Master of Science - Accounting
Aalto University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is de...
Master of Arts Film and Television - Film Sound Design
Aalto
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
Aalto University’s Master of Arts in Film and Television – Film Sound Design program is designed for students who wish to specialize in the crucial role that sound plays in the cinematic experience. Sound design is integral to storytelling, enhancing the emotional and narrative elements of a film through sound effects, dialogue, ambient sounds, and music. The program offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, giving students the skills to create dynamic soundscapes for various film genres, from feature films to documentaries and experimental works. Graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the film production process, ensuring that sound complements the visual narrative effectively.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Film and Television – Film Sound Design at Aalto University integrates both artistic and technical training. Students gain proficiency in sound recording, editing, mixing, and the creative use of sound to shape the atmosphere of a film. Key subjects include the study of sound theory, acoustics, film scoring, foley, and sound effects. The program also covers aspects of post-production sound design, including dialogue editing, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), and mixing for different formats such as cinema, television, and streaming platforms. Students will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative projects with peers from other disciplines, such as directing, cinematography, and editing, giving them a well-rounded perspective on the filmmaking process. The program also includes practical workshops and lab sessions where students can experiment with industry-standard sound design tools and software, including Pro Tools and Logic Pro. By the end of the program, students will have developed a portfolio of work that showcases their sound design skills, ready to enter the professional world.
Research Focus: Aalto University’s research focus in Film Sound Design delves into both the technical and creative aspects of sound. The program encourages students to explore the relationship between sound and narrative, examining how sound can influence mood, perception, and viewer engagement. Research topics may include the use of sound to evoke emotions, the integration of sound and music in film scoring, innovations in sound technology, and the impact of immersive sound experiences, such as Dolby Atmos and VR sound design. Students are encouraged to engage in their own research, pushing the boundaries of sound design, experimenting with new tools and methods, and contributing to the evolving field of film sound.
Industry Engagement: Aalto University offers strong industry connections to ensure that students gain exposure to real-world practices and develop a network within the film and media industries. The university collaborates with Finnish and international film production companies, allowing students to participate in internships, mentorship programs, and industry workshops. These partnerships offer students the opportunity to work on live projects, allowing them to apply their skills in professional environments. Moreover, Aalto hosts regular events such as film screenings, sound design workshops, and guest lectures from industry professionals, providing students with valuable opportunities to connect with filmmakers, sound designers, and other professionals in the field.
Global Perspective: The Film Sound Design program at Aalto University incorporates a global perspective, preparing students to work in an international environment. Students are exposed to diverse sound design practices from different parts of the world, understanding how sound is used in various cultural and cinematic contexts. Aalto University encourages international collaboration, with opportunities for students to work on projects with peers from different countries and attend global film and sound design festivals. The program’s emphasis on global trends ensures that students are not only prepared for the Finnish film industry but are also ready to work on international projects, collaborating with a wide range of filmmakers and sound professionals worldwide.
Location
Aalto
Score
Tuition Fee
€ 20000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €100
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- English language test waiver is applicable if the Bachelor's, Master's, Licentiate, or Doctoral degree is in English language.
Standardized Test Requirements:
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Overall score of 315 or higher is required.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Overall score of 600 or higher is required.
Aalto University in Finland offers a variety of scholarships to support international students who wish to study at one of the leading universities in Europe. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees and help students focus on their studies while living in Finland.
Aalto University Tuition Fee Scholarships: Aalto University offers scholarships specifically for international students who are required to pay tuition fees. The scholarships cover either partial or full tuition fees for master’s degree students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship amounts range from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the applicant’s academic achievements. Scholarships are awarded based on the strength of the application and the applicant’s academic background.
Aalto University Scholarship for Living Expenses: While the primary focus of the scholarship program is to assist with tuition fees, some additional financial support is available for students to help cover living expenses. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who already receive a tuition fee scholarship but need further assistance to cover their living costs.
Graduates of Aalto University’s Master of Arts in Film and Television – Film Sound Design program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career paths in the dynamic film, television, and media industries. The program’s combination of creative, technical, and theoretical training provides graduates with the skills to work in numerous roles across different sectors of the sound design field.
Sound Designer: Sound designers work on creating and shaping soundscapes for film, television, and other media, using a range of techniques to enhance the auditory experience and complement the visual storytelling.
Foley Artist: Specializing in creating and recording everyday sound effects (footsteps, door creaks, etc.) that are added during post-production to improve the realism of the film’s audio.
Sound Editor: Sound editors focus on organizing, editing, and assembling recorded sound effects, dialogue, and music into a cohesive soundtrack that aligns with the director's vision.
Re-recording Mixer: Responsible for mixing all elements of sound in the final stages of post-production, balancing dialogue, sound effects, and music to create a polished, final track for the film or TV show.
Audio Engineer: Audio engineers handle the technical aspects of sound production, including sound recording, equipment maintenance, and ensuring the optimal quality of sound during production and post-production.
Film Composer: Some graduates transition into composing music for films and television, integrating their sound design skills to create original scores that complement the visual elements of a production.
Post-Production Sound Supervisor: Supervisors oversee the entire sound post-production process, managing sound design teams, coordinating between departments, and ensuring the final sound mix meets industry standards.
Sound Consultant for VR/AR Projects: With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, sound designers with expertise in immersive sound experiences are in high demand to create 3D soundscapes that enhance virtual environments.
Freelance Sound Designer: Many graduates choose to work as freelancers, taking on projects across multiple genres and media platforms, including commercials, video games, web series, and more.
Podcast and Radio Sound Designer: Graduates can also apply their skills in the rapidly growing podcasting and radio industry, working on sound design for storytelling, interviews, and audio dramas.
Sound Design Educator: Graduates with an interest in academia can become educators, teaching sound design techniques and theories at universities, film schools, or through online platforms.
