. MAIN ADMISSION– BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ANDMASTER OF FINE ARTS DEGREES
(210 + 120 credits, 3.5 + 2 years)
The application period begins on 7 January and ends on 27 January
2015, at 3 pm Finnish time. Fill out and submit the electronic
application form at www.studyinfo.fi.
The artistic work samples and appendices will be submitted separately, during the pe-
riod of 20 and 21 April 2015. Please check the delivery address and times on the student
admissions site of the University of the Arts Helsinki (www.uniarts.fi)! Work samples
must reach the Academy no later than Tuesday 21 April 2015 at 4.15 pm Finnish time in
cases when they are sent by post as well.
2. MASTER’S ADMISSION– MASTER OF FINE ARTS
(120 credits, 2 years)
The application period begins on 7 January and ends on 27 January
2015, at 3 pm Finnish time. Fill out and submit the electronic
application form at www.studyinfo.fi.
A copy of the electronic application, with appendices, and the portfolio are to be submit-
ted directly to the Academy of Fine Arts by Tuesday 10 February 2015, no later than at
4.15 pm Finnish time.
3. DOCTORAL STUDIES PROGRAMME’S ADMISSION
(240 credits, 4 years)
The application period for studies starting in autumn 2015 was 1.9.-13.10.2014.
WHEN TO APPLY
Applications to the University of the Arts Helsinki’s
Academy of Fine Arts are submitted in the Main
admission and Master’s admission procedures via the
electronic Studyinfo service.
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TO THE APPLICAN
The Academy of Fine Arts trains free
artists in the fine arts. The goal of our
training is to provide comprehensive practical
and theoretical knowledge in the field of fine
arts, contributing to the student’s developmentinto an artist. Thus, the purpose of the educa-
tion is to offer an understanding of the qualities
needed for artistic activities. The Academy of
Fine Arts is part of the University of the Arts
Helsinki, which comprises the Academy of Fine
Arts, the Theatre Academy Helsinki and the
Sibelius Academy.
The Academy offers the possibility to
complete the degrees of Bachelor, Master and
Doctor of Fine Arts. Our teaching is based
on the tradition of fine art academies, whoseroots run to 15th century Europe. This means
that a comprehensive idea of today’s globali-
ty as well as the history of our imagery and
a profound awareness of its cultural signif-
icance nourish the conceptions of art and
being an artist conveyed at the Academy.
means that studies at the Academy of Fine
Arts include the element of combining pra
cal work with conceptual consciousness of
dialogue between the classical tradition ofarts education and the ever-extending fiel
contemporary art.
Studying at the Academy of Fine Arts
means having the courage to take on the
unknown with open arms and without any
tainty of self-evident results. Good self-kno
edge, bravery and commitment combined w
artistic talent are a good starting point for
studies. In addition to them, you need the w
to interact with the world through art and
prepared to find out that this relationship mevolve into a demanding and lifelong one.
Markus Konttinen
Dean of the Academy of Fine Arts
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6
ACADEMYOF FINE ARTS
The Academy of Fine Arts is an academy
that concentrates on education in the
contemporary arts. The students graduate
with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or a Doctorate
degree in Fine Arts. For 160 years, the Acad-
emy of Fine Arts has offered the highest level
of education in the fine arts in Finland. The
Academy of Fine Arts is part of the Univer-
sity of the Arts Helsinki; the operation of the
University of the Arts began with the merger of
the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, the Theatre
Academy Helsinki and the Sibelius Academy
on the 1st of January 2013.
Studies leading to the Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees are provided by the study
programmes of Sculpture, Painting, Printmak-
ing and Time and Space Arts (moving image,
photography and site specific arts) study
programmes. In addition to these, a new two- year Master’s programme ‘Praxis – Exhibition
Studies’ was initiated in the autumn of 2012.
It offers education focusing on art theory and
methods of presenting and mediating art and
leads to a Master of Fine Arts degree.
The Academy’s curriculum, which emphasis-
es individuality, and its small number of stu-
dents (ca 270) offer the students a unique oppor-
tunity to get long-span personal study guidance
and a chance for independent work during their
studies. The teachers of the Academy are activeartists, who carry out their artistic work along-
side their teaching and thus maintain a living
contact with the field of fine arts.
The studies leading to the Bachelor of Fine
Arts degree (lower university degree) aim to
provide the student with the artistic, cogni-
tive and theoretical basic abilities and skills
required from a visual artist. After completing
their degree, the students have the resources
they need to work as visual artists and to carry
on to the studies leading to a Master’s degree
and lifelong learning.
The Master of Fine Arts degree (higher
university degree) aims to offer the students
the resources to function as an independent
and analytical artist in society and the world.
Masters of Fine Arts have a thorough com-
mand of the instruments of fine arts and an
understanding of the current significance and
history of those instruments. They are qual-
ified to act as experts and developers of fine
arts and are ready to continue to postgraduate
education in art.
The objective of the Doctor of Fine Arts de-gree (postgraduate degree) is that the students
have a profound understanding of their own
field of interest and achieve the qualifications
needed to create high-level, artistically mature
work and that they are able to carry out inde-
pendent, innovative research in their own field.
There are three separate admission proce-
dures for the Academy of Fine Arts. In the Main
admission procedure, students are selected to
complete the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees,
which total in 5.5 years of study. In the Academyof Fine Arts’ Master’s admissions, students are
selected to complete the two-year programme
leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree.
Applicants with a lower university degree or
equivalent competence are eligible to apply in
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
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the Master’s admission procedure. Students who have completed a higher university degree
in an applicable field or hold an equivalent com-
petence are eligible to apply for the four-year
Postgraduate Studies Programme leading to the
Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
The Academy of Fine Arts does not organise
a separate international admissions procedure
or studies in foreign languages; nevertheless,
international students make up approximately
15 per cent of the student body, with both degree
students and exchange students represented. Asa student of the Academy of Fine Arts, you can
pursue international experience by, for instance,
completing a part of the study programme’s
study requirements at one of the Academy’s
international partner universities.
The Academy of Fine Arts works in acticooperation with other institutions in the fi
both within the study programmes and as
part of the Academy’s exhibition activities.
Every year, the Academy of Fine Arts hosts
great number of international visiting lectu
ers, teachers and exhibitions. Studio flats in
Berlin and New York City are also available
students’ use.
In 2015, the maximum number of new
basic degree students to be accepted for
study at the Academy of Fine Arts will be(the total number of students accepted in
Main and Master’s admissions procedure
There will be no student admission proce
dure for Praxis – Master’s Programme of
Exhibition Studies in 2015.
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DEGREE
It is possible to complete the following degrees
at the Academy of Fine Arts: Bachelor of Fine Arts
(KuK/BFA), Master of Fine Arts (KuM/MFA) and Doctor
of Fine Arts (KuT/DFA).
One credit (cr) equates the workload of
approximately 27 hours. The fulltime studies
of one academic year correspond to in average
60 credits. The scope of the BFA degree is 3.5
years of fulltime studying. The MFA degree can
be finished in two years. The DFA degree can be
finished in four years.
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
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The BFA degree aims to provide the student
with the artistic and cognitive abilities and
skills as well as theoretical basic abilities re-
quired for work as an artist. The students who
have completed the degree possess an insight
into the field of the fine arts and a command of
the techniques of sculpture, painting, printmak-
ing or the time and space arts. In addition, the
student will also specialise in one of the fields
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA)
210 credits,
3.5 years
DEGREE STRUCTURE
Basic Studies 40 cr
➜ Orientation 2 cr
➜ Introduction to Study Programmes 20 cr
➜ Art History 10 cr
➜ ICT studies 8 cr
Language Studies 8 cr
Intermediate Studies 162 cr
➜ Major Subject Compulsory Studies 45 cr
➜ Independent Studio Work 30 cr
➜ Theoretical Studies: Art in Contemporary
Society I 17 cr
➜ Drawing and Perception 10 cr
➜ Elective Studies 50 cr
➜ Bachelor’s Thesis 10 cr
of fine arts mentioned above. These qualifica-
tions will enable the student to keep abreast of
the development of fine arts as well as apply
the knowledge and skills they have gathered to
their work. Completion of the BFA degree also
offers the students suitable qualifications for
the studies leading to a Master’s degree and
for lifelong learning. It also provides them with
good communication and language skills.
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The MFA degree aims to offer the student re-
sources for acting as independent and analytical
artist in society and the world. The Masters of
Fine Arts have profound command of the artistic
media and understand their contemporary signif-
icance as well as their history. They can set goals
and objectives for themselves and are qualified to
act as experts and developers of fine arts. In ad-
dition, they have the necessary qualifications for
postgraduate studies in fine arts as well as goodcommunication and language skills.
MASTER OF FINE ARTS (MF
120 cred
2 ye
DEGREE STRUCTURE
Advanced studies 120 cr
➜ Artistic Studies: Critical Studies
and Practice 50 – 60 cr
➜ Theoretical Studies: Art in
Contemporary Society II 20 – 30 cr
➜ Master’s Thesis 40 cr
If the student has not completed the lan-
guage studies required for the Bachelor ofFine Arts degree at an earlier stage,
he/she must complete them in addition to
the Advanced studies (120 study credits)
described above.
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12
The aim of doctoral studies is for the student
to have a profound understanding of their own
field and the capacity to produce high-quality
work that demonstrates their artistic maturity,
and engage in independent, innovative artistic
research in the field of their choice. Studies fol-
low a personal research and study plan, which
is drawn up together with the professor in
charge and the student’s personal supervisor.
The minimum extent of the doctoral stud-
ies is 240 study credits (ECTS). The educa-
tion is intended to be completed in four (4)
years, which presumes fulltime dedication to
the work.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS(240 CR.)
Doctoral thesis in Fine Art 170 cr
Postgraduate studies in Fine Arts 70 cr
Research seminars
➜ Working seminars 18 cr
➜ Essay seminars 18 cr
➜ Theory seminars 18 cr
Symposium 7 cr
Alternative studies 9 cr
Doctoral thesis in the Finnish Academy of
Fine Arts consist of a visual art production
DOCTOR OF FINE ARTS (DFA)
240 credits,
4 years
component and a theoretical written compo-
nent. A thesis can also be entirely theoretical.
The production component comprises
one or more demanding visual art produc-
tions that demonstrate the author’s artistic
maturity. The productions are presented or
performed publicly. Exhibition curating is also
accepted as a production component.
The theoretical component is an inde-
pendently prepared work, published as a book
or in some other format (e.g. electronically),
which has not been published earlier in its
entirety. The theoretical component can be a
monograph or it can consist of several publi-
cations or manuscripts accepted for publica-
tion (cf. integrated article thesis). The texts
must be part of the same thematic whole and
satisfy the quality criteria for doctoral the-
ses. In the theoretical component, the authoranalyses his/her own artistic practice and/
or produces new knowledge on the research
topic by means of some other practice-based
method.
The application period for studies starting
in autumn 2015 was 1.9.-13.10.2014.
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TEACHING STAF
The teaching staff of the Academy ofFine Arts is composed of distinguished
artist-teachers who are actively involved in
expert and reviewer responsibilities both in
Finland and internationally.
Tuition at the Academy of Fine Arts is
based on the realisation that constant change
affects contemporary art and the essence of
artistic work, influenced both by domestic
and international factors. The teachers at the
Academy work as professional artists and are
actively involved in the field of art and conveytheir experiences to the students.
Tuition at the Academy of Fine Arts ac-
centuates individual, one-to-one instruction
that takes place in the student’s studio and in
the common studio and work facilities. In the
student’s own study programme, each stuis appointed a tutoring teacher, who keeps
close eye on the student.
The instruction at the Academy is comp
mented by the expertise of its visiting pro-
fessors, both Finnish and international. Th
visiting teaching staff hosts thematic work
shops and special courses and their instruc
offers the students opportunities for expan
their technical skills. Visiting teachers can
take on responsibilities of thesis supervisor
examiners and experts.Through their expertise and profession
networks, the teaching staff is able to intro
the students to the field of fine arts in Finla
and internationally and also offers an excel
professional basis for working as an artist.
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STUDY PROGRAMME
The studies leading to the Bachelor’s
and Master’s degrees are organised in
study programmes. The programmes focus on
specific disciplines of fine arts requiring
artistic talent and expertise and seek to
develop these further. The Academy offersstudy programmes in Sculpture, Painting,
Printmaking and Time and Space arts.
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SCULPTURE
The study programme in Sculptureexamines the use of three-dimensional
space in artistic work. Studies are founded on
hands-on work and keeping the traditions of
sculpture alive. The focus is also on the com-
mand of various approaches in contemporary
sculpture, an in-depth understanding of the
techniques available and utilising these in the
student’s own artistic work
The instruction in the Sculpture study
programme contains, in addition to installa-
tions and works of art located in galleries or
museums, the exploration of time, space and
situation specific processes. Furthermore,
the programme emphasizes understanding
of public space and works placed in publicspaces.
The main emphasis of the studies is in
the independent artistic work of the student,
advised through discussions, critique sessions
and seminar work. The objectives of independ-
ent artistic work are to support the expression
and concepts of the student and the develop-
ment of creative problem solving abilities.
Thematic lectures in sculpture as well as art-
ist-led projects and workshops organised both in
Finland and abroad contribute to the studies on
the basics of artistic tools and methods, intended
for all students, introducing the materials, tech-
niques and working methods in sculpture.
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PAINTI
The study programme in Painting has
two professors and three lecturers and a
number of highly professional visiting teachers who are recognised artists. The contents of the
workshops, studio visits and study trips reflect
the perspectives of the teaching staff as well
as the fields of art of their expertise. In other
words, no ‘philosopher’s stone’ can be offered on
the contents of contemporary painting; instead,
they reflect the artists’ cultured and varied
insights. A common denominator can be found
in the background of the individual themes in
the form of the general features of contempo-
rary art, such as its site-specificity and interpre-
tation of the works of art in the framework of
society and the theories from different scientific
disciplines. Painting, furthermore, has a much
longer history than, for example, moving image,
and this is visible in the instruction in the great
number of points of comparison brought up
the history of art.
The instruction in the study programme Painting focuses, alongside other themes, on
individual interests of the Professors of the s
programme, Tarja Pitkänen-Walter and Silja
Rantanen. Tarja Pitkänen-Walter approache
painting as an action and a process; the mate
qualities of the painting, multisensory percep
and the extended field of painting. She addre
these themes in her doctoral thesis in Fine A
‘Liian haurasta kuvaksi’ (2006). Tarja Pitkä-
nen-Walter organises study modules related
these themes. The courses include visitor lec
tures by both Finnish and international expe
in the field and international study visits are
organised under these themes.
Silja Rantanen’s interests lie in the histo
of art, composition and the importance of f
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in contemporary art; i.e., the visual character-
istics of works with conceptual meaning and
how their visual structures express meaning.
She discusses these topics in her doctoral
thesis in Fine Arts (‘Ulos sulkeista – Nykytait-
een teosmuotojen tulkintaa’) to be reviewed in
November 2014. In her lectures, Silja Rantanen
interprets works by modern and contemporary
artist from the artist’s perspective. The goal is
to introduce culture to students of painting in
its broad, general sense, without restricting theperspective into artistic or intellectual moulds.
Lecturer Harri Monni’s theme, extending
over a number of years, is the connection
between the imagery and material aspects
of moving image and painting and its theory.
In his study modules, Harri Monni further
explores the concept of painting by drawing
parallels between it and other methods of
expression, such as printmaking and written
texts and examines the influence of perfor-
mance practices in new painting.Lecturer Päivi Takala’s instruction focuses
around the analysis on the language of painting.
She addresses the basic elements of painting,
including the surface and visual representations
on the basis of art history, yet constantly search-
es for new perspectives. Ms Takala’s instruction
emphasises painting as a way of thinking; the
actual artistic work in ‘painting’ can take place
using any medium available.
In other words, tuition in the study pro-
gramme has constant connections to other
fields and disciplines in the arts as does con-
temporary painting. The instruction aims at
extending the students’ views on what painting
could be, what it might mean and all the ways in
which it is connected to all those things that arenot painting. Regardless of the research inter-
ests of the professors and lectures in the study
programme, instruction in Painting is not, for
the main part, theoretical: the primary focus is
on seminars, where student works are discussed
in small groups every week, and the importance
of independent artistic work is considered the
to be the first and foremost priority, including
studio work and teachers – renowned artists
– visiting the studios. Instruction in the study
module of Material Studies, organised by Lec-turer Malla Tallgren, is renowned for its high
quality. Ms. Tallgren has modified the contents
of Material Studies and improved its standards
substantially over the years to comply with the
requirements set for comprehensive painting.
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PRINTMAKIN
The instruction in the Printmaking
study programme explores the methodsof print media, printmaking, in relation to its
tradition, reinterpretations and its significance
as a part of contemporary art.
The processes of artistic activities are
approached as an attitude and outlook that take
into consideration the duality of the art of print-
making. The printing block and the imprint cre-
ated are both present in the process. Tradition-
ally, the imprint has referred to a paper print,
but in contemporary printmaking it can refer to
various other forms. The duality of the approach
also results in new practices of contemporary
art in the exhibition of printmaking, such as
installations, animations and experimental film.
A major part of the studies is made up of th
student’s own individual artistic work, with interaction between the student and teache
and personal discussions as essential featur
The objective is to develop the student’s own
vision in such a manner that the expression
control of the method, not vice versa.
The purpose of the study programme o
Printmaking is to provide the student with
comprehensive skills and knowledge of the
expressive possibilities, various methods an
material basics of printmaking. Students ar
challenged to seek their own artistic solutio
and expressions. Exhibition visits, lectures
artist introductions, meetings with critics a
studio visits are all part of the instruction.
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The instruction in the study programme
of Time and Space Arts focuses on the
spatial, conceptual and bodily dimensions of ar-
tistic activities. The starting point is that art is,
by nature, processes and events. The Time and
Space Arts have a tendency to reach outwards
and they contain the element of constant explo-
ration and experiments. The artistic work has
strong connections to media and visual culture
and to the extending field of the fine arts, in
which the artist’s role can take many forms.
The student can place emphasis on one of
the three specialisations of the study pro-
gramme: Moving Image, Photography, or
Site and Situation Specific Art. The objective
of this study programme is to provide the
students with a thorough understanding ofthese fields of art as well as provide insight to
the manners in which they are interconnected
and linked to the general history and theory
of art. Instruction in the Time and Space Arts
is composed of courses, workshops, seminars
and independent artistic work supported and
monitored during individual contact sessions
of instruction. In addition to the permanent
teaching staff, instruction is given by a num-
ber of visiting artists.
Students are encouraged to find their ownapproach and to experiment with new methods
of expression as well as to explore the possibili-
ties that time, space and installations offer. The
work can also have performative, inclusive and
social elements. The final work of art can take
TIME AND SPACE ARTS
the form of an intervention, installation, perfor-
mance or a video, photography or audio work,
among other possibilities. The objective of the
work is to render the sensitivity of observationand develop critical thinking. Through practice
and theory, students are encouraged to find
their own strengths, methods and contents of
their artistic work. This is a way to promote
the students’ artistic work and thinking.
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General studies provide the students withan opportunity to explore questions that
are important to their individual artistic work.
Art Theory and General Studies are com-
posed of instruction in art history and art the-
ory, drawing and perception and the studies in
the ‘As an artist in society’ study module. The
Centre of General Studies is also responsible
for the instruction in the autumn term of the
first study year and the language studies and
information and communication technology
studies included in the degrees.
The objective of the instruction is to pro-
vide the student with the conceptual tools of
understanding the various fields and working
ART THEORY AND GENERAL STUDI
methods in the contemporary arts. A com-mand of the history and theory of contem-
porary art is a prerequisite for being able t
examine not only current art trends but als
the contemporary world in a broad, indepe
ent and critical manner.
Instruction in Art Theory and General
Studies opens up connections and builds br
es between various matters and perspectiv
The instruction deals with a diversity of qu
tions connected to art history and philosop
Attention is also paid to points such as pra
ing written skills and understanding the wa
in which the art world functions, both essen
to professional work as an artist.
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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22
PRAXIS – MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN
EXHIBITION STUDIES
The Praxis Master’s
Programme is targeted
at artists who have an
interest in curating art
exhibitions and students
of theoretical disciplines
interested in the exhibition
practices of contemporary
art. The students who
complete the programme will
graduate with a Master of
Fine Arts degree.
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OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
The Praxis Master’s Programme in Exhibition
Studies provides students with tools needed
for exhibiting art in different contexts and for
understanding an exhibition as a medium in
its own right. The programme explores the
ever-changing contents of the artist’s profes-
sion and the artist as a curator or a member of
the exhibition team. The programme provides
the students with the theoretical and practical
abilities needed for discussing art and for the
methods of presenting and mediating art.
The students gain knowledge of the differ-
ent aspects of the theory of contemporary art,
writing about art and organising art exhibi-
tions in practice. The Praxis Master’s Pro-
gramme addresses the many contexts where
curators work in the field of contemporary art.
The objective is to offer the students new kindsof possibilities for professional opportunities.
The contents of instruction take into accou
the increasing need of artists and other exp
in the field of the arts to participate in work
opportunities and discussions in their field
both in Finland and internationally. An add
tional purpose of the Master’s Programme
promote the realisation of student exhibitio
and artistic projects and to establish conta
in the field of fine arts – both with institutio
and parties in the ‘free field’ of arts.
The programme works in cooperation
with museums and other exhibition venu
various art institutions, arts and science
versities in Finland and abroad and organ
tions in the field.
The language of instruction of the Praxis
Master’s Programme is Finnish.
There is no student admission for PraxisMaster’s programme in 2015.
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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24
DOCTORAL STUDIES PROGRAMME
Since 1997 it has been possible to com-plete a postgraduate degree, Doctor of
Fine Arts (DFA), at the Finnish Academy of
Fine Arts. The doctoral studies at the Finnish
Academy of Fine Arts are coordinated by the
Doctoral Studies Programme.
Students in the Doctoral Studies Pro-
gramme are experts in their own field, artists
whose work is characterised by a research-ori-
ented approach. Their approach to their own
language of expression is labelled by awareness
and they aspire to analyse and develop theoperational methods and strategies connected
to artistic work.
The objective of the doctoral studies is to
provide the students with in-depth expertise
for research in the fine arts and its significance
in society. The goal is for the student to attain theabilities needed in order to complete top quality
works of art that reflect artistic maturity and to be
able not only to work independently in the field in
question, but also to apply the methods of artistic
research in the development of the field.
CONTACT INFORMATION
➜ Professor (100%) Anita Seppä,
➜ Professor (50%) Jan Kaila, [email protected]
➜ Research Coordinator Michaela Bränn,
tel. +358-40-631 3553, [email protected]
➜ Study Coordinator Henri Wegelius,
tel. +358-45-6578656, [email protected]
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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A dmi s si on s 2 01 5
A p
pli c a ti on p eri o d 7.–27.1.2 01 5
A p pli c a ti on p
eri o d 7.–27.1.2 01 5
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MAIN ADMISSIO2015 BACHELO
AND MASTER OFINE ART
The students admitted in the
Main admission are accepted
for studies leading to the
Master of Fine Arts degree,
taking a total of 5.5 years
and including the Bachelor
of Fine Arts degree. Thestudy programme is chosen
after being admitted to the
Academy, during the first
year of studies.
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ADMISSION CRITERIA
An applicant who demonstrates talent in fine
arts and has an eligible educational background
can be accepted to the Academy of Fine Arts
to pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and
carry on to the Master of Fine Arts degree.
The following degrees make an applicant eligi-
ble to apply to the Academy, as indicated by the
Universities Act (558/2009, 37§): matriculation
examination, a polytechnic Bachelor’s degree,
a higher vocational qualification, a vocational
upper secondary qualification, a vocational
qualification awarded on the completion of
education of at least three years in duration
or a foreign education entitling the applicant
to apply for equivalent university studies. The
Academy can also decide to accept an appli-
cant without a degree if the Academy deems
the applicant to possess suitable cognitive and
practical skills for the studies.
The artistic abilities expressed by the appli-
cant, the basis for admission in addition to
the eligible background studies, are examined
through the work samples the applicant pre-
sents and the work he/she demonstrates at theadmission course.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE
The basic degree student admission procedure
of the Academy of Fine Arts is conducted by
the Admission Board and the admission juries,
made up of professors and Lecturers of the
Academy together with student representatives.
The composition of these organs varies from
year to year. Members can also be invited fromoutside the Academy for the admission juries.
The admission procedure for the regular
admission is divided into two phases. The
admission jury for main admission chooses
(in the first phase) the applicants to be invited
to the admission course, based on the work
samples and the applications and their appen-
dices submitted by the applicants. After the
admission course, the admission jury selects
(in the second phase), the applicants it willpropose to the Admission Board, based on
the work samples and the work demonstrated
by the student at the admission course. The
Admission Board then makes the final proposi-
tion to the Dean on who should be selected as
students for the basic degrees, and the Dean
then approves the new students to be admitted
at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Points are not issued for the work samples or
the work during the admission course.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The Main Admission of Academy of Fine Arts are
organised as a part of the nation-wide Joint Applica-
tion to Universities.
FIRST PHASE
1. Fill out and submit the
electronic application form at
www.studyinfo.fi. Print out a paper
copy of your electronic application
form. The application period begins
on 7 January 2015 and ends on 27
January 2015 at 3 pm Finnish time.
If for some reason you cannot fill out the electronic appli-
cation form on the online service, you can request a paper
copy of the form from the Academy of Fine Arts by phone
+358-45-1393624 or by mail (Academy of Fine Arts P.O. Box
10. FI-00097 UNIARTS, indicate ‘Order for application form’
on the envelope) or by e-mail [email protected]
(write “application form order” to the subject field). Indicate
your name, specific postal address and your telephone
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number with the order. The paper copy of the application
form shall be submitted to the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts,
no later than 3 pm Finnish time on 27 January 2015.
2. Submit separately during
the period of 20–21 April 2015:
➜ A paper copy of the electronic
application form
➜ The original work samples (no more than
five, more detailed instructions below)
And the following appendices to the
application:
➜ Description form for the work samples (you
can print out a copy of this form on the
student admissions site of the University of
the Arts Helsinki, www.uniarts.fi.)
➜ A short motivational letter, in which you
describe why you wish to study at the
Academy of Fine Arts and what you expect
from the studies.
NB! You do not need to submit copies of any
certificates at this stage. In the Academy of
Fine Arts Main Admission only those appli-
cants who get accepted to second phase/invitedto the admission course have to deliver certif-
icate copies. Applicants who get invited to the
admission course are to bring the certificate
copies with them to the admission course.
Please note! Check the exact delivery
address and delivery times for the work
samples and appendices on the student
admissions site of the University of the Arts
Helsinki www.uniarts.fi
If you submit your work samples by post, they must
arrive at the address indicated by the Academy of Fine
Arts no later than 4:15 pm (Finnish time) on Tuesday 21
April. A postal stamp of that date will not suffice. Should
the work samples be sent by post or using a courier
service, the sender must see to it that the work samples
are delivered at the address provide by the Academy
of Fine Arts (home delivery). The Academy of Fine A
will not pay the postage due if home delivery has no
been paid for. You must indicate “Main admission” on
envelope/package of any work samples sent by pos
courier service.
Please note! Applications or parts thereof sen
e-mail will not be processed.
WORK SAMPLES
The artworks must express the applicant’
aspirations in fine arts. You must include
original artworks to allow the admission ju
to get the best possible feeling of and insig
into the works
You can submit up to five (5) works. The w
can be drawings, paintings, sculptures, prin
and works of photography, video, conceptu
media art. Do not send images of your work
send the original works. Only submit movin
image in digital format!
Mark your name on every work and deta
your work samples on the separate descr
tion form for the sample works. (You can
print out a copy of this form on the stude
admissions site of the University of the A
Helsinki www.uniarts.fi)
MOVING IMAGE / VIDEOS
Edit your material so that the length of all
your works does not exceed three minutes
and that all the works can be viewed on a
single device.
The accepted format for moving image/vid
works is:
➜ A digital file, in H264 compression,
saved on a USB device.
Please make sure that there is no material s
on the USB device other than your work sam
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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Please note! The applicant’s name must be
clearly indicated on the USB flash drive; other
required information about the work (name of
the applicant, completion date, running time,
participants and any other important informa-
tion) can be recorded on a separate documentthat the applicant encloses with the form
listing the sample works.
MULTIMEDIA AND ONLINE WORKS
Edit demos of these works in moving image.
The total length of all the moving image works
must not exceed three minutes.
LARGE INSTALLATIONS AND OTHERTHREE-DIMENSIONAL WORKS
The works must be original artworks. If you
decide to present printouts of large-scale instal-
lations or other three-dimensional work, the
maximum number of printouts is 10 (this does
not affect the maximum number of 5 works).
Make sure you note the number of works and
the number of printouts on the description form
for the sample works. Every printout must indi-
cate the name of author and the title of work.
HOMEPAGES
The admission jury will not have the opportuni-
ty to look at the applicants’ homepages.
INSURING THE ARTWORKS
The Academy is not responsible for the sample
works and will not insure them. The Academy
is not liable for any possible damage to the works. If you want to insure your work, you
must do it at your own expense.
RETURNING OF THE WORK SAMPLES
If you are not accepted to the second phase
(admission course), you must collect your sam-
ple works after the names of the invitees are
published (check the address and times on the
student admissions site of the University of the Arts Helsinki, www.uniarts.fi).
Applicants invited to the second phase/admis-
sion course will collect their sample works and
art works done during the admission course
only after the final results of the student admis-
sion are published (check the address and dates
and times on the student admissions site of the
University of the Arts Helsinki, www.uniarts.fi).
If you wish the Academy to mail the works
back to you, you must state so in your form
for the artworks. You are responsible for the
postage (include a sufficient number of stamps
in the original delivery). If the works are de-
livered by airmail to the Academy, they must
be packed so that the original package can be
reused for mailing the works back. Otherwise
the Academy will charge you with the packag-
ing costs (€20/package).
If it is not possible to include postage for re-
turning the works samples, the return freight
must be paid, in advance, to the bank account
of the University of the Arts Helsinki:
Paid to: Taideyliopisto
Bank details: FI16 1745 3000 1578 77
BIC/SWIFT: NDEAFIHH
Reference code: 15354.
An invoice or other means of proof of the com-
pleted bank transfer must be included with the work samples.
The work samples will be returned in June,
after the student admission results have been
published.
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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The Academy cannot store the works. Any
uncollected works or works without sufficient
reply postage will be destroyed. Check the last
returning date and address on the student
admissions site of the University of the Arts
Helsinki, www.uniarts.fi.
SECOND PHASE
ADMISSION COURSE
Information about those accepted into the next
phase/invited to the Admission course will be
published on Monday 11 May 2015 on the out
door of Academy of Fine Arts (Elimäenkatu 25
A, Helsinki, Finland) and on the student admis-
sions site of the University of the Arts Helsinki
(www.uniarts.fi) for those applicants who have
authorised the publication of their name on the
website. The applicants selected for the Admis-
sion course will also be sent an invitation to the
course by e-mail and by post. Other applicants
will not receive an e-mail/ letter informing
them of the matter.
The admission course will begin on Monday
18 May 2015 and end on Saturday 23 May
2015. It is an all-day course with working
hours usually from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
The attendants must bring the equipment they
need (drawing and painting equipment at the
minimum). There may be a small fee for the
course arrangements and additional materials.
During the admission course the attendantsare given assignments, whose nature and con-
tent change yearly. (You will find examples of
Admission course assignments below).
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
If the applicant requires special arrangemen
the entrance examination because of a senso
or physical disability or other correspondin
reason, he or she must get in touch with th
Academy of Fine arts Admissions Office bethe end of the application period. To clarify
for the need of special arrangements and th
nature of the disability or other condition, t
applicant must submit a medical certificate
by a specialist or other corresponding expe
statement to the Academy of Fine arts Ad-
missions Office. To verify a case of dyslexia
statement by a special needs teacher, psych
gist, or a speech pathologist is sufficient. A
cision by the Matriculation Examination B
about special arrangements is also sufficien
verify the need for special arrangements.
ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS
Names of the new students admitted to U
versity of the Arts Helsinki will be publish
on 3 June 2015. Names of the new student
the Academy of Fine Arts will be published
the out door of Academy of Fine Arts (Elim
katu 25 A, Helsinki, Finland) and on the stuadmissions site of the University of the Arts
Helsinki (www.uniarts.fi) for those applicant
who have authorised the publication of their
name on the website. After this, you can also
enquire about results of the student admissio
procedure by phone, by calling +358-45-139-3
All accepted students will also be sent a no
fication of receiving the study place by post
Other applicants will not receive an e-mail/
letter informing them of the matter.
APPEALS
In case an applicant is not satisfied with th
results of the student selection, she/he may
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32
appeal in writing to the Dean of the Academy
of Fine Arts within 14 days of the announcing
of the results of the admission procedure.
ACCEPTING THE STUDYPLACE
You can accept a study place using the Study-
info service, or with the notification included in
the letter of acceptance; the latter must be sub-
mitted to the Student Admissions Service of
the University of the Arts Helsinki. The study
place must be accepted no later than 15 July
2015 by 3 pm Finnish time. More information
is available at: www.studyinfo.fi. The contact
information and opening hours of the Student
Admission Service of the University of the Arts
Helsinki for the summer of 2015 will be posted
together with the admissions procedure results
at the University of the Arts Helsinki’s student
admissions site at www.uniarts.fi.
Notifications that arrive after the deadline will
not be considered. The notification regarding
accepting a study place is binding and cannot
be changed or cancelled.
A student may, at any given time, have only
one right to pursue a degree at the University.
When a student accepts a new right to pursue
a degree at the University of Arts Helsinki, he
or she forfeits any prior study right at the Uni-
versity of the Arts Helsinki. Only for a special
reason may the Rector grant an exception to
the rule for one study place. (University of the
Arts Helsinki Education guidelines, Article 13).
The application for the exception is to besubmitted together with the application. If
necessary, contact the Head of Study Affairs of
the University of the Arts Helsinki. This rules
is only applicable for study rights granted after
1 August 2014.
ONE-PLACE-PER-STUDENTPROVISION
An applicant may accept only one study
place in one main subject leading to a higher
education degree during any one semester
(this provision is for those admissions pro-cedures that are part of the Finnish Joint Ap-
plication to Universities; the Main Admission
to the Academy of Fine Arts is a part of the
Joint Application to Universities). A semes-
ter is defined as either the autumn semester
or the spring semester, the autumn semester
starting 1 August and ending 31 December
and the spring semester starting 1 January
and ending 31 July (The Universities Act,
Section 38).
ENROLMENT FOR THEFIRST YEAR
The enrolment instructions are sent to new
students together with the material on being
accepted to study. During the first academ-
ic year, it is possible to enrol as an absent
student only with permission granted by the
university. Enrolment as an absent student
for the first year is possible only under certaincircumstances, such as compulsory or vol-
untary military service; maternity, paternity
or parental leave; illness or other compelling
circumstances (study at another educational
institution or abroad does not qualify). The
right to be absent must be applied for in writ-
ing from no later than 15 July 2015.
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ADMISSION COURSE ASSIGNMENTS 2007–2014
2007
The written assignment ”What I Saw” is com-pulsory and carried out on Tuesday. Choose two
or three other assignments and carry them out
during the admission course. You can make one
or more works on each assignment you choose.
1. What I Saw. Two short films are screened a
couple of times on Tuesday. Write a commentary
on what you saw. The assignment is compulsory.
2. Something Familiar, Something Strange.
Begin the assignment by visiting the nearby
cemetery and beach. Treat your experience
with the title in mind. The technique and mate-
rial are free.
3. Yesterday – Now – Tomorrow. Carry out
the theme in two works that interpret the title
in different ways. Both works can consist of one
or more parts.
4. Colour. Make a work that analyses colour.Use a disposable camera and integrate one or
more photographs into the work.
5. From Material To Image. Interpret sensa-
tion freely with the materials and technique of
your choice.
2008
1. Man and Space
2. Hernesaari
3. Dialogue
4. Nature Morte
The participants are asked to complete wo
about the themes below. The amount and t
medium are free. However, there must be o
work, where you have used painting or dra
medium, one work done by using photo or v
eo and one three-dimensional work (sculptinstallation/performance).
Advance assignment: Why do I want to bec
artist? Max one A4 sheet.
2009
1. Approaching painting. Consider the es-
sence of painting.
2. Create/mark/point out a space or reac
a space. You are free to explain your soluti
If the space is physical, it must be situated
the Kaikukatu 4 facilities. Present the docu
mentation if the space is somewhere else.
3. Use the text enclosed as starting point
an art piece/art pieces. The participants a
required to carry out at least one work for
assignment. You can also choose to make se
eral works for an assignment. The techniquand the medium are free.
2010
1. Surprising combination. Combine two
things normally not associated with each ot
They can be things of whatever status: cha
acteristics of form, concrete things or abst
phenomena. To elaborate: “density” refers
form, a “French horn” is a concrete thing a
“xenophobia” is an abstract phenomenon. Tdistinctions are not clear-cut. A “tulip” and
“fare- well” are concrete things but a “tulip
more concrete than a “farewell”. yet a “fare
well” is less abstract than “xenophobia”. Sa
ness can be formal, concrete or abstract.
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t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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34
You can combine things of the same or differ-
ent level, for example an “outcast” with “Fri-
day” or “angular” with “moist”.
Here are some examples from poetry. One of
Saila Susiluoto’s poems is called “Rooms of water”. Juhana Vähänen poses the question:
What is the equivalent of “rocket launcher” in
my everyday surroundings? Karri Kokko has
come up with new compound words: a rose
loan/moose fingers/scream granny/carousel
rust/fixed beast/abstinencetrap.
This exercise measures the ability to associate.
In the assessment attention will be paid to how
unexpected the combination is and on how
interesting the results of the comparison are.
Creating is about making unexpected compar-
isons. Show your ability to create something
new by juxtaposing old things.
2. Define place/space and your
relationship to it.
3. Following theme in a freely
chosen method:
blackwhite black – white
black, white
black-white
black/white
Even the smallest thing can change the mean-
ing of the whole, e.g. punctuation in the above.
Visualize something that depicts different
relations and proportions.
4. Your take on society as an artwork.
2011
1. Viivana – Online
2. Light
3. Here
Complete works on at least two (of the afore-
mentioned) themes. use at least two techniques
that you can choose freely. At least one of the
works must be a drawing.
2012
1. Draw. Freely chosen tool.
2. Recognize the method you use. Choose one
of your work samples and do it some other way
(with regard to the method, atmosphere, etc.).
3. Create a connection. The teachers in the
admission jury will provide more detailed
instructions for this assignment orally.
2013
During the admission course, carry out 1–3
of the following assignments. Free choice of
medium.
1. Look around
2. A change
3. About sensing
2014
During the admission course, carry out series
of works about 1–3 of the following topics
1. Look around you
2. Change
3. Draw (Free choice of medium)
4. Surprising combination
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M a
i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
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M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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A dmi s si on s 2 01 5
A p
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A p pli c a ti on p
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MASTER’S ADMISSION 201MASTER OF FINE ART
ADMISSION CRITERIA
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
The following degrees make an applicant
eligible to apply for studies leading only to
Master of Fine Arts degree: an eligible Bac
lor’s degree, an eligible polytechnic Bachelo
degree or an eligible foreign education enti
the applicant to apply for equivalent univer
studies. The Academy can also decide to ac
cept applicants without a degree if they dee
the applicant to possess suitable cognitive
practical skills for the studies. The Academ
can require a person accepted as a student
to augment their qualifications to acquire t
skills necessary for the MFA studies.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND ELIGIBFOR THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS,MASTER’S ADMISSION
➜ Bachelor of Fine Arts degree awarded f
a Finnish or foreign university
➜ Polytechnic Bachelor’s degree in arts
The Academy assesses the adequateness o
other cognitive and practical skills individu
In the Master’s Admission procedure, the
criteria are, in addition to the completion o
the eligible education indicated above, the
artistic abilities demonstrated by the appli
cant and suitability for the Academy of Fin Arts’ studies leading to a Master’s degree.
the first phase, the assessment is based on
application, appendices and portfolio and, i
the second phase, the interview and possib
supplementary demonstrations of work.
In the Master’s admission
you apply for 2-years studies
leading to a Master of Fine
Arts degree (120 cr). The
studies are organised in the
following study programmes:
Painting, Sculpture,
Printmaking and Time and SpaceArts. In Time and Space Arts,
you can specialise either
in Moving Image, Site and
Situation Specific Arts,
or Photography.
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ADMISSION PROCEDURE
The student admission procedure for basic stu-
dents of the Academy of Fine Arts is conducted
by the Admission Board and the admission
juries, made up of professors and lecturers of
the Academy together with student representa-tives. Members can also be invited from outside
the Academy for the admission juries.
The admission procedure of the Master’s Ad-
mission is divided into two phases. The Master
admissions jury chooses (in the first phase) the
applicants to be invited to the interview, based
on the applications, portfolios and appendices
submitted by the applicants. After the inter-
views, the admission jury selects (in the second
phase), the applicants it will propose to the
Admission Board, based on the interviews and
possible supplementary demonstrations of
work submitted. The Admission Board makes
the final proposition to the Dean on who should
be selected as students for the basic degrees,
and the Dean then approves the new students
to be admitted at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Points are not issued for the applications,
appendices, portfolios or interviews.
The admission jury can propose an applicant to
be admitted without an interview. The admis-
sion jury may suggest that the applicant be
placed in a study programme different to that
of the applicant’s own preference.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
FIRST PHASE
Applications for the Master’s Programmes
at the Academy of Fine Arts shall be sub-
mitted via the electronic Studyinfo service
(www.studyinfo.fi).
The student must indicate, on the application
form, the study programme for which he/she
is applying (students may apply for only onestudy programme).
1. Fill out and submit the electron-
ic application at www.studyinfo.fi.
You should also print out a paper
copy of the electronic application.
Application period begin 7 January
and ends on 27 January 2015 at 3 pm
Finnish time.
If for some reason you cannot fill out the electronic appli-
cation form on the online service, you can request a paper
copy of the form from the Academy of Fine Arts by phone
+358-45-1393624 or by mail (Academy of Fine Arts P.O. Box
10. FI-00097 UNIARTS, indicate ‘Order for application form’
on the envelope) or by e-mail [email protected]
(write “application form order” to the subject field). Indicate
your name, specific postal address and your telephone
number with the order. The paper copy of the application
form shall be submitted to the Academy of Fine Arts, to-
gether with the appendices and the portfolio/work samples
no later than 3 pm Finnish time on 27 January 2015.
2. Submit the following to theAcademy of Fine Arts no later
than 10 February 2015 at 4.15 pm
Finnish time.
➜ A paper copy of the electronic application.
➜ Portfolio, maximum size A3 (detailed
instructions below)
And the following appendices to the
application:
➜ A freely compiled motivational letter, where
you describe your artistic work and explain
why you want to pursue a Master’s degree at
the Academy of Fine Arts. You should also
mention which areas of the studies you find
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most important. The maximum length of the
application is 4 pages (A4, spacing 1.5).
➜ CV (including personal information,
education, work experience, exhibitions,
publications, awards, grants and study trips).
➜ Copies of certificates of completed artstudies and any other certificates to
which you wish to refer. Also an account
of the structure and content of the BFA
Polytechnic Bachelor’s degree studies from
the institute awarding the degree if the
information is not set out on the certificate.
Delivery addresses:
Post Address: Academy of Fine Arts P.O. Box 10.
FI-00097 UNIARTS.
Visiting address: If you submit your application and portfolio
personally or send them using a courier service, use the
visiting address: Academy of Fine Arts, Elimäenkatu 25 A,
00510 Helsinki, Finland.
Should you submit the portfolio and appendices by post,
make sure that they arrive at the Academy of Fine Arts no
later than 4:15 pm (Finnish time) on 10 February 2015 – a
postal stamp of that date does not suffice! Late applica-
tions/ portfolios will not be processed. The Academy of
Fine Arts will not pay the postage due for applications/ ap-
pendices/portfolios with insufficient postage. Record the
following on the envelope/package: “Master’s Admission”.
Please note! Applications or thereof sent by e-mail
will not be processed.
PORTFOLIO
Carefully consider what to include in your port-
folio. The size of the portfolio may not exceed A3
paper size. Present your artistic works in you
portfolio – do not deliver original art works to
Academy of Fine Arts.
Only moving image can be submitted in digital
form. Do not present the same work of art in
more than one form.
The name of the artist and the details of the
work must be clearly indicated on the portfo-
lio: name, size, technique and year. If there are
technical tricks related to the presentation/
screening of your works, indicate this clear
connection to the works.
MOVING IMAGE/VIDEOS
Edit the material submitted so that the lenof all of your works does not exceed five mi
utes and that all the works can be viewed o
single device.
The accepted format for moving image/vid
works is:
➜ A digital file, in H264 compression, save
a USB device. Please make sure that th
is no material saved on the USB device
other than your work sample.
Please note! The applicant’s name must be
clearly indicated on the USB flash drive; ot
required information about the work (nam
the applicant, completion date, running tim
participants and any other important infor
tion) can be recorded on a separate docum
that the applicant encloses with the form
listing the sample works.
MULTIMEDIA AND ONLINE WORKS
Edit demos of these works in moving image
The total length of all the moving image wo
must not exceed five minutes.
HOMEPAGES
The admission jury will not have the oppor
ty to look at the applicants’ homepages.
INSURING PORTFOLIOS
The Academy is not responsible for the work
and will not insure them. If you want to insur
your works, you must do so at your own expe
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40
RETURNING THE PORTFOLIO
➜ The portfolios can be picked up from the
Academy of Fine Arts’ information desk,
at the earliest on 18 June 2015, but no later
than 14 August 2015. Check the updated
visiting address and opening hours on thestudent admissions site of the University of
the Arts Helsinki (www.uniarts.fi).
➜ If you want your portfolio returned by mail,
you must include a postage-paid envelope in
your application. Then the portfolio will be
returned after the application procedure.
Other application documents will not be
returned.
➜ Any uncollected portfolios or portfolios
without sufficient reply postage will be
destroyed after 14 August 2015. The
Academy is not liable for any possible
damage to the works.
SECOND PHASE
INTERVIEWS FOR APPLICANTS INTHE SECOND PHASE
Interviews will be carried out during weeks
14, 15 and 16 in March and April 2015. Infor-
mation about those accepted into the second
phase/invited for an interview will be published
on Friday 13 March 2015 on the out door of
Academy of Fine Arts (Elimäenkatu 25 A,
Helsinki, Finland) and on the student admis-
sions site of the University of the Arts Helsinki
(www.uniarts.fi) for those applicants who have
authorised the publication of their name on
the website. All applicants in the second phaseare also submitted a separate invitation for the
interview by post or e-mail indicating the exact
time and place of the interview. Other appli-
cants will not receive an e-mail/letter inform-
ing them of the matter.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
If the applicant requires special arrangements
at the entrance examination because of a senso-
ry or physical disability or other corresponding
reason, he or she must get in touch with the
Academy of Fine Arts Admissions Office beforethe end of the application period. To clarify for
the need of special arrangements and the nature
of the disability or other condition, the applicant
must submit a medical certificate by a specialist
or other corresponding expert statement to the
Academy of Fine arts Admissions Office. To ver-
ify a case of dyslexia, a statement by a special
needs teacher, psychologist, or a speech patholo-
gist is sufficient. A decision by the Matriculation
Examination Board about special arrangements
is also sufficient to verify the need for special
arrangements.
ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS
Names of the new students admitted
to University of the Arts will be
published on 3 June 2015.
Names of the new students of the Academy of
Fine Arts Helsinki will be published on the out
door of Academy of Fine Arts (Elimäenkatu 25 A, Helsinki, Finland) and on the student admis-
sions site of the University of the Arts Helsinki
(www.uniarts.fi) for those applicants who have
authorised the publication of their name on the
website. After this, you can also enquire about
results of the student admission procedure by
phone, by calling +358-45-1393624. All accept-
ed students will also be sent a notification of
receiving the study place by post. Other appli-
cants will not receive an e-mail/letter inform-
ing them of the matter.
APPEALS
In case an applicant is not satisfied with the
results of the student selection, she/he may
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appeal in writing to the Dean of the Academy
of Fine Arts within 14 days of the announcing
of the results of the admission procedure.
ACCEPTING THE STUDYPLACE
You can accept a study place using the Study-
info service, or with the notification included in
the letter of acceptance; the latter must be sub-
mitted to the Student Admissions Service of
the University of the Arts Helsinki. The study
place must be accepted no later than 15 July
2015 by 3 pm Finnish time. More information
is available at: www.studyinfo.fi. The contact
information and opening hours of the Student
Admission Service of the University of the Arts
Helsinki for the summer of 2015 will be posted
together with the admissions procedure results
at the University of the Arts Helsinki’s student
admissions site at www.uniarts.fi
Notifications that arrive after the deadline will
not be considered. The notification regarding
accepting a study place is binding and cannot
be changed or cancelled.
A student may, at any given time, have only
one right to pursue a degree at the University.
When a student accepts a new right to pursue
a degree at the University of Arts Helsinki, he
or she forfeits any prior study right at the Uni-
versity of the Arts Helsinki. Only for a special
reason may the Rector grant an exception to
the rule for one study place. (University of the
Arts Helsinki Education guidelines, Article 13).
The application for the exception is to besubmitted together with the application. If
necessary, contact the Head of Study Affairs of
the University of the Arts Helsinki. This rules
is only applicable for study rights granted after
1 August 2014.
ENROLMENT FOR THEFIRST YEAR
The enrolment instructions are sent to new
students together with the material on bein
accepted to study. During the first academi
year, it is possible to enrol as an absent stuonly with permission granted by the univer
Enrolment as an absent student for the firs
year is possible only under certain circum-
stances, such as compulsory or voluntary m
itary service; maternity, paternity or paren
leave; illness or other compelling circumsta
es (study at another educational institution
abroad does not qualify). The right to be ab
must be applied for no later than 15 July 20
FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS ABOUT MASTER
ADMISSION
I will get my BFA degree in early
summer. Can I still participate
the Master’s admission of the sam
spring?
Yes, you can. If you are admitted to study, y
will have to submit a copy of your BFA (or
University of Applied Sciences) certificate the Academy of Fine Arts no later than wh
submitting the notification on accepting th
study place, i.e., 15 July 2015.
Do I have to state which courses
intend to take in my motivationa
letter?
You aren’t meant to write a list of courses,
it would be impossible to name them becau
you get the syllabus only at the beginning o
term. Your application should state the thin you feel are important and interest you in
your studies, as well as the things you wan
concentrate on and examine more closely. F
example, do you want to continue in the dir
tion you have chosen or conquer new areas
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M a s t er’ s A d mi
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A p pl i c a t i on p
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42
a regular basis. Even when teaching in English
is not available, it is often possible to complete
courses through independent study. You can
write your essays and exams in English.
Finnish language courses are highly recom-mended for foreign degree students who wish
to acquaint themselves with the Finnish lan-
guage, culture and the country.
How much do studies cost?
There are no tuition fees for degree students
in universities in Finland – education is sub-
sidised by the State through the Ministry of
Education and Culture. This applies also to
the international degree students. The student
unions in universities, however, charge a com-
pulsory annual membership fee. At the Acad-
emy of Fine Arts, the fee is approx. €100 per
academic semester. Student health services are
included in this fee. All students have to pay
for their accommodation and living expenses.
The average monthly living expenses of a single
student vary from €700 to €900. The rents in
student dormitories and residence halls vary
from €300 to €850 per month.
Is there any scholarship programme
for international applicants?
The Academy of Fine Arts does not offer
scholarships for international applicants.
It is highly recommended that you arrange
adequate funding for your entire study period
before leaving your home country.
More information about studying in Finland
Please visit: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/
Are there requirements for the mini-
mum or maximum size of the portfolio?
The portfolio may not be larger than paper size
A3, but the scale of the portfolio is not restricted
in any other way. Please do take into account,
however, that we receive a lot of applications andgoing through the portfolios is a time-consuming
process. Consider how you can use your works
to give the best idea of yourself and the aims you
set out in your informal application. It is also a
question of you deciding what is central in your
work and how you show it. We are also interested
to see where you are as an artist now and how
you intend to continue, and how the portfolio you
enclose in the application backs up these points.
I have a university degree and I
have taken many art courses and
been actively making art for a long
time. Can I participate in the
Master’s admission of the Academy
of Fine Arts?
The specific educational criterion is a BFA
degree or a polytechnic degree with a major in
arts or an equivalent foreign degree. Various
art courses or even other educational insti-
tutes do not usually give sufficient cognitiveand practical skills for studies leading to a
Master’s degree. The best option for you is to
apply for a study place in the main admission,
and if you are admitted to the Academy, have
some of your previous studies accepted as a
part of your BFA.
FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS ABOUT APPLYING
AND ABOUT STUDYING IN ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
Can I study in English?
The Academy of Fine Arts provides several
courses taught in English. Also some of our sem-
inars and lecture series are taught in English on
A c a d em y of F i n e A r
t s
A d mi s si on s 2 0 1 5
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i n A d mi s si on ,
A p
pl i c a t i on p eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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APPLICANTS ANSTUDENTS ACCEPTE
IN THE ACADEMY OF FIN
ARTS 2007–201
*The figures for the 2012 and 2014 Master’s admission do not include the figures for the Praxis Master’s Programme.
**In 2013 there were no admission in Praxis Master’s programme
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Main Admission Master’s Admission
Admitted / Applicants Applicants / Admitted
596
869
863
883
892
1007
441
485
205*
247**
230*
265
241
231
186
16517 (4%)
24 (5.5%)
25 (2.4%)
23 (2.5%)
25 (2.8%)
23 (2.7%)
24 (2.8%)
25 (4.2%)
28 (17%)
21 (11.3%)
20 (8.7%)
22 (9.1%)
20 (7.5%)
21 (9.1%)*
24 (9.7%)**
24 (11.7%)*
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44
SORA LEGISLATION
The new SORA legislation came into effect
on 1 January 2012.
Restrictions on student admission
In order to promote patient and client safety as well as the safety of minors, restrictions will
be applied to student admission starting from the beginning of 2012. Such restrictions will
pertain to the following fields: medicine, dentistry, logopedics, psychology, pharmacy, social
work and teacher education. Admission to the above fields requires that the applicants’ state
of health and ability to function allow them to complete practical tasks and training related
to studies. L imitations related to health or the ability to function are not an impediment to
admission if their effects can be eliminated through reasonable measures such as special
arrangements. In any case, the purpose is not to unnecessarily hinder the access of disabled
persons or persons suffering from physica or mental limitations to education. Restrictions on
student admission will be applied only in cases where it is evident that the applicant can-
not participate in education due to his or her state of health or ability to function. Check for
field-specific restrictions, if any, set by each university. Further information is also available
from the admission services and academic affairs offices of universities.
Please note! The Academy of Fine arts will not apply any of the above mentioned restrictions
to student admissions.
Drug tests during studies and an extract from the criminal records
In certain limited cases, students may be obligated to present a drug test certificate. This
primarily concerns situations where testing is necessary to ascertain a student’s ability
to function, provided that certa in additional conditions speci fied in detail by law are met.
Students admitted to the university in 2012 or later may be requested to provide an extract
from the criminal records for the assessment of their ability to study. Such an extract may
be requested only from students whose studies include practical training or other activities
involving work with minors. The extract will be requested before the beginning of the practical
training or other activ ity. To ensure the safety of minors, it is necessary to ascertain that the
student about to begin practical training has no criminal record of certain serious crimes
(sex offence, murder, aggravated assault and battery, aggravated burglary and robbery and
narcotics offence).
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M a s t er’ s A d mi
s si on ,
A p pl i c a t i on p
eri o d 7 .–2 7 .1 .2 0 1 5
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FURTHEINFORMATIO
ON STUDENT ADMISSION AND STUDIESCAN BE OBTAINED FROM:
Academy of Fine Arts
Elimäenkatu 25 A, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358-45-1393624
www.uniarts.fi
www.kuva.fi
Academy of Fine Arts — Admissions Guide 2015
Editor: Study Affairs Unit | Layout: Byfar | Photos: Mikko Ryhänen and Petri Summanen