Studies
The Master's program in Sustainable Leadership in Audiovisual Industry provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and innovate in the dynamic field of audiovisual media. The curriculum is designed to integrate sustainability principles into leadership practices, ensuring ethical, forward-thinking decision-making in the industry.
The program is designed for professionals in the audiovisual sector who seek to advance into leadership roles or improve their management skills with a focus on sustainability. This includes production company supervisors, producers, department heads (HOD – head of department), educators, and other industry experts.
Become an expert in sustainable leadership in the audiovisual field
The key content areas of the programme are:
- Sustainable Audiovisual Production Expertise
- Strategic and Ethical Leadership in Audiovisual Contexts
- Applied Research and Development in Audiovisual Work-Life
- Cross-Cultural and Inclusive Communication and Collaboration in Audiovisual Work
The scope of the degree is 60 credits. In addition to the in-depth professional studies, the degree includes optional studies and a 30-credit thesis.
See the Sustainable Leadership in Audiovisual Industry Curriculum in Study Guide
Blended studies alongside work
The studies are carried out as blended studies so that studying alongside work is possible. In addition to attending group meetings, studies require a commitment to independent study and working in small groups.
Group meetings are mainly held remotely, but to support group bonding and networking, the studies also include face-to-face meetings on the Arabia campus. A variety of online tools will be used for both individual and group work.
The duration of the degree is 1.5 years, but it can also be completed in one academic year.
In a multidisciplinary group of students, you will have an excellent opportunity to network with other media professionals.
Thesis to develop working life
The thesis serves as a culmination of students' studies, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges within the audiovisual sector. The Master’s Thesis is an industry-driven research and development project that students can implement either within their own professional environment or for an external commissioning organization. The thesis outcome can lead to new solutions, including products, services, processes, working methods, or strategies that enhance the audiovisual field.
Scholarships and tuition fees
The tuition fees concern students who are not citizens of EU/EEA countries. Students pay annual tuition fees based on their study right. The payment obligation concerns all the academic terms during which a student is registered as attending.
Annual tuition fee 12 500 €. This fee applies only to non-EU/EEA degree students.
Ask Head of Programme more about studies
Applying
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Culture
The transfer application is aimed at all students enrolled in studies leading to a Finnish higher education degree and:
- who wish to transfer their study rights from one Finnish higher education institution to Metropolia so that the degree title remains the same or changes
OR - who wish to transfer their study rights within Metropolia from one degree programme to another, so that the degree title changes.
Students transferring within Metropolia in such a way that the degree title remains the same, are not considered as "transfer students" and have their own separate application procedure available on Metropolia's Students' Guide. Please note that it is not possible to transfer from abroad.
Students applying for a transfer should note that their maximum study period or the period for which they are entitled to receive student financial aid will not be extended due to the transfer. The maximum study period is calculated from the date on which the student accepted the study place in the previous higher education institution.
All the information needed to apply can be found on the national Studyinfo.fi portal. At Studyinfo.fi you can find descriptions of degree programmes, application criteria, application instructions, application forms and much more.
Application fee
Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies. The application fee of 100 euros is collected for applicants from countries outside EU/EEA seeking education leading to a degree in higher education. The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling in the Studyinfo application form. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies. The application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entering into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. Transfer applications fall under the One Study Right Rule.
- Application period-Start of studiesspring 2027
- Culture
The Application on the Basis of Finnish Higher Education Studies is aimed at those who have completed higher education studies in Finland. The completed studies must be accreditable to the degree programme to which you are applying in accordance with the curriculum of the degree programme. When applying for a master's degree, your studies must in principle be from the corresponding level (master’s degree / EQF7 level). Read the selection criteria; the required credit points (ECTS) and other possible threshold conditions are mentioned in the student selection criteria on Studyinfo. Studies are taken into account regardless of whether they have been completed as open studies or in education leading to a degree, or whether the right to study is valid or has expired.
Application period: 2 November 2026 8:00 am - 30 April 2027, all times refer to local time in Finland.
In flexible admission (i.e. rolling admission) the study places are filled in the order in which applications are received, so that all applicants who meet all the student selection requirements are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the application ends or the study places are filled.
All the information needed to apply can be found on the national Studyinfo.fi portal. At Studyinfo.fi you can find descriptions of degree programmes, application criteria, application instructions, application forms and much more.
Note: Many degree programmes accept applications on a continuous basis. However, applicants who are required to pay tuition fees should carefully consider the timing of their application. In most cases, it is not advisable to begin studies in the middle of a term (either autumn or spring), as tuition fees cannot be paid for only part of the term. For this reason, it is generally best to apply well in advance of the start of the term, so that studies can commence from the very beginning.
Application fee
There is an application fee of 100 euros. The application fee is collected for applicants from countries outside EU/EEA seeking education leading to a degree in higher education. The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling in the Studyinfo application form. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies. The application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
The One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entering into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The rule applies only to study rights at Finnish higher education institutions.
- Application period-Start of studiesautumn 2027
- Culture
Instructions for applying
In the spring 2027 Joint Application 1 to higher education, you can apply to degree programmes that start in the autumn of 2027. The application period starts on the 7 January 2027 at 8 am and ends on the 21 January 2027 at 3 pm (local time in Finland).
All the information needed to apply can be found on the national Studyinfo.fi portal. At Studyinfo.fi you can find descriptions of degree programmes, application criteria, application instructions, application forms and much more.
Application fee
Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies. The application fee of 100 euros is collected for applicants from countries outside EU/EEA seeking education leading to a degree in higher education. The Finnish National Agency of Education will collect the application fee in connection with filling in the Studyinfo application form. There is no application fee for Finnish or EU citizens.
The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies. The application fee is not refunded if you cancel your application or are not offered admission.
More about application fee in Studyinfo.fi.
Questions about application fees? Contact applicationfee [at] oph.fi (applicationfee[at]oph[dot]fi)The One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to legislative amendments entered into force on 1 August 2026. Under these amendments, a student’s study rights at the same or lower level will be terminated if they accept a new study right leading to a degree. The rule applies only to study rights at Finnish higher education institutions.
In order to be considered for the student selection, you must fill in the joint application form at Studyinfo.fi during the application period 7 January - 21 January 2027. The pre-assignment must be submitted as an attachment to the electronic joint application form during the application period, by 21 January 2027 3:00 p.m. the latest (local time in Finland).
Pre-assignments for spring 2027 Joint Application 1 will be published by the beginning of the application period.In order to be considered for student selection, you must pass the degree programme's own entrance examination as described in Studyinfo.fi. Entrance exam invitations are sent approximately one week before the entrance exam by email to the email address provided by the applicant on the application form.
Useful links
More information on the application process
Tel. +358 9 7424 5902, Mon-Wed 10 am – 12 pm
Starting studies
First, read guidelines common to all Metropolia degree students and then degree specific instruction below.
Starting studies in Sustainable Leadership in Audiovisual Industry Master’s degree programme
Orientation
Studies begin with an orientation period on Thursday and Friday 20-21 August 2026.
Face-to-face meetings will take place at the Arabia Campus in Helsinki. On the first orientation day, please bring a valid photo ID with you. Student identities may be checked during registration.
Staff members will support you during the orientation and guide you through the first steps of your studies. During the orientation period, study days take place between 3 pm and 8 pm, but please be prepared for possible changes. Participation in orientation is an essential part of starting your studies.
If you are not yet in Finland at the beginning of your studies, please let us know that you wish to attend the orientation remotely. At Metropolia Welcome Hub you can find information and guidance on settling in the Helsinki metropolitan area, housing, managing everyday life, and integrating into the local community. Find information on integration services on the Metropolia Welcome Hub website.
Orientation content
During the orientation, we will go through for example:
- The curriculum and structure of the programme
- Progression of studies and practical study arrangements
- Blended learning practices and online collaboration tools
- Programme-specific practices and communication
- Study planning and guidance (personal study plan, PSP)
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
- Wellbeing and student support services
- Introduction to the learning community and networking with peers
You will also have an opportunity to meet the teaching staff and fellow students and to familiarize yourself with Metropolia’s learning environment.
Study guidance and planning
Studying at Master’s level requires goal-oriented planning from the very beginning. You will be supported in planning your studies by the programme staff. A key role in study guidance is held by the teacher tutor.
If you have previously completed higher education studies or acquired relevant professional competence, recognition of prior learning will be discussed during the first weeks of studies. More detailed instructions on RPL, schedules and practical study arrangements will be provided during the orientation.
Explore the Sustainable Leadership in Audiovisual Industry curriculum in the Study Guide
Practical matters before starting
To begin your studies, please read the instructions above
Studying in a blended format
The programme is designed to be completed alongside work. Studies consist mainly of remote group meetings combined with independent and group work. Group meetings are mainly scheduled on Tuesdays through Thursdays late afternoons, approximately 2 days per week. In addition to scheduled meetings, the studies include independent work and group collaboration.
In addition, the programme includes face-to-face sessions at the Arabia Campus to support group bonding and professional networking.
Active participation is important, as many learning activities are based on discussion, collaboration, and applied development tasks connected to working life.
Contact information
Teacher tutor
Antti Pönni
Head of Degree Programme
Aura Kaarivuo