Curriculum 2022–2024

Student Guide

Master's Programme in Creative Sustainability

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Creative Sustainability - Master of Arts
Creative Sustainability - M.Sc. Degree in Technology
Creative Sustainability - M.Sc. Degree in Economics and Business Administration

Further information about the Creative Sustainability programme:

Creative Sustainability - Master of Arts

Major studies

Advanced major studies 60 cr
Thesis 30 cr
Elective studies 30 cr

Aims of the Master of Arts (Art and Design) degree

The aim of the degree is to provide students with:

good theoretical and general knowledge of as well as artistic and practical expertise in their field of study as well as a general knowledge of the field of arts;
knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work and for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods;
knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field, and to cooperate internationally;
knowledge and skills needed for education leading to a Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) degree and for lifelong learning;
good language and communication skills for work in the field of arts and for international operations and cooperation.

The education shall be based on scientific research and artistic activity and professional practices in the field.

Director of the Master's Programme: Professor Mikko Jalas

Creative Sustainability, ARTS

Description

The Master’s Programme in Creative Sustainability (CS) provides a multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of design, business, and materials and chemical engineering. Sustainability is an increasingly relevant design perspective as designers are expected to contribute to innovative solutions and to critically examine different framings of sustainability concerns. For students in design, the Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme provides skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through creative design practice.

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate crises, the loss of biodiversity, and poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The CS programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The CS programme brings together students who are devoted to developing systemic solutions, working in multidisciplinary teams and challenging themselves with practical learning tasks. Creativity in the programme denotes a focus on fresh, holistic and emerging innovations and far-reaching alternative solutions. The studies include state-of-the-art knowledge about the interlinked environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of sustainability coupled with learning in practical projects conducted together with partner organizations.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. Students who enter the programme via the School of Arts, Design and Architecture graduate with a degree of Master of Arts.

Intended learning outcomes

Systems thinking: Students are able to use systems thinking to create new holistic and critical understandings of complex sustainability challenges and socio-ecological relations.
Multidisciplinary competences: Students are able to work in teams with different experts and stakeholders, combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines, and co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges.
Change-making: Students develop a change-maker mindset, and are able to generate action-oriented strategies, make effective interventions and promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
Sustainability in materials use: Students understand the constraints on the use of natural resources, the principles of resource-efficiency, circular economy and innovation for new sustainable materials, and are able to use analytical tools for sustainable materials use.
Design thinking: Students are able to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue, empathy and collaboration in creative processes.
Sustainability management: Students are able to develop, speak for and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations, are able to work proactively to promote sustainable development through responsible business, and recognise the capacities of public policy in promoting sustainability innovation.

After completing the degree in CS in the department of Design students are able to

Practice transparent, responsible and critical design in different political, societal and business contexts
Participate in and lead debates on design and sustainability
Carry out design research to support their practical work

Content of the studies

The Creative Sustainability programme is organized jointly by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business, and the School of Chemical Engineering. The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory studies in design, elective studies, and a master’s thesis. The pedagogical approach is based on integrating teaching and research, problem-based learning, and strong connection to practical outcomes. The curriculum is based on personal study plans, in which the students can also include studies completed at other universities or other modules from Aalto University. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme website.

Career opportunities

Creative Sustainability studies prepare the students to work as sustainability experts in a wide range of organizations also including those with a strategic view on transformation towards sustainability. The student can develop expertise in different professional profiles which vary from research skills to the practical skills of management, leadership, design and engineering in different environments.

Design confronts new challenges in innovating for sustainable development. The CS programme teaches skills to meet these challenges through specialization and interdisciplinary work. Graduates from CS programme are attractive targets for progressive local and international employers as well as prepared for academic careers and independent entrepreneurial activity.

Creative Sustainability programme

Code: ARTS215.M
Credits: 90 ECTS of major studies (60 ECTS courses + 30 ECTS master's thesis)

For the exact dates of each period, please check: Academic calendar

Major Studies 90 ECTS (60 ECTS courses + 30 ECTS master's thesis)

Code	Course name	ECTS Credits	Timing to take compulsory courses (for 2022-2024)
Compulsory joint studies in Creative Sustainability		30
	Creative teamwork	1	1. year, period I
	Sustainability in business	6	1. year, period I
MUO-E8048	Systems thinking	6	1. year, period II
MUO-E8049	Design approaches to sustainable consumption	6	1. year, period III
	Materials for a world in transition	5	1. year, period III
	Capstone in creative sustainability	6	2. year, period III-IV
Compulsory for all students in Creative Sustainability_ARTS		12+6
MUO-E0020	INTRO	3	1. year, period I
MUO-E0021	Design Research	3	1. year, period IV
MUO-E0022	Design Culture Now	3	1. year, period V
MUO-E0023	Thesis Plan Orientation	3	2. year, period I
MUO-E8046	Sustainability transitions and futures	6	2. year, period I
Creative Sustainability electives, Choose 12 ECTS from the courses below, of which at least 5 ECTS from the elective courses of BIZ/CHEM/ENG.		12	For 1. year & 2. year. Timing is according to student's study plan. Course is arranged in the mentioned period.
Department of Design
MUO-E8043	Design for Government	12	period IV-V
	Eco-auditing	2	period III
MUO-E8040	Issues in Sustainability Politics	6	period I
MUO-E8041	Collaborative and participatory techniques for design	6	period I
MUO-E8047	Values in Design Futures	6	period V
MUO-E3050	Design for Social Change, Co-Design	6	period II
	Projects	2-10
	Internship	2-10
	Sociotechnical Transitions towards Sustainability (course held in Tongji)	5
Department of Architecture
ARK-E1022	Sustainability Tools for the Built Environment	6	period III
MAR-E1050	Green Area Planning	6	period I-II
Department of Art and Media
AXM-E0104	Workshop 4: Healing Practices & Resilience Strategies & across Art Design Ecology & Psychology	3	period IV
School of Business
	How to change the world: Innovating toward Sustainability	6	period IV
	Accounting for Sustainability	6	period II
MNGT-E1007	Creativity for Sustainability	3	period I-V
MNGT-E3004	Sustainable Entrepreneurship, markets, and systems change	6	period II
	Sustainable Supply Chains	6	period I
	Business Ethics	6	period IV
	Corporate Responsibility Communication	6	period III
	Market-based Development in the Global South	6	period I
	Sustainability and Global Value Chains	6	period II
School of Chemical Engineering / Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
	Design Meets Biomaterials	3-5	period IV-V
	Industrial Biomass Processes	5	period III-IV
CHEM-C2470	Forests, Wood and Carbon	5	period I / V (online teaching)
	Plant Biomass	5	period I
	Circular Economy Design Forum	5	period IV-V
(code generated in SISU)	Course with varying content (organized in cooperation with industry)	1-5	period IV-V
School of Engineering / Department of Built Environment:
	State of the World and Development	2	period I
	Sustainable Built Environment	5	period II
		10	period III-V
School of Science
CS-E4002	Critical AI and Data Justice in Society	3-5	period III
Master's thesis		30
CRE.thes	Master's Thesis	30	2. year
CRE.matr	Maturity Essay	0	2. year

Code: ARTSa.E
Credits: 30 ECTS of elective studies

Students choose 30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, do an internship in Finland or abroad, or take courses from the Creative Sustainability electives list. Students are also recommended to take courses from the Department of Design, such as MUO-E3052 Designing for Services.

Elective studies are completed during the 1. year and 2. year.

Creative Sustainability electives list:

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
Department of Design
MUO-E8043	Design for Government	12	period IV-V
	Eco-auditing	2	period III
MUO-E8040	Issues in Sustainability Politics	6	period I
MUO-E8041	Collaborative and participatory techniques for design	6	period I
MUO-E8047	Values in Design Futures	6	period V
MUO-E3050	Design for Social Change, Co-Design	6	period II
	Projects	2-10
	Internship	2-10
	Sociotechnical Transitions towards Sustainability (course held in Tongji)	5
Department of Architecture
ARK-E1022	Sustainability Tools for the Built Environment	6	period III
MAR-E1050	Green Area Planning	6	period I-II
Department of Art and Media
AXM-E0104	Workshop 4: Healing Practices & Resilience Strategies & across Art Design Ecology & Psychology	3	period IV
School of Business
	How to change the world: Innovating toward Sustainability	6	period IV
	Accounting for Sustainability	6	period II
MNGT-E1007	Creativity for Sustainability	3	period I-V
MNGT-E3004	Sustainable Entrepreneurship, markets, and systems change	6	period II
	Sustainable Supply Chains	6	period I
	Business Ethics	6	period IV
	Corporate Responsibility Communication	6	period III
	Market-based Development in the Global South	6	period I
	Sustainability and Global Value Chains	6	period II
School of Chemical Engineering / Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
	Design Meets Biomaterials	3-5	period IV-V
	Industrial Biomass Processes	5	period III-IV
CHEM-C2470	Forests, Wood and Carbon	5	period I / V (online teaching)
	Plant Biomass	5	period I
	Circular Economy Design Forum	5	period IV-V
(code generated in SISU)	Course with varying content (organized in cooperation with industry)	1-5	period IV-V
School of Engineering / Department of Built Environment:
	State of the World and Development	2	period I
	Sustainable Built Environment	5	period II
	Sustainable Global Technologies Studio (Prerequisite: “WAT-E3020 State of the World and Development” and “WAT-E2060 Sustainable Built Environment”. Or similar knowledge, such as,.)	10	period III-V
School of Science
CS-E4002	Critical AI and Data Justice in Society	3-5	period III

Other elective studies:

University Wide Studies:
/en/other-studies/university-wide-studies

Studies at other Aalto schools or in Finnish universities:
/en/other-studies/studies-at-other-aalto-schools-or-in-finnish-universities

Minors in Aalto 2022-2024:
Minors

Personal Impact courses:
/en/study-at-aalto/personal-impact?check_logged_in=1

UNIPID virtual studies:

Courses about entrepreneurship:

Courses according to Schools:

Courses offered by School of Science (for the details, please contact Risto Sarvas):
- Gender & Technology, period V
- Elements of Sustainable Business, period II
- Political Organisations and Decision Making, period II
- Politics in HCI, period I
- Algorithmic Systems and Society, period I

Aims of the master's thesis

To graduate, students must meet the aims set for the thesis. The aim of the master's thesis is that:

- Students demonstrate command of the field of the master's programme and ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme independently;

- Students demonstrate ability for research-oriented work on an artistic, theoretical or applied research topic and demonstrate ability to use data and source material for research purposes;

- Students demonstrate good communication skills for work in the field of study.

The thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic or applied research, a work of art or a combination of these; it may also include a production component. The production component may be, depending on the field, for instance, a design, a work of art, an exhibition, or project. Theses always include a written component. If the thesis consists of a design or other production component and a written component, the student must specify the emphasis to be given to the different components in the evaluation. However, the thesis is always evalu-ated as a whole, with all the components of the thesis included in the evaluation.

The recommended extent of the written component of the thesis is 25–70 pages (approx. 50 000–140 000 characters) depending on the extent of the possible production component.

Master's thesis is written during the 2. academic year.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits
CRE.thes	Master's Thesis	30
CRE.matr	Maturity Test	0

For more information on completing your thesis see:Completing your master's thesis

Students educated in Finnish or Swedish

For students educated in Finnish or Swedish, i.e. whose official mother tongue is Finnish or Swedish, language studies are designed to be completed as part of the Bachelor of Arts (Art and Design) or another Bachelor’s degree. Students who have not completed the required language studies before starting to pursue the master’s degrees specified above must complete them either as elective studies or in addition to the studies required for the degree. In such cases, the language requirements are as follows:

9 credits: 3 cr in written and oral communication, 3 cr in the second national language of Finland, and 3 cr in one foreign language.

For details on the language courses offered, see the Language Centre page.

Students educated in other languages than Finnish or Swedish

For students who have been educated in a language other than Finnish or Swedish (i.e. whose official mother tongue is neither Finnish nor Swedish) or who have been educated abroad, the language requirements are:

3 cr in one foreign language.

Students in this category may fulfil the language requirement for their Master's degree by completing courses that support their studies or their stay in Finland. Students who have been educated abroad are recommended to take Finnish courses as well as English courses that focus on the field-specific language of arts or technology and fulfil the language requirement of the degree. Students may also choose to fulfil the language requirement by completing courses in another foreign language of their choice; all courses counted towards the requirement must be taken in the same language. Language studies may either be counted towards the electives of the degree or completed in addition to the studies required for the degree.

For details on the language courses offered, see the Language Centre page.

Drawing and painting

Drawing and painting courses consist of two-dimensional expression carried out by various methods. The work involved emphasises the importance of practice, or ‘learning by doing’, but without losing sight of the connections to theory. The studies include working with drawing, painting and mixed-media. The student will gain increased awareness of the workings of visual perception and of different ways of describing the surrounding world and our relationship to it. The course also examines the role of ideas and concepts in art as well as art’s relation to design, its role in society and its significance.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0630	General Studies Courses with Varying Contents	3-9	English
ARTS-A0201	Freehand Drawing	6	English
ARTS-A0208	Life Drawing	6	English
ARTS-A0223	Watercolour Workshop	3	English
ARTS-A0221	Drawing and Painting Workshop	6	English
ARTS-A0224	Drawing in Space	3	English
ARTS-A0217	Landscape - Then and Now	3	English
ARTS-A0218	Basics of Comic Art	6	English
ARTS-A0219	Forms of Comics Expression and Storytelling	6	English
ARTS-A0222	Introduction to Comics Art Project	3	English
ARTS-A0220	Comic Art Project	6	English

Colour and perception

Colour and perception studies focus on visual perception and the theories about it. The English-language version of the course contains both theory and practical assignments. The course covers basic concepts about colour and the principles of colour perception. The course covers basic colour concepts and principles of colour perception. Colour composition and contrasts and their effects – mainly in two-dimensional expression – are studied by experimental means. The course ‘Colour - Light - Space D’ is aimed mainly at Master’s students of architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture. Through lectures and assignments, it deals with the role of colour and lighting in architecture and in building a city’s image.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-E0301	Colour - Light - Space D	6	Finnish
ARTS-A0304	Colour and Perception	3	English

Sculpture

Sculpture studies provide students with the skills needed to work with contemporary sculpture and design. Skills that students can apply in their own fields are emphasised, such as how to research new materials, working methods and methodologies. The ‘Ways of Making’ courses offer practical experience working in a sculptor’s studio, and ‘Metal Casting’ introduces foundry techniques. ‘Digital Sculpture’ introduces new and developing technologies in 3D art, and ways to combine these with traditional sculptural techniques. Conceptual and theory-intensive sculpture studies are also included within the contemporary art courses programme.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0416	Ways of Making 1 - Mold making & casting techniques	6	English
ARTS-A0417	Ways of Making 2 - Constructing sculpture with wood and metal	6	English
ARTS-A0412	Digital Sculpture 1 - 3D Modelling for Sculpture	3	Finnish
ARTS-A0418	Digital Sculpture 2 - Programming for sculptors	3	English
ARTS-A0413	Metal Casting 101	3	English
ARTS-A0414	Synths & Amps	3	English
ARTS-E0402	Advanced Sculpture Project	6	English

Printmaking

Printmaking involves the handcrafting of printing plates as well as the prints produced by various methods (copperplate, woodblock, limestone, mesh screen). Prints are regarded as original artworks. Basic courses in printmaking offer the rudiments in a variety of printing techniques and develop the student’s command of the tools used. The intermediate courses deepen the knowledge and skill levels of students in their chosen method and enlarge their range of artistic expression. As printmaking is a specialisation study, beginners are recommended to take it during their second year of Bachelor’s studies.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0502	Introduction to Silkscreen	3	English
ARTS-A0503	Advanced Course in Screenprinting	3	English
ARTS-A0506	Japanese Watercolour Woodcut	3	English
ARTS-A0507	Basic Course in Woodcut	3	English

Art history and theory

Art history and theory courses aim to provide a general overview of the history and key theoretical questions and conceptions of art, design and architecture.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0621	History of Contemporary Art	3	Finnish
ARTS-A0624	History of Comics	3	Finnish
ARTS-A0623	Global Perspectives: Re-mapping the History of Art	3	English
ARTS-A0622	Environmental Thinking	6	English

Contemporary art

The contemporary art courses are aimed at the Master’s level, Bachelor’s as well as Doctoral students may also attend or seek admission. Most of the courses are taught in English.

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0225	Contemporary Drawing	6	English
ARTS-E0711	Sculpture Now!	6	English

Other courses

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Teaching language
ARTS-A0703	Digital Art 1 - programming for visual artists	3	English
ARTS-A0626	Becoming a Creative Professional	3	English
ARTS-A0627	Art, Life and Entrepreneurship 1 - What is entrepreneurship?	3	English
ARTS-A0628	Art, Life and Entrepreneurship 2 – Test run	3	English

Creative Sustainability - M.Sc. Degree in Technology

Major studies (60 cr)
Master's thesis (30 cr)
Elective studies (10 + 20 cr)

Creative Sustainability in Materials and Chemical Engineering

Code: CHEM3056
Professor in charge: Mark Hughes

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through engineering and material science. Sustainability is pertaining to all fields of engineering. Engineers are increasingly expected to develop solutions for managing critical material flows, production processes and infrastructures but also to participate in multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder innovation processes for enhancing sustainability.

Programme description

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, or poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The CS programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. CS students who enter the programme via the School of Chemical Engineering graduate with a degree of Master of Science in Technology.

The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory studies in chemical engineering, elective studies, and a Master’s thesis. Students can also include in their degree studies conducted elsewhere at Aalto University or at other universities in Finland or abroad. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme website.

Learning Outcomes of the Master`s Programme in Creative Sustainability:

Multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines to co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges and to promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
Systems thinking: Students learn to use systems thinking to create new holistic understandings of complex situations and to problem-solve.
Sustainable use of materials: Students understand basic scientific principles and processes of bioeconomy and circular economy, and are able to use analytical tools and develop solutions for sustainable resource use.
Design thinking: Students learn to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in design processes.
Sustainability management: Students learn to develop, support and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations and to work proactively to promote sustainable development through business.

Career prospects

Sustainability considerations arise in all business and industrial context and thus there are several possible career options for someone with expertise on sustainability and material science. Graduates of Creative Sustainability from Chemical Engineering can work as sustainability and business development managers in industries facing and dealing with major ecological challenges (e.g. bioproducts) as well as in the development of new material solutions for sustainability and circular economy. The studies provide a good basis for managing stakeholder relations in different business and social contexts.

Study Structure

Table 1. Compulsory joint studies in CS (30 cr)

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period/year
	Creative Teamwork	1	I / 1st
	Sustainability in Business	6	I / 1st
MUO-E8048	Systems Thinking	6	II / 1st
	Materials for a World in Transition D	5	III / 1st
MUO-E8049	Design Approaches to Sustainable Consumption	6	III / 1st
	Capstone in Creative Sustainability	6	III–IV / 2nd

Table 2. Compulsory for all students in CS CHEM (10 cr)

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period/year
	Fundamentals of Chemical Thermodynamics	5	II / 1st
	Metal Recycling Technologies	5	II / 1st

Table 3. Choose 10 ECTS from the following

Course name	ECTS credits	Period/year
Plant Biomass	5	I / 1st
Fibres and Fibre Products	5	I / 1st
Polymer Blends and Composites	5	I / 1st

Table 4. Choose 10-11 ECTS from the following

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period/year
CHEM-E2225	Wood Material Science	5	III-IV / 1st
or	Circular Economy Design Forum D How to change the world: Innovating toward Sustainability	5 6	IV-V / 1st IV / 1st
	Circular Economy for Materials Processing	5	IV-V / 1st
	Sustainable Electronics	5	I-II / 1st

Table 5. Master's thesis and elective studies

Course name	ECTS credits
Thesis	30
Electives	30

Table 6. Creative Sustainability electives, choose 10 ECTS from the electives from ARTS/BIZ/CHEM

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
Courses offered by Department of Design (ARTS)
MUO-E8043	Design for Government	12	IV-V
	Eco-auditing	2	III
MUO-E8040	Issues in Sustainability Politics	6	I
MUO-E8041	Collaborative and participatory techniques for design	6	I
MUO-E8047	Values in Design Futures	6	V
MUO-E8046	Sustainability Transitions and Futures	6	I (for 2nd year)
Courses offered by Department of Architecture (ARTS)
ARK-E1022	Sustanability Tools for the Built Environment	6	III
MAR-E1050	Green Area Planning	6	I-II
Courses offered by School of Business (BIZ)
	How to change the world: Innovating toward Sustainability	6	IV
	Accounting for Sustainability	6	II
MNGT-E3004	Sustainable Entrepreneurship, markets, and systems change	6	I-V
	Sustainable Supply Chains	6	I
	Business Ethics	6	IV
	Corporate Responsibility Communication	6	III
	Market-based Development in the Global South	6	I
	Sustainability in Global Value Chains	6	II
School of Engineering (ENG)
	Sustainable Built Environment	5	II
	Sustainable Global Technologies Studio (“WAT-E3020 State of the World and Development” and “WAT-E2060 Sustainable Built Environment” should be completed first.)	10	III-V
Courses offered by School of Chemical Enginering (CHEM)
	Design Meets Biomaterials	3-5	IV-V
	Industrial Biomass Processes	5	III-IV
CHEM-C2470	Forests, Wood and Carbon	5	I
	Plant Biomass	5	I
	Circular Economy Design Forum D	5	IV-V
	Course with varying content*	1-5	IV-V

^{* course organized in cooperation with industry}
^{ARTS = School of Arts, Design and Architecture, BIZ = School of Business.}

The Creative Sustainability in Materials and Chemical Engineering contains 30 (10 + 20) credits of elective studies:

10 cr need to be completed from the electives from ARTS/BIZ/CHEM (Creative Sustainability electives list below).
20 cr: as elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, or take more courses from the Creative Sustainability electives list.

Language studies

Language studies are mandatory according 91�� degree regulation. If you have taken equivalent language studies in your bachelor’s degree, you do not have to take them in your master’s degree. This means 3 credits including both oral and written part. You can select courses that have letters O (for oral) and W (for written) in their name. Also basic Finnish and Swedish courses can be applied here.

Minor

Students can also include a minor in their studies as part of the elective studies. All minors offered in Aalto can be found here.

You can browse all currently offered courses on .

Creative Sustainability electives list:

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
Courses offered by Department of Design (ARTS)
MUO-E8043	Design for Government	12	IV-V
	Eco-auditing	2	III
MUO-E8040	Issues in Sustainability Politics	6	I
MUO-E8041	Collaborative and participatory techniques for design	6	I
MUO-E8047	Values in Design Futures	6	V
MUO-E8046	Sustainability Transitions and Futures	6	I (for 2nd year)
Courses offered by Department of Architecture (ARTS)
ARK-E1022	Sustanability Tools for the Built Environment	6	III
MAR-E1050	Green Area Planning	6	I-II
Courses offered by School of Business (BIZ)
	How to change the world: Innovating toward Sustainability	6	IV
	Accounting for Sustainability	6	II
MNGT-E3004	Sustainable Entrepreneurship, markets, and systems change	6	I-V
	Sustainable Supply Chains	6	I
	Business Ethics	6	IV
	Corporate Responsibility Communication	6	III
	Market-based Development in the Global South	6	I
	Sustainability in Global Value Chains	6	II
School of Engineering (ENG)
	Sustainable Built Environment	5	II
	Sustainable Global Technologies Studio (“WAT-E3020 State of the World and Development” and “WAT-E2060 Sustainable Built Environment” should be completed first.)	10	III-V
Courses offered by School of Chemical Enginering (CHEM)
	Design Meets Biomaterials	3-5	IV-V
	Industrial Biomass Processes	5	III-IV
CHEM-C2470	Forests, Wood and Carbon	5	I
	Plant Biomass	5	I
	Circular Economy Design Forum D	5	IV-V
	Course with varying content*	1-5	IV-V

^{* course organized in cooperation with industry}

What is a master´s thesis?

Master’s thesis is a study attainment, which the student carries out at the final stages of her/his studies. For clarity, in this document terms master’s thesis project and master’s thesis report are used, the former referring to all the work the student does during this study attainment, and the latter referring to the written report on the project. During the master’s thesis project the student typically aims at solving a problem relevant to the field of study. The work is based on existing scientific knowledge, and it is conducted according to the principles of scientific research, following good engineering and scientific practices and ethical guidelines. This work is documented in a scientific thesis report, which on one hand summarizes the relevant existing knowledge on the thesis project’s topic area, and on the other hand, describes the research the student performed during the thesis project.

The master's thesis shall be written on a topic related to the advanced studies of the degree programme, agreed upon between the student and a professor who is either in charge of the research field linked with the topic or sufficiently specialised in the topic of the thesis.

The extent of the master’s thesis as a study attainment is 30 credits (ECTS), equaling to 800 working hours. The period of time spent working on the Master’s thesis may in reality be longer if the student is at the same time carrying out other studies or duties.

The master’s thesis includes not only the thesis but also the maturity essay and seminar presentation or a corresponding presentation.

Learning outcomes of the Master's thesis

These learning outcomes describe the student’s skills and competences, which should develop during the whole time span of the master’s thesis project. The evaluation of the thesis measures this development. The learning outcomes are divided in four groups, describing the student’s development in the areas of problem solving, knowledge in applying theories and methods in science and engineering, project management skills, as well as communication skills.

Problem-solving skills

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

together with the cooperation partners, can define a clear scope for a research project, is able to formulate relevant and clear research questions, as well as describe logically the objectives of the project.
can choose appropriate engineering or/and research methods and is able to apply the chosen methods in a logical way that fits the problem and the research questions.
can work independently but is also able to seek for guidance and take advantage of the received advice.

Skills in applying scientific and engineering theories and methods in the topic area

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

demonstrates understanding of the relevant technological and scientific concepts and theoretical frameworks in the topic area.
displays ability of conducting work according to good engineering and scientific practices, following ethical guidelines.
shows ability of discussing the results in the context of the topic area and the research questions, and is able to draw justified conclusions from the results.
shows command of data acquisition, and can refer correctly to appropriate, up-to-date scientific literature and other relevant sources of information.

Project management skills

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

displays ability of making a feasible and logical plan for an engineering or scientific project, and can implement the plan in an efficient manner, which does not significantly exceed the set deadlines.
can manage the acquired information in an organized manner, and is able to follow the given guidelines for documenting and presenting the work.

Skills in scientific and professional communication

After completing the master’s thesis project, the student

can present results of an engineering or/and research process clearly and discuss critically their significance to the cooperation partners, and possibly to the scientific and engineering community.
shows skill in formal writing and can write a report, which is easy to read and which forms a well-organised, coherent whole.
has practiced oral communication in varying work-life situation: from day-to-day discussion with colleagues to presentation of the results in personal discussions as well as in project meetings with the cooperation partners

Creative Sustainability - M.Sc. Degree in Economics and Business Administration

Programme studies 90 cr
- Including Master's thesis 30 cr
Electives 30 cr

The Creative Sustainability Master’s Programme (CS) provides students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable development through business. The linkages between business and sustainability are highly important in contemporary organizations, whether one wishes to be a sustainability specialist in business or a management professional operating in some other field.

Programme description

Complex sustainability challenges, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, or poverty and inequality, call for new mindsets and skills. These mindsets should incorporate a systems-based view of the planet and the ability to work with professionals from different fields and cultures. Sustainability challenges require multi-level solutions that involve a wide range of stakeholders with often competing interests. The CS programme prepares students to respond to these challenges through its international and multidisciplinary learning platform in the fields of business, design and chemical engineering and material science.

The CS programme is organized jointly by the School of Business, the School of Arts, Design and Architecture and the School of Chemical Engineering. CS students who enter the programme via the School of Business graduate with a degree of Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration.

The two-year CS programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits, divided between compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies, compulsory Management studies, elective studies which include a freely chosen minor subject, and a Master’s thesis. Students can also include in their degree studies conducted elsewhere at Aalto University or at other universities in Finland or abroad. More information about the course offerings is available on the programme .

Learning outcomes

Multidisciplinary approach: Students learn to combine knowledge and skills from different disciplines to co-create innovative solutions for real-life challenges and to promote transformations towards ecologically, economically and socially sustainable futures.
Systems thinking: Students learn to use systems thinking to create new holistic understandings of complex situations and to problem-solve.
Sustainable use of materials: Students understand basic scientific principles and processes of bioeconomy and circular economy, and are able to use analytical tools and develop solutions for sustainable resource use.
Design thinking: Students learn to use tools and methods to support creativity and imagination and to facilitate dialogue and collaboration in design processes.
Sustainability management: Students learn to develop, support and manage sustainability initiatives in businesses and other organizations and to work proactively to promote sustainable development through business.

Career prospects

Sustainability considerations arise in every organization and thus there are several possible career options for someone with expertise on sustainability in business. Sustainability specialists can work in multinational companies and other large organizations, as consultants, in start-ups and as entrepreneurs, or they may deal with sustainability issues in business from positions in NGOs or the public sector.

Figure 1. Possible professional identities and corresponding potential employment types of CS students

Programme directors

Professor Mikko Jalas, Director of the Creative Sustainability Programme (ARTS)

Senior University Lecturer Leena Lankoski, Creative Sustainability Programme Director at the School of Business

Programme Planning Officer

Johanna Rametta (johanna.rametta@aalto.fi, book a meeting via MyStudies)

Additional information

Creative Sustainability programme

Core programme studies 90 cr

Compulsory joint Creative Sustainability studies 30 cr

Course name	ECTS credits	Period
	1	I / 1^st year
	6	I / 1^st year
¹	6	II / 1^st year
²	6	III / 1^st year
	5	III / 1^st year
	6	III-IV / 2^nd year

^{1 Replaces MUO-E8029 Systems Thinking}
^{2 Replaces MUO-E8030 Design Approaches to Sustainable Consumption}

Other compulsory studies 42 cr

Course name	ECTS credits	Period
	3	I-V / 1^st year
³	3	II, IV / 2^ndyear
⁴	3	II, IV / 2^ndyear
Master's Thesis Seminar in Creative Sustainability (Business)	3	2023-2024: I-II, III-IV / 2^ndyear
Master's Thesis	30	I-V / 2^ndyear
Maturity test	0	I-V / 2^ndyear

^{3 Replaces 26E02900 Doing Quantitative Research}
^{4 Replaces 21E00011 Doing Qualitative Research}

Elective studies 18 cr

Choose 18 cr from the list.

Course name	ECTS credits	Period
	6	IV
⁵	6	II
	6	II
	6	III
	6	IV
	6	II
⁶	6	I
	6	I

^{5 Replaces 25E18000 Sustainable Entrepreneurship}
^{6 Replaces MUO-E8018 Sustainability Politics}

Master's degree includes 30 credits of freely chosen electives. The elective studies may include a minor if the student so chooses. A list of potentially interesting electives is provided below but students can also choose courses that are not on the list.

Please also see Electives > Mandatory language studies below.

Courses from ARTS

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
		6	III
AXM-E0104	Healing Practices & Resilience Strategies across Art, Design, Ecology, and Psychology	3	IV
		6	III
		6	II
		2	III
		6	I
		12	IV-V
		6	I
		6	V

Courses from BIZ

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
		6	I
		6	IV
		6	I

Courses from CHEM

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
		3-5	IV-V
		5	III-IV
		5	I
		5	I
		5	IV-V

Courses from ENG

Course name	ECTS credits	Period
	2	I
	5	II
(prerequisite: WAT-E3020 and WAT-E2060 or similar)	10	III-V

Courses from SCI

Code	Course name	ECTS credits	Period
CS-E4002	Critical AI and Data Justice in Society	3-5	III

General information on elective studies (CS Business) is available below.

Electives

You can choose elective studies to your Master's degree so that the scope of the degree (120 credits) is fulfilled. You can exceed the scope of the degree by one course maximum.

Elective studies can include basic, intermediate or advanced level courses. You can use the module e.g.

To complete a minor
To broaden your skills and knowledge via multidisciplinary studies:
- select courses in the field of technology or art
- select courses in other universities via JOO study right
- Select gender studies via Hilma network or other Aalto networks
To gain
To deepen your language and communication skills ()
To deepen or broaden your skills and knowledge in the field of business
- select additional courses in your degree programme or major
- select courses from other degree progarmmes or majors in the School of Business
- select additional courses in your minor
- complete the Customized Student Business project BIZ-E0100 (read more here)
To gain work experience and working life skills via an internship (read more at During your studies > Other studies)
To gain skills in self leadership and finding meaningfulness via Personal Impact courses

If you have mandatory language studies in your master's degree, they are included in the elective studies module. You have received information about these in the beginning of your studies, if this applies to you. If you are uncertain of whether you need to demonstrate language proficiency in the master's degree, please contact your programme's planning officer to get further information about the matter.

If you have completed your bachelor's degree in Finland (in Aalto or in another higher education institute), you have fulfilled the compulsory language requirements in the respective degree or received the exemption. You do not need to complete language studies in the master's degree.
If your language of education is Finnish or Swedish and you have completed your bachelor’s degree outside of Finland, you must demonstrate proficiency in national languages by writing the maturity test in your language of education (Finnish or Swedish) and complete the language proficiency tests in the other national language. Read more about the language of education here. You may also apply for an exemption of demonstrating proficiency in national languages. See also the following bullet.
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree outside of Finland, you must complete minimum of 3 ECTS in English. You can choose any course on B2 level or higher. Students, whose language of education is not Finnish or Swedish, may alternatively complete an elementary course in Finnish or in Swedish. The courses in national languages can be at any level on CEFR scale.

Language studies are included in students’ elective studies and are agreed in the personal study plan (HOPS). Language center offers the language studies.

The scope of the minor varies depending on the minor. Please check each minor's requirements. For a list of all the minors at Aalto University, see Aalto Minors hub.

Please also check your programme's curriculum to see if there are any requirements for the minor in your programme.

A minor included in the Master's degree can be one of the following:

a module confirmed in the curriculum (a minor study entity offered at the School of Business)
a module completed in an official exchange programme partner of the School of Business or in another programme meeting the requirements set in the official exchange programme policy of the School of Business
a module earned at another Aalto University school
a module earned at another Finnish university e.g. under the agreement on flexible study rights (JOO agreement).

Exchange studies is a very popular minor among the students of the School of Business. If you are interested in completing exchange studies as your minor, .

Master’s thesis and thesis seminar

The programme study module includes a Master's thesis. The thesis must demonstrate readiness for scientific thinking, command of research methods, conversance with the topic of the thesis, and ability for scientific communication.

In many programmes, the students also take part in a thesis seminar, which is designed to help the students to prepare their thesis work. The seminar commonly consists of meetings, completing thesis, presenting the research topic to the seminar group and acting as an opponent for a fellow student’s thesis. Seminar lasts usually the whole semester, and it is organised during both autumn and spring semesters.

Seminar practices vary depending on the degree programme: please see the instructions for each programme in Sisu or MyCourses. For instructions on writing and handing in the thesis please see the page Completing your master's thesis.

Updated: 7.4.2025
Published: 9.8.2022

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Student Guide

Master's Programme in Creative Sustainability

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