Dramaturgy and playwriting, bachelor and master
Graduates of our programme have grown into independent, cooperative art creators with diverse professional skills in writing plays and working as dramaturges.
Why study here?
The Degree programme in dramaturgy and playwriting allows you to delve deeper into the core themes of dramaturgy and playwriting. Studies are carried out in a close relation to the stage and other degree programmes, such as the Degree programmes in acting, directing and design (scenography, lighting and sound).
You will gain versatile professional skills that combine practice and theory and give tools for writing dramatic texts and working as a dramaturge in many kinds of professional roles.
You can apply to the five-year degree programme without prior experience in playwriting or theatre productions.
Content and objective of the programme
The studies consist of three years of bachelor’s studies and five years of master’s studies. The student completes a bachelor’s degree before moving on to master’s studies.
The teaching in the programme is divided into four different areas:
- Playwriting and knowledge of dramatic literature
- Comparative dramaturgy and creating a performance
- Scriptwriting, such as for a film or an audio work
- Work of a dramaturge in performing arts and digital media
As a graduate of the programme, you can work as a playwright, dramaturge, scriptwriter and performance maker, for example – often switching between roles. Dramaturges can work as a literary dramaturge, comparative dramaturge and theatre dramaturge, for example.
In the programme, we strive for an open, inquisitive and dialogue-based environment and encourage students to face questions of art and society with a creative and critical mind.
Through the studies, students create their own vibrant, critical world view and acquire a profound knowledge of drama and theatre. After completing the studies, you will be capable of broad-minded and independent dramaturgical thinking and artistic work. The programme gives the readiness to write plays and scripts and to create performances that highlight and explore the ideological questions of our time. During your studies, you will develop your personal artistic characteristics and form an inquiry-based relation to art-making. Completing the studies gives the readiness to pursue doctoral studies.
Master’s studies
In master’s studies in dramaturgy and playwriting, the student is expected to grasp extensive artistic entities and be capable of working independently, framing problems to solve on their own initiative and reflecting on their own work analytically. You will learn to understand your field and your work as part of larger artistic, cultural and societal contexts.
Master’s studies consist of advanced courses in dramaturgy and playwriting, collaborative activities as well as independent artistic work. Some of the studies are compulsory, while some are optional. You can choose courses based on your artistic orientation under the supervision of the degree programme’s professor.
Teachers
The programme’s permanent teachers are:
In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top experts from both Finland and abroad as guests on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you will have the option to apply for doctoral studies in theatre and drama and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2025. Studies begin in August 2025.
Application languages
Finnish
Read more about language skill requirements
Tuition fee
There is no tuition fee for this degree programme, as the language of instruction is not English.
Supervising teacher
-
Heini Junkkaala
Professor, Degree Programme in Dramaturgy and Playwriting, Theatre Academy+358503131873heini.junkkaala@uniarts.fi
Unit
Theatre Academy
Ask about applying
teak.admissions@uniarts.fi
Why study here?
The Degree programme in dramaturgy and playwriting allows you to delve deeper into the core themes of dramaturgy and playwriting. Studies are carried out in a close relation to the stage and other degree programmes, such as the Degree programmes in acting, directing and design (scenography, lighting and sound).
You will gain versatile professional skills that combine practice and theory and give tools for writing dramatic texts and working as a dramaturge in many kinds of professional roles.
You can apply to the five-year degree programme without prior experience in playwriting or theatre productions.
Content and objective of the programme
The studies consist of three years of bachelor’s studies and five years of master’s studies. The student completes a bachelor’s degree before moving on to master’s studies.
The teaching in the programme is divided into four different areas:
- Playwriting and knowledge of dramatic literature
- Comparative dramaturgy and creating a performance
- Scriptwriting, such as for a film or an audio work
- Work of a dramaturge in performing arts and digital media
As a graduate of the programme, you can work as a playwright, dramaturge, scriptwriter and performance maker, for example – often switching between roles. Dramaturges can work as a literary dramaturge, comparative dramaturge and theatre dramaturge, for example.
In the programme, we strive for an open, inquisitive and dialogue-based environment and encourage students to face questions of art and society with a creative and critical mind.
Through the studies, students create their own vibrant, critical world view and acquire a profound knowledge of drama and theatre. After completing the studies, you will be capable of broad-minded and independent dramaturgical thinking and artistic work. The programme gives the readiness to write plays and scripts and to create performances that highlight and explore the ideological questions of our time. During your studies, you will develop your personal artistic characteristics and form an inquiry-based relation to art-making. Completing the studies gives the readiness to pursue doctoral studies.
Master’s studies
In master’s studies in dramaturgy and playwriting, the student is expected to grasp extensive artistic entities and be capable of working independently, framing problems to solve on their own initiative and reflecting on their own work analytically. You will learn to understand your field and your work as part of larger artistic, cultural and societal contexts.
Master’s studies consist of advanced courses in dramaturgy and playwriting, collaborative activities as well as independent artistic work. Some of the studies are compulsory, while some are optional. You can choose courses based on your artistic orientation under the supervision of the degree programme’s professor.
Teachers
The programme’s permanent teachers are:
In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top experts from both Finland and abroad as guests on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
It is possible to complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you will have the option to apply for doctoral studies in theatre and drama and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.