Sound design, bachelor and master
Our programme gives you the skills to express yourself using sound and sound technology in performing arts.
Why study here?
Are you interested in sound? What about performance?
The Degree Programme in Sound Design prepares you to become a performing arts professional with a strong artistic vision and solid skills in using sound and sound technology as means of expression within the performing arts. As a student, you will become part of the multidisciplinary community of Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy.
Is this for you?
Studies in sound design for the performing arts are intended for individuals who are drawn to sound as a medium of expression, thought and perception. The programme is suitable for you if you wish to engage with the world and with performance-making processes through sound. You may be only beginning your relationship with sound and the performing arts; enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to listen are more important than pre-existing skills.
We are looking for students who demonstrate sensitivity to perceiving sound and its meanings in performance situations, as well as patience for working with unfinished processes. The programme emphasises group work and shared authorship, so the ability to share your ideas, listen to others and actively participate in the collaborative process of creating performances is essential.
It is important that you are interested in articulating your experiences, observations and artistic thinking and in developing a language for describing what you do and why. We do not expect prior technical expertise in sound technology. However, we hope that you approach technology without fear and are willing to explore new working methods and tools through experimentation. We also value self-direction: the ability to take responsibility for your own learning and to engage independently with subjects in greater depth.
Content and objective of the programme
The five-year programme in sound design consists of a three-year bachelor’s degree (180 credits) and a two-year master’s degree (120 credits).
During the bachelor’s studies in the Degree Programme in Sound Design, you will become familiar with the traditions, current practices and concepts of sonic expression in the performing arts and learn to master its means of expression. The studies introduce a variety of tools and technologies for creating and shaping sound as part of the artistic design process of performance. Sound design for the performing arts is taught as a holistic discipline in which technical skills are closely connected to artistic thinking, listening and performative expression.
The master’s studies deepen and broaden both your sound-aesthetic thinking and your analytical and critical skills. The five-year programme supports your development into an artist who actively engages with society and the surrounding world. Upon graduation, you will master the use of sound as part of performative expression and be able to develop your artistic field within diverse performing arts contexts.
The primary language of instruction is Finnish. English is also used occasionally in teaching. However, students have the right to use Swedish both orally and in writing in connection with teaching and examinations, unless otherwise specified in the curriculum or required by the nature of teaching.
Teachers
Our teachers are experienced experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes leading professionals from the field as guest teachers on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree allows you to complete a Doctor of Arts (Theatre and Drama) degree, for example, as a third-cycle degree. Doctoral studies in theatre are offered by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).
Admissions guide
Application instructions for this programme haven't been published yet.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2027. Studies begin in August 2027.
Degree language
Finnish
Read more about our language policy
Tuition fee
There is no tuition fee for this degree programme, as the language of instruction is not English.
Unit
Theatre Academy
Max catalogue: students and alumniWhy study here?
Are you interested in sound? What about performance?
The Degree Programme in Sound Design prepares you to become a performing arts professional with a strong artistic vision and solid skills in using sound and sound technology as means of expression within the performing arts. As a student, you will become part of the multidisciplinary community of Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy.
Is this for you?
Studies in sound design for the performing arts are intended for individuals who are drawn to sound as a medium of expression, thought and perception. The programme is suitable for you if you wish to engage with the world and with performance-making processes through sound. You may be only beginning your relationship with sound and the performing arts; enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to listen are more important than pre-existing skills.
We are looking for students who demonstrate sensitivity to perceiving sound and its meanings in performance situations, as well as patience for working with unfinished processes. The programme emphasises group work and shared authorship, so the ability to share your ideas, listen to others and actively participate in the collaborative process of creating performances is essential.
It is important that you are interested in articulating your experiences, observations and artistic thinking and in developing a language for describing what you do and why. We do not expect prior technical expertise in sound technology. However, we hope that you approach technology without fear and are willing to explore new working methods and tools through experimentation. We also value self-direction: the ability to take responsibility for your own learning and to engage independently with subjects in greater depth.
Content and objective of the programme
The five-year programme in sound design consists of a three-year bachelor’s degree (180 credits) and a two-year master’s degree (120 credits).
During the bachelor’s studies in the Degree Programme in Sound Design, you will become familiar with the traditions, current practices and concepts of sonic expression in the performing arts and learn to master its means of expression. The studies introduce a variety of tools and technologies for creating and shaping sound as part of the artistic design process of performance. Sound design for the performing arts is taught as a holistic discipline in which technical skills are closely connected to artistic thinking, listening and performative expression.
The master’s studies deepen and broaden both your sound-aesthetic thinking and your analytical and critical skills. The five-year programme supports your development into an artist who actively engages with society and the surrounding world. Upon graduation, you will master the use of sound as part of performative expression and be able to develop your artistic field within diverse performing arts contexts.
The primary language of instruction is Finnish. English is also used occasionally in teaching. However, students have the right to use Swedish both orally and in writing in connection with teaching and examinations, unless otherwise specified in the curriculum or required by the nature of teaching.
Teachers
Our teachers are experienced experts in their respective fields. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes leading professionals from the field as guest teachers on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree allows you to complete a Doctor of Arts (Theatre and Drama) degree, for example, as a third-cycle degree. Doctoral studies in theatre are offered by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).