Sound design, master
Our master’s degree programme educates professional, multi-talented and cooperative artists for the fields of performing arts and cultural production.
Why study here?
The two-year Master’s Degree Programme in Sound Design offers an opportunity to develop expertise in sound design for the performing arts. During your studies, sound is approached as an integral part of performance, connected to the stage, the subject matter and dramaturgy of the performance, as well as the audience experience. The master’s studies strengthen your ability to participate in shared artistic thinking and to use sound consciously as a means of expression that creates meaning.
You will study within the student community of Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy, where collaboration, experimentation and reflection are central. The studies develop your readiness to work in artistic teams through listening, communication and building a shared understanding of the performance as a whole. At the same time, they support the development of your distinctive artistic vision and your ability to work in diverse contexts within the field of performing arts.
Is this for you?
The two-year master’s programme is intended for applicants who already have experience in sound design for the performing arts or related artistic work and who wish to deepen both their expertise and academic skills. We are looking for students who demonstrate sensitivity to perceiving sound and its meanings in performance situations, as well as a willingness to engage in long-term work with unfinished and evolving processes.
The programme emphasises group work and shared authorship. The ability to share one’s ideas, listen to others and actively participate in the collective creation of performance is therefore essential. In student admissions, particular attention is paid to applicants’ understanding of dramaturgical thinking in the performing arts and their ability to apply it to the planning and realisation of performances. We also expect applicants to be able to articulate their experiences and observations and to develop a language for describing what they do and why.
In addition, we value an open and fearless attitude towards technology and a willingness to expand one’s artistic practice through new tools and methods. Planning an individual study plan together with the programme professor and taking responsibility for the progress of one’s studies form an important part of the master’s programme.
Content and objective of the programme
In the master’s studies in sound design, you will deepen and broaden your understanding of the dramaturgical dimensions of sound design in the performing arts. You will learn to examine sound as part of a performance’s structure, rhythm and creation of meaning, and to develop forms of expression that interact with the stage and performers. You will gain tools for analysing, conceptualising and discussing the sonic expression of performances.
You will develop your understanding of the role of sonic materials and spatial composition in creating meanings and content in performances. You will master the use of sound as part of performative expression and be able to develop your artistic field within multidisciplinary performing arts contexts. Upon graduation, you will be able to engage actively with performative situations and understand your artistic work as part of the surrounding society and the broader field of performing arts.
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.
Applying
Applications to the Degree Programme in Sound Design and master’s studies are organised annually. Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. See admission statistics from previous years.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree provides eligibility for further studies, such as doctoral studies in Theatre Arts. At Uniarts Helsinki, doctoral education in theatre is provided by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).
Target degree and length of study
Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
2 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2027. Studies begin in August 2027.
Degree language
Finnish
Read more about the language skill requirements
Tuition fee
There is no tuition fee for this degree programme, as the language of instruction is not English.
Unit
Theatre Academy
Ask about applying
You can contact the admissions office using this form.
Max catalogue: students and alumniWhy study here?
The two-year Master’s Degree Programme in Sound Design offers an opportunity to develop expertise in sound design for the performing arts. During your studies, sound is approached as an integral part of performance, connected to the stage, the subject matter and dramaturgy of the performance, as well as the audience experience. The master’s studies strengthen your ability to participate in shared artistic thinking and to use sound consciously as a means of expression that creates meaning.
You will study within the student community of Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy, where collaboration, experimentation and reflection are central. The studies develop your readiness to work in artistic teams through listening, communication and building a shared understanding of the performance as a whole. At the same time, they support the development of your distinctive artistic vision and your ability to work in diverse contexts within the field of performing arts.
Is this for you?
The two-year master’s programme is intended for applicants who already have experience in sound design for the performing arts or related artistic work and who wish to deepen both their expertise and academic skills. We are looking for students who demonstrate sensitivity to perceiving sound and its meanings in performance situations, as well as a willingness to engage in long-term work with unfinished and evolving processes.
The programme emphasises group work and shared authorship. The ability to share one’s ideas, listen to others and actively participate in the collective creation of performance is therefore essential. In student admissions, particular attention is paid to applicants’ understanding of dramaturgical thinking in the performing arts and their ability to apply it to the planning and realisation of performances. We also expect applicants to be able to articulate their experiences and observations and to develop a language for describing what they do and why.
In addition, we value an open and fearless attitude towards technology and a willingness to expand one’s artistic practice through new tools and methods. Planning an individual study plan together with the programme professor and taking responsibility for the progress of one’s studies form an important part of the master’s programme.
Content and objective of the programme
In the master’s studies in sound design, you will deepen and broaden your understanding of the dramaturgical dimensions of sound design in the performing arts. You will learn to examine sound as part of a performance’s structure, rhythm and creation of meaning, and to develop forms of expression that interact with the stage and performers. You will gain tools for analysing, conceptualising and discussing the sonic expression of performances.
You will develop your understanding of the role of sonic materials and spatial composition in creating meanings and content in performances. You will master the use of sound as part of performative expression and be able to develop your artistic field within multidisciplinary performing arts contexts. Upon graduation, you will be able to engage actively with performative situations and understand your artistic work as part of the surrounding society and the broader field of performing arts.
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.
Applying
Applications to the Degree Programme in Sound Design and master’s studies are organised annually. Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. See admission statistics from previous years.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree provides eligibility for further studies, such as doctoral studies in Theatre Arts. At Uniarts Helsinki, doctoral education in theatre is provided by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).