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Mission Statement
The Institute of Design and Fine Arts is the faculty of design, fine arts and visual communication in LAB. We carry on the long traditions of the Lahti Institute of Design strengthened with the creative talent our Fine Arts programme known in their early days as the Imatra Arts school. Our graduates have the best possible competence and talent to start meaningful work straight out of school. Our degree programmes share a common fine arts foundation on which the students build their own path towards their creative profession.
LAB University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution focusing on innovation, business and industry. It operates in Lahti and Lappeenranta and also provides education online.
The strengths of this higher education institution specialising in innovation include the circular economy, design, the commercialisation of innovations and service innovations for health and well-being.
LAB has over 8 500 students, making it the sixth largest university of applied sciences in Finland.
International Role
Institute of Design and Fine Arts is actively working in the international design and arts education field. Internationalization is everyday life at the institute. We are also actively looking into new collaborations with international partners to further our research, development and innovation efforts, so feel free to contact us if your institution is looking for partners.
National Role
The Institute of Design and Fine Arts is the largest UAS operator in the field of design in Finland. We offer a broad variety of specializations for our students and operate in close cooperation with our industry partners.
Faculties and Departments
The Institute of Design and Fine Arts offers education in the fields of Design, Fine Arts and Visual Communication. We are oganized into these three fields of study offering BA and MA level degree programmes in each field.
Bachelor Level Programs
Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Design (4 years / 240 ECTS)
Design degree programmes in English
- Industrial Design
- Packaging and Brand Design
Design degree programmes in Finnish
- Graphic Design
- Interior Architecture and Furniture Design
- Service Design
- Product Design and Intelligent Mobility
- User Experience and User Interface Design
- Wearable Design
Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Visual Communication (4 years / 240 ECTS)
Degree programmes in
- Media Content Design
- Photography
Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Fine Arts (4 years / 240 ECTS)
Degree programme in
- Fine Arts
Master Level Programs
Master of Culture and Arts (1,5 years / 60 ECTS)
Degree programmes in:
- Innovative Design Thinking
- Fine Arts
- Art and Technology
Multidisciplinary programmes (Master of Culture and Arts, 60 ECTS) in
- Digital Solutions of Design and Media
Research Activity and Main Areas
This is what we are known for:
Sustainability
We are enabling a transition towards a carbon-neutral circular economy
Design
We design for behaviour change and our solutions support new value creation for businesses
Innovations
We make new openings worth discussing
Health
We help develop innovative and impressive solutions to promote overall well-being
Current LAB University of Applied Sciences RDI projects on our website:
lab.fi/en/tutkimus-kehitys/rdi-projects
Subject Areas for Exchange Students
All BA degree programmes are open for student and staff mobility.
Application Deadlines
Twice a year, 15 April for the autumn term 15 October for the spring term.
More info at: lab.fi/en/exchange-students
Teaching Languages
Finnish and English
Semester Dates
Spring term from the beginning of January to the end of May. Summer studies available in May and June.
Autumn term from the mid August to 3rd week of December.
Cost of Living Per Month (Studying and Living)
Studies are without a tuition fee for incoming exchange students when there is a mobility agreement between the sending institution and LAB.
Housing costs 300 € appr., living costs 350 € appr.
