Curriculum

Human-like character is reading

NM NoVA offers a mix of problem-based and student-centred, hands-on experience with theoretical and practical studies in art, education, digital communication, and project management. NM NoVA graduates receive Master degree diplomas both from Aalborg University and Aalto University.

The key content areas of NM NoVA studies are:

  • Visual and Digital Culture and Communication Developed in the Nordic region
    Students explore creative and critical approaches to design and art making, coupled with a deep responsibility for openness, caring, and equality. Students learn about social and cultural competences in ICT & online communication and engage in developing creative approaches to online education.

  • Contemporary Approaches to Nordic Art Education and Learning
    Students learn about Nordic approaches to art and education, specifically emphasizing democracy, egalitarianism, socially just pedagogical skills and practices, human rights, and social and cultural sustainability.

  • Project management, Administration, and Entrepreneurship
    Students acquire skills in project management, administration, finance, and entrepreneurship in cultural and educational contexts. Students engage with project-driven and problem-oriented teaching as well as collaborative and participatory learning.

Human-like character is molding an unknown form by hand

Throughout their studies, students are gradually involved in projects with external stakeholders and partners in order to practice their educational and research skills in real-life situations. These collaborations take place both in Finland and Denmark, and involve cultural institutions, organisations, NGOs, and companies.

Two characters are working together on a laptop

NM NoVA includes a mandatory mobility during the second year of the studies. Students who apply to NM NoVA through Aalborg will study their first year at Aalborg and second year at Aalto. Conversely, students applying through Aalto start their studies at Aalto and finish them at Aalborg. 

Courses

Semester 1

  • Art and Problem-Based Research Methodology (10 credits)

  • Art Pedagogical Practices and Theories (10 credits)

  • Aesthetics, Visual Culture and Visual Communication (10 credits)

Semester 2

  • Critical Issues in Art, Education, and Visual Culture (5 credits)

  • Project Management, Administration and Entrepreneurship (5 credits)

  • Interventions for Change in Communication and Art Pedagogical Practices (20 credits)

Semester 3

Project Module (30 credits)

  • Track I: Internship

  • Track II: Visual Project

  • Track III: Theoretical Project

Semester 4

  • Master’s Thesis (30 credits)

drawing of a person molding

After Graduation

Depending on students’ educational backgrounds, NM NoVA graduates can work in various positions and contexts. Here are some examples:

Designer of innovative digital visual communication

If you have a background in communication, digital media, art history, or related fields, NM NoVA offers you a possibility to further develop your knowledge and skills in analyzing, designing, implementing and evaluating visual digital communication. After graduation, you could work in digital communication companies or communication departments of companies that require innovative visual competences in communication.

Organizer of aesthetic learning processes

If you have a background in art education, educational sciences, intercultural pedagogy, or related fields, NM NoVA offers you a possibility to further develop your knowledge and skills in collaborative and participatory methods rooted in contemporary theories of art, visual pedagogy and media or designing visual and digital learning processes in various context. After graduation, you could work in companies and organisations developing learning resources or as teachers in professional schools offering teacher training in visual arts, technology literacy, practice skills and craft and design. Note that NM NoVA does not offer a teacher certificate.

Product developer in creative companies and organisations

If you have a background as a designer or an artist, NM NoVA offers you a possibility to further develop your knowledge and skills in creative development processes that involve experiential learning. After graduation, you could work in NGOs that handle artistic, cultural, and educational projects, or creative companies and organisations interested in stimulating learning through visual and material means.

Organisational developer in public and private companies

If you have a background in social sciences, business, humanities, or related fields, NM NoVA offers you a possibility to further develop your knowledge and skills in developing and implementing creative interventions that facilitate new forms of collaboration as well as in leading and managing artistic, cultural and educational initiatives. After graduation, you could work in public or private enterprises and projects that require skills in interdisciplinary collaboration.