Apply for MFA Programme in Child Culture Design

Portfolio instructions 

• Your application must be written in English.  
• Your application must be anonymous. Do not include your name or contact details in your portfolio or texts.
• If you include projects or work in your portfolio created in collaboration with others, briefly describe the nature of the collaboration and your individual contribution.
• If you have used generative AI to create or process images, sound, or text we ask that you describe how you used it. 
  
  Your portfolio should include:

1. Background and experience (maximum 3000 characters)
   Describe your professional and academic experiences that are relevant to studying design at MFA level in general and to Child Culture Design. 
    
2. Letter of Intent (maximum 4000 characters)
   We ask you to address the question of why you wish to study at HDK-Valand and specifically the MFA Programme in Child Culture Design and how you could assimilate the knowledge to your own design practice.
    
3. Project Reflection (1 pdf, maximum 2 pages)
   One key feature of our programme is the practical projects that students define themselves. From the start of your studies you are required to identify your personal interests and expected direction of your studies in design. In the project reflection, we ask you to write about an already realized or intended project that reflects your interests. Please feel free to use images or visualizations as references.
   
   We will assess your ability to articulate your learning goals as well as your understanding of the field of design.
   
   In the project reflection describe BRIEFLY:
   - the subject area in design you have investigated or want to investigate
   - what question(s) your project is concerned with
   - an outline of the outcome of the project
   - at least one reference to an inspirational source for your project (other designer’s work, art work, film, academic paper, etc.)
   
   Note: The project reflection is only a part of the application procedure and does not have to be realized as a part of your studies at HDK-Valand.
    
4. Portfolio/Work samples (1 pdf, maximum 20 pages. You can also upload maximum two video files as part of your portfolio.)
   
   You are required to include images (or other relevant digital material) that demonstrate the
   - breadth and depth of your creative work 
   - key stages of the design process to a realized intention 
   - skills in presentation, visualization and communication

Submit your portfolio

• Submit your portfolio through SlideRoom. SlideRoom closes at midnight (CET) on the day of the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email from SlideRoom when you have submitted your portfolio.  
• You can start your application in SlideRoom at any time during the application period. You can save your progress, log out, and return later to finish.  
• We recommend uploading your materials at least 24 hours before the deadline. Please note that portfolios cannot be submitted after the application deadline. 

Assessment

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:  

• Design Process – design knowledge, credibility, references, methodology and concepts
• Field of Interest – design questions, societal questions, skills and relevance to the MA program profile
• Artistic Approach – expression, method and communication

The assessment is made by an admissions jury consisting of the Programme Director and representatives from the department.   To be considered approved, all criteria must be fulfilled. 

Documentation of Bachelor’s degree in Design and English 6. 

•  Submit all required documents on universityadmissions.se/antagning.se showing that you meet the entry requirements.   
  Note: If you have studied in Sweden you normally do not have to upload any documents. Make sure your merits are registered on “my pages”.  
     
• Ensure documents are complete and follow the country-specific guidelines.
• More information: Provide application documents
• If you submit incomplete documentation, you will be considered unqualified.  
• If you do not have a BA degree in Design, you may apply for the assessment of prior learning (reell kompetens).  

Apply with prior learning (reell kompetens)

If you don't meet the formal entry requirements you may be considered eligible through the following:

•    other relevant educational qualifications  
•   relevant work experience or other practical experience
•   relevant artistic skills and abilities

Submit official, certified documentation of your qualifications or experience on universityadmissions.se/antagning.se by the application deadline: 15 January.

Exemptions are not granted for the English language requirement (English 6).