Students majoring in sound design are trained to develop as artists and work as professional sound designers and sound engineers in all areas of film and television production. Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of the practices, means of artistic expression, technical equipment and theoretical concepts in their own field.
This university-level major in sound design is the only one in Finland, and one of only a few in Europe. Graduates of the Aalto University Department of Film are well-respected experts in the field.
The studies will give you access to a constantly developing artistic field where you can realise your special strengths and creativity in diverse ways.
Graduates from the major of Film Sound Design will be able to:
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is Finnish. However, a portion of the studies are taught in English, and the degree may be completed entirely in English. The degree may also be completed in Swedish (i.e. courses may be completed and the thesis done in Swedish).
Aalto University’s tuition fee for master’s programmes taught in English is 15 000 euros per academic year. Tuition fees apply to citizens of countries other than those of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Aalto University has a scholarship programme to support non-EU/EEA citizens who study in a fee-charging degree programme. The scholarship may cover 100% or 50% of the tuition fee.
More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.
The major in Film Sound Design consists of advanced studies (60 cr), elective studies (30 cr) and the thesis (30 cr).
Studies in the master's programme include the department's joint courses (30 cr), which are compulsory. In the courses, the student acquires a deeper knowledge of film theory and history, develops entrepreneurial and working life skills as well as analytic and research skills. In the advanced studies of the major, the student becomes familiar with a broad spectrum of film sound design themes, such as sound effects recording, radio dramas and music as a narrative device in film.
The teaching encourages students to fulfil themselves in their work. It is based mainly on practical ‘learning by doing’, working in small groups, peer learning, receiving individual guidance, and engaging in conversational interactions. In the practice productions, students study sound design and recording procedures, and they expand their groupwork and leadership skills.
For additional information on the content and curriculum of the education, see the Student Guide.
Students may channel their abilities into their own areas of interest through elective courses and the different kinds of practice work. Abilities can be expanded by taking studies through a flexible study right (JOO) at other higher education institutions, such as Sibelius Academy or the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki.
The Film Sound Design major offers good opportunities for international networking. Every year, the major attracts a number of students to Aalto from abroad, and the education is further enriched by internationally esteemed visiting teachers. These have included long-term sound professionals like Nicolas Becker and Martín Hernández.
Students in this major can participate in international seminars and visits, gaining a deeper understanding of the profession as well as opportunities for multinational networking. Students may also complete some of their studies abroad in foreign exchange programmes.
In the international milieu of Aalto, students become part of a diverse community, both through their studies and through the recreational events and activities organised on campus.
The master’s degree provides a foundation for continuing studies in a doctoral programme.
Film sound designers with this master of arts degree are able to work in positions of artistic responsibility in feature-length and documentary films and as leaders of their own groups.
The graduates are professionals who typically find employment as freelancers and entrepreneurs in film, television, game, advertising film and other audiovisual productions. Their work assignments may include sound design, recording, editing and mixing as well as creating sound effects as a Foley artist.
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The major has close connections to working life, collaborating with Finland’s leading companies in film sound as well as Yleisradio (Finnish public radio) and others.
Students can incorporate elective studies in their degree with courses from other Aalto schools or from other Finnish universities, such as the University of the Arts Helsinki.
Mundane sounds support the characters' personality and Iivo Korhonen is the one recording them. He encourages everyone to dream big, because sometimes that may become your reality.
Our art-house short film festival presents seven tailor-made films on @aaltoarts Instagram.
Finland’s film industry is thriving and attracting new audiences at home and overseas. Where does the success come from?
In the autumn of 2019, we celebrate the Finnish film education reaching the mature age of 60 years. We can proudly take a look at our history and say that film education in Finland began among the first in Europe, several years before the other Nordic countries. Where did it all begin, where are we now and what will the future look like?
Applicants meeting Aalto’s general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option. The applications to Master's Programme in Film - Film Sound Design will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Phase I
| Academic performance | |
| What is evaluated | Grades of the previous degree(s) and pace of studies |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Studies that are equivalent to BA degree studies of Film Sound Design at the Department of Film, Aalto University |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Artistic and/or design practice | |
| What is evaluated | Demonstrations of artistic work |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Skills in the field of Film Sound Design in relation to the artistic, production and technical implementation of the film. In addition, the admission criteria include creativity, boldness, originality, imagination, motivation, communication skills, the ability to work in a group, the ability to understand and organise the relationship between sound and picture, and the ability to think sonically in storytelling. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Work examples |
| Relevance of previous studies | |
| What is evaluated | Content and quantity in relation to the applied study-option-specific requirements |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements |
Studies that are equivalent to BA degree studies in Film Sound Design at the Department of Film, Aalto University. Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Transcript(s) of records, degree certificate(s) |
| Suitability | |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills. |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Skills in the field of Film Sound Design in relation to the artistic, production and technical implementation of the film. In addition, the admission criteria include creativity, boldness, originality, imagination, motivation, communication skills, the ability to work in a group, the ability to understand and organise the relationship between sound and picture, and the ability to think sonically in storytelling. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Motivation letter |
| Other areas of competence | |
| What is evaluated | Work experience and other acquired knowledge/achievements e.g. publications, non-formal education, competitions. |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Experience in film sound design (sound recording, sound editing and mixing, and sound design). |
| Method of demonstrating competence |
Curriculum vitae, filmography The study option does not consider recommendation letters. |
Phase II
| Suitability/interview | |
| What is evaluated | Applicant’s further suitability to the study option, motivation, and commitment for studies/communication skills |
| What we look for in an applicant/Admission requirements | Skills in the field of Film Sound Design in relation to the artistic, production and technical implementation of the film. In addition, the admission criteria include creativity, boldness, originality, imagination, motivation, communication skills, the ability to work in a group, the ability to understand and organise the relationship between sound and picture, and the ability to think sonically in storytelling. |
| Method of demonstrating competence | Interview |
What we look for in an applicant?
Studies that are equivalent to BA degree studies in Film Sound Design at the Department of Film, Aalto University.
We expect the applicant to have good competence, corresponding to the level of a Bachelor’s degree in Film Sound Design at the Department of Film, Aalto University, in relation to the artistic, production and technical implementation of the film. We also expect life experience, education, curiosity, boldness, an open mind and the ability to constantly observe and analyse the surrounding reality.
Evaluation process
The applicants will be first evaluated based on Aalto’s general eligibility requirements. Applicants meeting the general eligibility criteria for master's studies will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria that has been decided in advance for each study option.
The selection process for applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria comprises of two phases:
Phase I
In Phase I, the applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria
Only the applicants who fulfill the requirements/are ranked highest in the preliminary evaluation will be invited to phase II in the selection process.
Phase II
In Phase II, the evaluation is based on the following criteria
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, the best applicants will be selected based on the joint evaluation from Phases I and II.
Some of applicants are invited to the second phase. Those selected for the interview may be given 1-2 assignments to be submitted electronically a couple of days before the interview. The invitation to the second phase is sent to the applicants at latest seven days in advance.
After the evaluation conducted in Phase II, applicant’s scores from Phases I and II are added together. Applicants will be ranked according to this joint score, and the highest-scoring applicants will be admitted.
The documents requested from all applicants are listed on the Aalto University website (https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-at-aalto/applying-to-masters-programmes). In addition, applicants to this study-option are requested to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
The application materials must include a CV that contains your personal details, education, work experience, awards and grants, study trips and positions of trust.
Applicants without a previous degree or with a degree from another field are taken into account. The study option does not consider recommendation letters. Their inclusion is considered a minus.
Work examples
Include in your CV downloadable links to a maximum of three samples of your work (on Vimeo, YouTube or the equivalent) with a combined viewing time of 30 minutes or less.
If your work examples include password protected video links, include the password(s) in your CV.
Write a study plan or letter of motivation of maximum 4000 characters in length explaining your reasons for applying to this area of specialisation and telling of your particular interest(s) in the field as well as your goals and expectations for the studies to be completed at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Describe your specific strengths and areas of interest, goals, artistic vision and other aspects of your work.
Additionally, the applicant should write a report on technical, artistic and collaborative process behind one of the films linked to the CV. The report should not exceed 2000 characters.
The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.
Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
Application documents required for the study option and questions concerning studying may be sent to the Learning Services staff of Aalto ARTS.
Admissions Services
Questions concerning the required application documents, the application process and the required English proficiency level may be sent to Aalto’s Admission Services.