A deep dive into radical creativity
Aalto University has produced a film to highlight its creative culture.
Film Sound Design - Film and Television, Master of Arts (Art and Design)
As a sound designer for film and TV productions, you will work as a part of the film’s artistic team on the critical task of creating a complete audiovisual product. Once you have completed a major in film sound design, you will be able to express your ideas creatively using the sound and narrative possibilities available. The studies will give you a grounding in art of film and a deeper understanding of the role of sound in the overall cinematic experience.
Degree:
Master of Arts (Art and Design)
Application period:
28 Nov 2024 – 27 Dec 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, €20000/y (Master’s studies)
Read more
Applying to master’s programmes
Description
As a sound designer for film and TV productions, you will work as a part of the film’s artistic team on the critical task of creating a complete audiovisual product. Once you have completed a major in film sound design, you will be able to express your ideas creatively using the sound and narrative possibilities available. The studies will give you a grounding in art of film and a deeper understanding of the role of sound in the overall cinematic experience.
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. In addition to the teamwork skills essential to the job description, studies emphasize the importance of personal time management and stress tolerance.
A student who graduates from the major in Film Sound Design can:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of Film Sound Design in feature films, documentaries and tv-series
- Explore their creative potential and develop a personal artistic vision in film sound design
- Take an active role as a film sound designer in artistic productions
- Experiment on new concepts for the creation of film sound and create and propose new artistic ideas for film sound design
- Reflect on earlier learning and develop new working methods
- Work as a creative team member in artistic productions
- 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
- Study existing traditions and provide critical and creative input that extends the limits of traditional film sound design
- Reach a level of skill where student can 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
The tuition fee for this programme is 20 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.
Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.
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, audio dramas and music as a narrative device in film.
The teaching encourages students to express 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 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 several 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, 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 fiction 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 and other audiovisual productions. Their work assignments may include sound design, recording, editing and mixing as well as creating sound effects.
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 Yle (Finnish public service media company) 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 Master’s Admissions 2025
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 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
- Academic performance
- Artistic and/or design practice
- Relevance of previous studies
- Suitability/motivation letter
- Other areas of competence
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
- Suitability/interview
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.
The documents required 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 required to provide the following study-option-specific documents:
CV
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.
Study plan / motivation letter
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.
Language of application documents
The application documents must be submitted in Finnish (Swedish) or English.
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Contact information
Learning Services at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture
For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.
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.
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