Study options

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

As a sound designer in film and television production, you and the visual side of the production perform together the critical task of creating a complete audiovisual product. On completing the Film Sound Design major, you will be able to express your ideas by creatively using the sound-and-narrative possibilities that are now available. The studies will give you a grounding in the cinematic arts and a deeper understanding of the role of sound in the overall experience of film viewing.
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Degree:

Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Application period:

30 Nov 2023 – 2 Jan 2024

Language of instruction:

Finnish
English
Swedish

Duration:

2 years, full-time

Eligibility:

Relevant Bachelor's degree

Field of study:

Art and Design

Credits:

120 ECTS

Organising school:

School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Tuition fees:

For non-EU/EEA citizens, €15000/y (Master’s studies) Read more

Applying to master’s programmes

Description

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:

  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of film sound design in feature films, documentaries and TV series 
  • Explore their creative potential and develop their personal artistic vision through film sound design
  • Take an active role as a film sound designer in artistic productions 
  • Experiment with new concepts for the creation of film sound and create and propose new artistic ideas for film sound design 
  • Master different artistic and technical processes and technologies in film sound design 
  • Lead and motivate the team that collaborates in the creation of a film's soundtrack 
  • Understand the field’s traditions and current directions and provide critical and creative input that extends the limits of traditional film sound design 
  • Reflect on earlier learning and develop new working methods 
  • Work as a creative team member in artistic productions 
  • Reach a sufficient level of skill to begin doctoral studies in film sound design

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).

Tuition fees and scholarships

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.

Structure of studies

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.

Master's Programme in Film and Television

Specialisations

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.

Internationalisation

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.

Further study opportunities

The master’s degree provides a foundation for continuing studies in a doctoral programme.

Career opportunities

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.

Research focus

The research in this programme is linked to several focus areas in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Additional information: Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture | Aalto University

Co-operation with other parties

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.

Applying to master’s programmes

Study-option-specific evaluation criteria in 2024 Master’s admissions

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:

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Contact information

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.

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

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