Antti Ikonen
During their studies, students will specialise according to their personal skills and motivation. Their future careers relate to the various fields of sound and music design, including game audio and music, sonic interaction design, sound design for animation and sound in media art. Students are encouraged to become independent professionals who have the capacity to not only follow, but responsibly lead and manage the development of their professional field internationally.
The students can also continue their studies to doctoral studies, e.g. by doing (part of) their research within the Sound and Physical Interaction research group at the Department of Media.
Sound in New Media is a Major Subject within the Master’s Degree Programme in New Media. The Major Subject combines art, design and media driven aspects of sound design in the digital era, covering a wide range of disciplines from concept design to live performance and from storytelling to programming. In addition to professors and teachers of the partner universities, teaching resources are extended through our wide international networks in the field.
The studies are targeted for students who have completed their BA, BSc or similar degree (e.g. in Polytechnic / Applied Science) in sound design or music, or have gained basic sound design skills on the side of their studies through other kind of activities.
The courses are provided by several units and faculties in various universities in the Helsinki region. Curriculum-wise our main partners are the Centre for Music and Technology in the Sibelius Academy, and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (was: Department of Media Technology) in the Aalto University School of Science.
Studies begin with an orientative starting block entitled Understanding Media, Art and Design. After completing that, through tutoring students choose their focus areas and start to participate in courses, digital media studio work, seminars, workshops and study projects. Individual study planning for new students is tutored by the teacher in charge of the Major Subject, face-to-face, in great detail.
The programme is fully taught in English, and students can write their thesis in Finnish, Swedish or English.
The curriculum of the Major Subject is designed and being constantly developed in co-operation with other academic institutions and the industry, which supports the students' career planning. The Master's Theses of the students are being co-advised by external experts from the academia, the field of independent art and the private sector.
The curriculum contains a number of software tools courses, but in general we expect students to be either proficient in using the tools of the trade, or willing to set aside time for self-study. For this, we provide a library of tutorials, as well as one-on-one coaching.
|
Code |
Name |
ECTS credits |
|
Major in Sound in New Media |
90 |
|
|
Compulsory joint studies for a master’s degree in the department of media |
11 |
|
|
Understanding Media, Art and Design |
4 |
|
|
Research Skills/Tutkimustaidot |
4 |
|
|
In addition student chooses one of the following courses. |
||
|
Academic Writing (in English)* |
3 |
|
|
Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen maisteriopiskelijoille (in Finnish)* |
3 |
|
|
Compulsory studies for the major in sound in new media |
47–57 |
|
|
Audio Technology Exam |
1 |
|
|
Personal study plan |
1 |
|
|
Introduction to Media Art and Culture |
3 |
|
|
Composing with Data Flow Programming |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Sound Design and Music |
1–5 |
|
|
Introduction to Western Classical Music |
1–5 |
|
|
Master’s Thesis Seminar |
4 |
|
|
Master's Thesis |
30 |
|
|
Student chooses also one of the following courses for Software Studies: |
||
|
Software Studies for Media Designers |
3 |
|
|
Software Studies: Programming for Artists |
3 |
|
|
Software Studies for Game Designers |
3–5 |
|
|
Alternative Studies |
19–32 |
|
|
Courses from Media Lab course list, from other programmes, institutions or schools according to approved personal study plan (HOPS). |
||
In addition, students choose 30 ECTS of elective studies. As elective studies, students can complete minor studies and/or take individual courses from other programmes at Aalto University or other Finnish universities, participate in an international student exchange programme, do an internship in Finland or abroad, or take elective courses offered by the Master’s Degree Programme in New Media.