kuva admissions guide 2015

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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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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.



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

A c a d em y of F i n e A r

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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


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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.



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.


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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.



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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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



18

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.



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.



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.


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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.



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.


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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,

[email protected]

➜ 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]


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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.



28

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



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


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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.


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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



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.



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

“farewell” 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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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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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.



38

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



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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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-



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-



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



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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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


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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%)*



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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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

[email protected]

Academy of Fine Arts — Admissions Guide 2015

Editor: Study Affairs Unit | Layout: Byfar | Photos: Mikko Ryhänen and Petri Summanen

kuva admissions guide 2015

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