Apply to Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree)

Published 30.10.2020 | Updated 28.10.2024

Important Dates

● The application period starts on 8 January 2025

● The application period ends at 3 pm (Finnish time) on 22 January 2025
– Complete and submit the application form via Studyinfo

● Submit appendices before 29 January 2025, 3 pm (Finnish time)
– Send the advance assignments via the Studyinfo application form
– Send required certificates (education and language proficiency) through the Studyinfo application form

● You will be notified of the results of your eligibility check by email by the end of February

● You will be notified of the results of the assessment of the advance assignments during week 14

● The entrance examinations will take place online 14 April – 16 April 2025

● The results of the student selections will be published on 7 May 2025, 9 am (Finnish time)

● No later than 10 July 2025, 3 pm (Finnish time)
– Accept the study place and enrol at the university
– Pay the tuition fee (if required)
– Send the certificate of your completed degree (if you have been selected conditionally)

Length of study and the language of the degree

• Length of study: 2 years
• Language of degree: English
• Structure of the programme: double-degree

Degree granting eligibility to apply

You are eligible to apply for a Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree) if you have:

• completed a higher education degree in any discipline (bachelor level) in Finland or abroad which in the country concerned grants eligibility to undertake equivalent higher education studies at a master’s level.

Attachments required to verify eligibility

You must provide a translation of the certificate appendices by a professional translator, if they are not in Finnish, Swedish or English. Name documents: lastname_firstname_document name

Attach to your application:

1. Degree certificate
2. Transcript of records
3. If applying with a foreign degree:
– submit a Diploma Supplement (degree obtained at a higher education institution in Europe) or
– if the degree is not a Bachelor obtained at a university, submit a certificate from the educational institution where you have completed the degree that states you are eligible to apply for university-level Master’s degree studies in the country in question.

Assessment of eligibility

Your eligibility will be assessed on the basis of your application, certificates and other reports. If your application and the supporting documents meet the minimum requirements, your application will proceed to an academic evaluation. You will be notified of the results of your eligibility check by email no later than week 9.

Conditional selection

Some applicants are selected conditionally. If your higher education degree has still been incomplete during the application phase, you must submit the degree certificate and a transcript of records detailing the studies you have completed to the Admissions Services by 10 July 2025, 3 pm (Finnish time). You can only register for the academic year after this.

If you do not submit a degree certificate by the deadline, you will lose the study place offered to you.

Applying for transfer from another university

Applicants who are refugees or in a refugee-like situation

Language requirements

The degree language and the language of study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research is English.

In order to become accepted as a degree student, you must, in the application phase, demonstrate the language proficiency required by the studies in accordance with the language of instruction. You can demonstrate your language proficiency by previous education, an acceptable language test, or other previous studies.

You must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency by 29 January 2025, 3 pm (Finnish time). Attach a degree certificate or a language test certificate to the application form submitted via Studyinfo.
Name your file: lastname_firstname_document, such as: lastname_firstname_toefl

If you demonstrate your language proficiency with a language test and you do not receive your language test certificate by 29 January 2025 at 3 pm (Finnish time), we will also accept written preliminary test scores notification of the approved test result, if one is available. The preliminary test result must also be uploaded to the application form on 29 January 2025 by 3 pm

Study languages and the language of the degree in Theatre Academy

Application fee for non-EU and non-EEA applicants

Information on a potential application fee for non-EU and non-EEA applicants will be updated here later, if needed. The implementation of application fees is dependent on a change of Finnish Universities Act.

Read more about the potential application fee

Tuition fee

Tuition fees at Uniarts Helsinki are applicable to Bachelor’s and Master’s students who study in English and who are not citizens of EU, EEA, or Switzerland. In the academic year 2025-2026 the amount of the fee is 12,000 euros.

In the 2025 student admissions of the Theatre Academy of Uniarts Helsinki, tuition fees will apply to applicants applying to one of our English-speaking degree programmes;

• Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree)
• Master’s Degree Programme in Choreography
• Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
• Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance
• Master’s Studies in Directing

The tuition fee is to be paid no later than 10 July 2025 at 3pm. (Finnish time). Students are required to pay the annual tuition fee in order to register for attendance and complete studies and to obtain a residence permit.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria for the advance assignments and the entrance examinations are: 

• Interest in dramaturgy and awareness of and competence in working with key concepts of dramaturgy
• Interest in contemporary theatre/dance/ performance and demonstrated knowledge of the field
• Research orientation:  
  ◦ ability to reflect, analyse,  articulate, and make connections
  ◦ willingness to observe and experiment in and through artistic practice
• Interest in and ability to work in different contexts and disciplines
• Readiness and motivation to study in and commit to an international, research-oriented double-degree program
• Ability to critically reflect and possessing breadth and depth of thinking
• Ability to assume and/or share responsibility and work collaboratively
• Aptitude for the field and for higher education studies at the master’s level

Advance assignments

The advance assignments are of considerable importance in the selection process. Based on the assignments, only selected applicants are accepted to the subsequent phases of the application process. Beyond what is written below, no explanations or specifications concerning the advance assignments are provided. All advance assignments are to be submitted in English. Page size is A4, spacing 1.5, font size 12. Submit all text files in pdf format.

If other languages are used in the artistic/practical samples, an English translation of the excerpt should be provided. 

The advance assignments are assessed anonymously. The anonymity of the assignments aims to guarantee that the evaluation is based solely on the aforementioned assessment criteria.
All applicants are asked not to include their name or other identifiers in the advance assignments. Name the assignment files as indicated below.

1. Motivation Letter

Describe why you are applying for this programme, and why you think you are suitable for it. (Maximum length: 400-500 words (one A4 page). Name the file: lastname_firstname_motivationletter 

2. Biography

Present yourself (studies, skills, interests, achievements, work experiences, etc.) 
(Maximum length: 400-500 words (one A4 page). Name the file: lastname_firstname_biography 

3. Proposal for an MA Research Plan

Write the outline of your MA research plan. (Please note, if you are selected for the next phase of the admissions, you will be asked to elaborate on this document.) This research needs to explore a dramaturgical question/idea related to contemporary theatre or performance or dance. Alternatively, the research related to contemporary theatre/performance/dance should be dramaturgy-led.  

The length of this document should be 800-1000 words (two A4 pages). Feel free to consult the CDPR Curriculum while writing your plan.  

Give your outlined research plan a title. Do not write your name or other personal identifiers on the document. Name the file: lastname_firstname_researchplanoutline

In the plan, please include the following parts: 

1. Introduction (framework)  
Give some background on your research topic.  

2. Positioning/ defining your entry point  
Briefly introduce where you are approaching this research from.  

3. Research question(s) 
What are the main questions/ideas/ problems to be considered in this research project?  
In what way is this project dramaturgical or dramaturgy-led?   

4. Approach and method 
How do you plan to implement your research: 
i, through reflection and analysis 
ii, through artistic practice? 

5. Motivation 
Why would you like to complete this project? Why is it relevant?  

4a. Example of your work

Create a work sample pertaining to your MA research plan. The work sample can be your artistic, or critical, or dramaturgical, or theoretical work – that has relevance to your research outline. It can be written (max. two A4 pages) but may include images/drawings, etc, OR audio or audiovisual material (max. duration: 5 minutes).

Please note, this is not a portfolio, showcasing your previous artistic works and accomplishments, even though materials from your previous works can be used here. These artistic materials should support your MA research plan and propose or demonstrate an artistic implementation of it.  
Do not include your name or other personal identifiers on these samples.
Name the file: lastname_firstname_sample 

4b. Artistic Role

Briefly describe your artistic role in the sample you have submitted. (E.g: the author of the text, creator of the visual images or audiovisual material, performer etc.). Max. one paragraph (50 words). 
Do not include your name or other personal identifiers on this document.
Name the file: lastname_firstname_role 

How to apply

You can find Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research on the Studyinfo portal under the name of;
Master’s Admission: Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research, Master of Arts in Theatre and Drama (2 yr)

1. Complete and submit an online application form: The first joint application to higher education, Spring 2025

Complete and submit an online application form at the Studyinfo portal by 22 January 2025 at 3 pm (Finnish time). The application period is from 8 January to 22 January 2025.

After you have submitted the application, you will receive a confirmation email to the address you have given on the application form. The email contains a link to the application, you can add attachments to your application within the deadline.

2. Submit advance assignments and appendices

Submit advance assignments and appendices via Studyinfo portal by 29 January 2025 at 3 pm (Finnish time).

• Advance assignments
  
• Documents demonstrating your educational background required for eligibility verification
  
• Demonstration of language proficiency
  
• Document that proves exemption from tuition fees
  If you are applying to study in English, and you come from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are to submit documentation (e.g. a copy of your passport) that shows you are exempt from tuition fees.

Submitting material in the Studyinfo portal

After completing the electronic application form in the Studyinfo.fi system, submit the advance assignments and other required material by the specified deadline to Uniarts Helsinki through the Studyinfo application form. You can complete your application with attachments either in the My Studyinfo service (if you have Finnish online bank user identifiers) or through the edit link in the confirmation email you have received.

Before downloading the material to the application, check that the material opens and functions as intended. Also, before submitting the application, check that you have downloaded all necessary attachments to your application.

Name the files according to the assignment instructions. Do not use Scandinavian characters (å, ä, ö) or special characters when naming the files.

Studyinfo supports the most common standardized image, audio, video, document and text files. Especially in media files (video, audio), attention should be paid to the fact that the file format is recorded according to the standard. The extension of an attachment may change when uploaded to the form to match the actual format of the file.

The Studyinfo system accepts the following audio / video / document / image formats:

• Audio – mp3, m4a, aiff, wma, wav, aac
• Video – mpeg, mpg, mp4, mov, avi, wmv, m4v, vob, qt (we recommend format mp4)
• Document – all text files are to be delivered in pdf format
• Image – jpeg, png, gif, jpg

The maximum file size allowed is 1 GB.

Make sure your computer and Internet browser are up to date. Use a stable Internet connection to upload the materials. Make sure your computer does not go into power saving mode when the uploading is in progress.

The sender is responsible for submitting the application (application form, advance assignments, attachments).

Advance assignments that are only partially loaded or incomplete will be rejected. Advance assignments sent by email or as an email attachment will not be processed.

Upload the materials to the system as early as possible

Large files may take several hours to upload when the system is busy. To speed up the uploading of videos, for example, you can compress the video file. Begin uploading the materials well in advance of the deadline.

Submitting material via systems outside of Studyinfo

We recommend that you upload your material directly to the Studyinfo portal. If the assignment includes sensitive data, it is especially important to use Studyinfo for submitting the assignment.

If you want to share a link that leads to a system outside of the Studyinfo portal (e.g. Youtube, Vimeo, Soundcloud) due to the risk of high upload traffic on the Studyinfo server, for example, the link must be uploaded to Studyinfo as a pdf file (e.g. as part of a work portfolio, or as a separate file that only includes the link/links).

The assignment must be uploaded by the set date, after which it is no longer possible to edit it.

If the link leads to a system outside of the Studyinfo portal, the url must be original, and not a shortened link made with a url shortener service. The link must lead directly to the assignment and not, for example, to a compilation page with more links. Make sure that the link works throughout the entire admissions round and that the assignments are marked as private in the system settings (privacy settings: “Password“ or “Unlisted“ for Vimeo, “Unlisted” for YouTube, and “Private” for Soundcloud). You can choose to add password protection to the file, in which case the password must be sent to Uniarts Helsinki in addition to the link (in this case contact Theatre Academy’s Admissions Office).

The assignment must remain stored in the system in question at least 6 months after the end of the application period.

Uniarts Helsinki is not responsible for the data security risks, potential copyright infringements, muting of copy-protected audio tracks, or terms of use of systems offered by third parties. Note that third parties usually save information on user profiles and use this information for advertising, market research and/or other commercial purposes.

Any problems?

If you encounter problems, please contact teak.admissions@uniarts.fi.

Student selections

You will be notified of the results of your eligibility check by email no later than week 9.

Those who have passed the third phase based on their advance assignments will be sent invitations to Phase 4 by e-mail during week 14. Applicants cannot change the entrance examination times assigned to them. Applicants not considered eligible based on the advance assignments will also be notified via e-mail.

The selection process occurs in four phases.

Only selected applicants will be invited to the subsequent phases. Additional assignments requiring preparation may also be given during the selection process. All assignments are in English.

Phase 1 of the entrance examination

Submitting an online application form, advance assignments and appendices in Studyinfo portal.

Phase 2 of the entrance examination

Eligibility check.

Phase 3 of the entrance examination

Selection of the candidates for the entrance exams (up to 8 people).

Phase 4 of the entrance examination

Development of the research project ready for a 20 min. online presentation (individual assignment). Entrance examinations (3 days, online).

Based on their advance assignments, selected applicants will be invited to entrance examinations (Phase 4). Invitations to the entrance examinations will be sent by e-mail during week 14. Along with the invitation, the selected applicants will receive an assignment to prepare before the entrance examinations.

Phase 4 of the selections is organized remotely using online tools. Applicants are not required to travel to Helsinki at any point during the selection process.  

Applicants may be eliminated after each stage and assignment of the entrance examination.

The entrance examination assignments are intended to demonstrate your skills and abilities related to the field of study. There will be individual assignments, group assignments, and interviews.

Please note: for the selected candidates, the entrance exam will be modelled on our way of teaching. It will take place online and last for three days: 14 – 16 April 2025. You will be asked to present a further developed version of your research plan at this stage. 

Please be prepared for a 4-hour group session every day, and in between the sessions, individual assignments to complete for each day. The last day of the exams will contain 20-minute individual interviews. 

More information about entrance examinations and assessment

Individual arrangements in the entrance examination

Announcement of results

The Theatre Academy will publish the entrance examination results on 7 and 28 May 2025. Results are published in the Studyinfo portal and on the Uniarts Helsinki website. When you fill in your application form you can choose to not allow your name to be published online.

Results will be published on 7 May, 9 am (Finnish time):

• Master’s Studies in Acting (in Finnish)
• Master’s Studies in Directing
• Master’s Studies in Lighting Design
• Master’s Studies in Scenography
• Master’s Studies in Sound Design
• Master’s Degree Programme in Choreography
• Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree)
• Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
• Master’s Degree Programme in Writing

Results will be published on 28 May, 9 am (Finnish time):

• Degree Programme in Acting (in Finnish)
• Degree Programme in Directing
• Degree Programme in Dramaturgy and Playwriting
• Degree Programme in Lighting Design
• Degree Programme in Scenography
• Degree Programme in Sound Design
• Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance

Applicants admitted as students and those placed on the waiting list receive an email of the admissions results on the day when the admission decision is published. Other applicants are not notified about the results by email.

You can also enquire the results by sending an e-mail to Admissions Services.

Number of new students and a waiting list

How to request for rectification

Accepting an offer of admission

Please indicate whether you will accept the study place no later than 10 July 2025, 3pm (Finnish time).

If you have a Finnish personal identity code, accept the study place in the MyStudyinfo service.

If you do not have a Finnish personal identity code, the Studyinfo.fi system will send you an email message. This message contains a link that you can use to accept the study place. You will receive this email within 24 hours of the announcement of admissions results.

Your notification regarding the acceptance of a study place is binding. However, if you wish to give up a study place after first accepting it, you will be considered to have accepted a place of study for the term in question (see the provision for one study place per term).

If you do not accept a study place by the deadline, you will lose the study place offered to you.

Applicants who are liable for annual tuition fee payment

Applicants who are liable for annual tuition fee payment are to pay the fee in connection with the acceptance of a study place no later than 10 July 2025 at 3pm (Finnish time). Students are required to pay the annual tuition fee in order to begin the residence permit process, register for attendance at the university and complete studies.

Enrollment

New students will receive instructions for enrollment together with the letter of admission results.

Registering as absent for the first year of studies

Starting your studies

Students admitted in the Joint Application of spring 2025 will begin their studies in August 2025.

Help and advice

Do you have a question about applying?

You can contact us via email or phone.

Email: teak.admissions@uniarts.fi
Phone: +358 50 349 6672