Program Overview

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Film Sound Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

The Master's Programme in Film and Television, Film Sound Design major, is a two-year full-time programme that provides students with a comprehensive education in film sound design. The programme is designed to equip students with the artistic, technical, and collaborative skills necessary to work as professional sound designers and sound engineers in the film and television industry.

Description

As a sound designer for film and TV productions, students will work as part of the film's artistic team to create a complete audiovisual product. The programme will provide students with a grounding in the art of film and a deeper understanding of the role of sound in the overall cinematic experience. Students will learn to express their ideas creatively using sound and narrative possibilities, and will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the practices, means of artistic expression, technical equipment, and theoretical concepts in their field.

Degree

The degree awarded is a Master of Arts (Art and Design).

Application Period

The application period is from 1 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Duration

The programme is two years full-time.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor's degree.

Field of Study

The field of study is Art and Design.

Credits

The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.

Organising School

The programme is organised by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens is 20,000 per academic year.

Structure of Studies

The programme consists of advanced studies (60 credits), elective studies (30 credits), and a thesis (30 credits). The advanced studies include compulsory joint courses (30 credits) that provide students with a deeper knowledge of film theory and history, as well as entrepreneurial and working life skills. The elective studies allow students to channel their abilities into their own areas of interest.

Specialisations

Students can specialise in film sound design through elective courses and practice work. They can also expand their abilities by taking studies at other higher education institutions.

Internationalisation

The programme offers good opportunities for international networking, with several students from abroad and internationally esteemed visiting teachers. Students can participate in international seminars and complete some of their studies abroad in foreign exchange programmes.

Further Study Opportunities

The Master's degree provides a foundation for continuing studies in a doctoral programme.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are able to work in positions of artistic responsibility in feature-length fiction and documentary films, as well as leaders of their own groups. They can work as freelancers and entrepreneurs in film, television, game, and other audiovisual productions.

Research Focus

The research in the programme is linked to several focus areas in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

Co-operation with Other Parties

The programme has close connections to working life, collaborating with Finland's leading companies in film sound, as well as Yle (Finnish public service media company) and others.

Study-Option-Specific Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria for the programme include artistic and/or design practice, relevance of previous studies, suitability/motivation letter, and other areas of competence. The selection process consists of two phases: Phase I, which evaluates the applicant's artistic and/or design practice, relevance of previous studies, suitability/motivation letter, and other areas of competence; and Phase II, which evaluates the applicant's suitability/interview.

Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic and/or design practice: Demonstrations of artistic work, skills in the field of Film Sound Design, creativity, boldness, originality, imagination, motivation, communication skills, ability to work in a group, ability to understand and organise the relationship between sound and picture, and ability to think sonically in storytelling.
• Relevance of previous studies: Studies equivalent to BA degree studies in Film Sound Design at the Department of Film, Aalto University.
• Suitability/motivation letter: Applicant's further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills.
• Other areas of competence: Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements, such as publications, non-formal education, competitions.

Study-Option-Specific Documents

Applicants must provide the following study-option-specific documents:

• CV: Personal details, education, work experience, awards and grants, study trips, and positions of trust.
• Work examples (portfolio): Maximum of three samples of work, with a combined viewing time of 30 minutes or less.
• Study plan/motivation letter: Reasons for applying to the programme, particular interests in the field, goals and expectations for the studies, specific strengths and areas of interest, artistic vision, and other aspects of work.
• Report on technical, artistic, and collaborative process: Behind one of the films linked to the CV, not exceeding 2000 characters.

Language of Application Documents

The documents must be submitted in English.