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 and performance? Would you like to study in a unique environment? The degree programme in sound design gives you the skills needed to work in performing arts as a professional. With us, you will develop a strong artistic vision and excellent ability to use sound and sound technology as a method of expression. You will get to join a tight-knit community of lighting and sound design students.

Content and objective of the programme

The programme consists of three-year bachelor’s studies (180 credits) and two-year master’s studies (120 credits). During your bachelor’s studies, you will become familiar with the traditions, concepts, and current practices of your field. You will learn to master the means and methods of expression and artistic planning processes of sound design. The master’s studies broaden your sound-aesthetic horizons and offer tools for analysis and argumentation. We will support your growth into an artist that interacts actively with the surrounding world. Interactivity plays a central role in studies and in your learning environment. Read more about the Interactivity in Performance Design project.

The primary language of instruction is Finnish. 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.

Collaboration-based studies

The aim of the programme is to support your continuous personal growth and to help you discover your identity as a member of an artistic team. Most of the studies are arranged collaboratively as joint studies, demos and performance productions together with students of other degree programmes. We encourage future theatre artists to seek and establish joint themes, forms and work methods, and a joint language for the stage. You can create future partnerships by networking with fellow students.

Performance activities are the common denominator for all the Theatre Academy’s degree programmes. In performances, the members of an artistic working group team up with a shared objective in mind, all utilising their own skills and methods of expression. You will work closely with other students who want to become lighting designers, dramaturges, directors, choreographers, costume designers and set designers. Moreover, during the performances you will interact with real audiences.

Versatile sound design professionals 

The degree programme in sound design produces professional sound specialists with good expressive and interactive skills for both the Finnish and the international arts and culture sector. Upon graduation, you will have the ability to adopt new kinds of work methods and new technologies suitable for artistic expression and know how to analyse them critically. As a professional sound designer, you can work for a theatre or some other organisation as a permanent employee or for different businesses and groups and as a freelancer or an independent artist. You can work both in Finland and around the world.

Master’s studies

With us, you will broaden your sound-aesthetic thinking and acquire tools for analysis and argumentation. You will get support to develop into an artist that interacts actively with their surroundings. You will become an independent artist and possess the skills required to work as a creative and innovative member of an artistic team. You will be able to develop your artistic field and take it to the next stage both as an independent form of art and as one aspect of various art forms (theatre, dance, opera, circus, music, performance art, etc.).

Study module in Sound Art & Sonic Arts

The minor study module, SAMA, offered in English, examines sound as a wide-ranging form of contemporary art. Read more about the study module in Sound Art & Sonic Arts.

Teachers

Our teachers are experienced experts in their field. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top professionals 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

Target degree and length of study

Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
5 years

Application period

Next possible time to apply is in January 2024. Studies begin in August 2024.

Application languages

Finnish Read more about our language policy

Tuition fee

Annual tuition fee €5,000 for students studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.

Read more about the tuition fees.

Unit

Theatre Academy

Ask about applying

teak.admissions@uniarts.fi