Choreography, admissions guide to the 2-year education (master)
First joint application to higher education spring 2027. Admission timetable, required certificates and advance assignments as well as information about participating in the entrance examinations.
Basic information about the study option
- Name of the study option in Studyinfo portal: Master’s Admission: Choreography, Master of Arts in Dance (2 yr)
- Degree awarded: Master of Arts (Dance)
- Extent: 120 credits (ECTS)
- Duration: 2 years
- Language of degree: English
- Study options (you may apply to only one):
- Artistic practice and research
- Theoretical research
- Tuition fee: €28,000 per academic year for non-EU/EEA and Swiss students studying in English
- Unit: Theatre Academy
Admissions schedule 2027
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 7 January 2027 at 8:00 (Finnish time) | Application period begins |
| 21 January 2027 at 15:00 (Finnish time) | Application period ends. Complete and submit the application form in the Studyinfo portal before the application deadline. |
| 28 January 2027 at 15:00 (Finnish time) | Submit the required attachments, including the advance assignments and the necessary certificates (previous education, language proficiency, and proof of identity) through the Studyinfo system. |
| By 28 January 2027 | If you require special arrangements for the entrance examination, submit an application for individual arrangements in the entrance examination. |
| The first week of March (week 9) | You will receive an email no later than this week informing you of the result of the eligibility check |
| The last week of March (week 13) | You will receive an email no later than this week informing you whether you have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process based on the advance assignments |
| Artistic practice and research: 19 April – 23 April 2027 (26 April is in reserve) Theoretical research: 22 April – 24 April 2027 (26 April is in reserve) | Online entrance examination |
| 5 May 2027 at 9:00 (Finnish time) | Student admission results will be published |
| 13 July 2027 at 15:00 (Finnish time) | Deadline for accepting the offered study place. Accept your study place and register as a student at Uniarts Helsinki by this date. If you have been conditionally admitted, submit a certificate confirming that you have completed your degree. If you are required to pay tuition fees, pay the tuition fee by this deadline. |
| August 2027 | New students begin their studies |
Who can apply
You may apply if you have the educational qualification required for the study option and sufficient language proficiency.
Assessment of eligibility
Your eligibility to apply 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 13 July 2027, 15:00 (Finnish time). You can only register for the academic year after this.
We also accept a temporary degree certificate issued by the educational institution as proof of your degree. The certificate must indicate that you have completed all the studies required for the degree and that your official degree certificate will be issued later, after 13 July 2027.
If you do not submit a certificate by the deadline, you will lose the study place offered to you.
Supplementary studies
Uniarts Helsinki may require a student admitted to pursue a master’s degree to complete supplementary studies in addition to the minimum amount of credits required in the degree programme in order to acquire the competence needed during the studies. Supplementary studies typically include language and communication studies.
In principle, complementary studies must be completed in the first year of study, and they must be included in the student’s Personal Study Plan (PSP). You will be informed of any additional studies required in connection with the admission decision.
Applying for transfer from another university
Eligibility of applicants who are refugees or in a refugee-like situation
Required educational background
You are eligible to apply for Master’s Degree Programme in Choreography if you have:
- completed an applicable higher education degree (bachelor level) in Finland
- completed an applicable higher education degree (bachelor level) abroad, which in the country in question grants eligibility for equivalent master’s-level studies
- completed three-year education in an applicable field of arts abroad at level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
OR - you have acquired sufficient knowledge and competence on the basis of your studies and work experience in the field, as determined by the Theatre Academy. In such a case, you must have completed at least 60 ECTS credits worth of higher education studies in dance or performing arts or a field that supports your study option *) by the end of the application period. We also require at least two years of full-time work experience from the field that supports your study option **).
This eligibility option is intended for applicants who have work experience in a field relevant to the programme but have not completed a degree, or have completed individual higher education studies for example through an open university.
The term “applicable higher education degree (bachelor level)/education” refers to degrees/education that prepares the student for MA level studies in the option artistic practice and research or option theoretical research. Pedagogical degrees in the fields of art are also accepted, provided that the core content of the programme consists of artistic studies and practices in the relevant field and the programme is geared towards teaching that art form.
*) Studies in dance or performing arts or a supporting field include, for example, studies in arts, art related theoretical studies such as cultural studies, aesthetics, movement/physical science.
**) These work fields refer to dance, performing arts, socially or theoretically engaged and expanded artistic activities, etc.
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
Required attachments for eligibility option 1
- Degree certificate
- Transcript of records
Required attachments for eligibility option 2
- Degree certificate
- Transcript of records
- When applying with a higher education degree completed abroad:
- 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.
Required attachments for eligibility option 3
- Degree certificate
- Transcript of records
- When applying with a three-year education completed abroad:
- Submit a certificate showing that the qualification corresponds to Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The level of the qualification must be verifiable through the competent national authority in the country concerned or another official body responsible for maintaining the qualifications framework.
Required attachments for eligibility option 4
- Transcript of records of the required higher education studies amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits.
- Description of the required higher education studies amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits. Provide the course name, scope and content description (from the higher education institution’s website or study guide; the course title alone is not sufficient).
- Description of at least two years of full-time work experience.
Provide the following information:- employer/team and level of professionalism (e.g. professional theatre, free professional group, professional AV project)
- production
- job description
- venue
- rehearsal period
- number of performances
Language requirements
The degree language and the language of study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Choreography is English.
You must demonstrate your proficiency in English by submitting an accepted certificate with your application. You can demonstrate your language proficiency through previous studies or a language test.
Submit the documents demonstrating your language proficiency no later than 28 January 2027, 15:00 (Finnish time).
Ways to demonstrate proficiency in English
You must demonstrate your language proficiency according to Language Requirement B.
If you demonstrate your language proficiency with a language test but do not receive the official test certificate by the deadline, we will also accept written preliminary confirmation of a successfully completed test result, if such confirmation is available.
Study languages and the language of the degree in Theatre Academy
Application fee for non-EU and non-EEA citizens
Applicants who are citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to pay an application fee in order to apply to higher education studies.
If you are from outside the aforementioned area and you are applying to Bachelor’s or Master’s level studies in Finland, you will need to pay the application fee.
The application fee is 100 euros. The application fee is collected by the Finnish National Agency for Education.
Paying the application fee guarantees that your application will be processed in a manner described in this admission guide. The application fee does not guarantee that you will be offered admission to studies.
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. The tuition fee for students starting their studies on 1st August 2026 or later is €28,000.
In the 2027 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 Choreography
- Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research
- Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance
- Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
- Master’s Studies in Directing
The tuition fee is to be paid no later than 13 July 2027 at 15:00. (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.
Advance assignments for study option Artistic practice and research
Advance assignments are not specified or explained in more detail. Advance assignments can be completed only in English. Mark your name on each assignment. Submit all text files in PDF format.
We are interested in your own personal thoughts, and we do not recommend the use of artificial intelligence. However, if you have used artificial intelligence, please explain in detail how you have used it and why.
Assignment 1 – Motivation letter
In the Motivation letter you should clearly indicate your motivation and interest to apply to the MA programme in Choreography and to the study option Artistic Practice and Research at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Please introduce your educational and artistic background, articulating the elements that support your ability to carry out your studies. Tell us about your artistic and research interests in the fields of choreography and the performing arts and share the questions you consider most important to explore and investigate during your studies. Describe how your interests and motivation relate to the objectives set out in the programme’s curriculum. https://opinto-opas.uniarts.fi/en/programme/21826
Length + – 800 words. Name the file: lastname_firstname_motivation_letter
Assignment 2 – Reflection and analysis
Think about what you currently consider to be an important or interesting phenomenon in the field of choreography and the performing arts. Choose a work or several works that reflect that phenomenon. Describe how the choreographic, artistic and performative means of the works reflect that phenomenon. Use textual references to support your description. Mark your sources correctly.
Length + – 800 words. Name the file: lastname_firstname_reflection_analysis
Assignment 3 – A work example and explication
- Provide a video sample of your choreographic work. The sample should be a maximum of 10 minutes long. The sample may be an excerpt of an already existing work, or it may be shot for the purpose of the application. The sample does not have to be from a performance on stage but could have been made in a rehearsal studio or other environment, for example. It should illustrate how you develop an artistic and choreographic idea over time, so we would prefer not to receive edited clips.
The video should be uploaded to the Studyinfo. Name the file: lastname_firstname_work_example - In another video, please tell us about your making process and the artistic and choreographic choices of this sample, duration max 5 min. Please film this video in front of the camera, thank you.
The video should be uploaded to the Studyinfo. Name the file: lastname_firstname_work_explication
Assignment 4 – Curriculum vitae
Provide us a CV of your educational background and artistic activities.
Your CV is a comprehensive summary of all your achievements. It should not exceed three pages. Do not use images or photographs in the CV but you can include links. Include in the CV the headings that are necessary in terms of review your personal artistic development.
Here are some examples of headlines you can use:
- personal details
- education
- artistic work as a choreographer
- other artistic and related work
- other activities that support your application
Name the file: lastname_firstname_cv
If you wish to submit materials via links, please read the instructions: Submitting materials via an external service link.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria for study option Artistic practice and research
The assessment criteria for the advance assignments and the entrance examinations:
- skills and knowledge in artistic practices and approaches to contemporary choreography
- ability to frame and develop defined choreographic ideas and process them into performance
- curiosity and ability to study and explore theoretical discourses in relation to distinct choreographic and performance contexts and societal concerns
- readiness and ability to interact, contribute and communicate constructively in different study and work situations
- motivation for studies, openness for learning and commitment to full-time studies
Advance assignments for study option Theoretical Research
Advance assignments are not specified or explained in more detail. Advance assignments can be completed only in English. Mark your name on each assignment. Submit all text files in PDF format.
We are interested in your own personal thoughts, and we do not recommend the use of artificial intelligence. However, if you have used artificial intelligence, please explain in detail how you have used it and why.
Assignment 1 – Motivation letter and video reflection
- In the Motivation letter you should clearly indicate your motivation and interest to apply to the MA programme in Choreography, study option Theoretical Research at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Please introduce your educational and art related background, articulating the elements that support your ability to carry out your studies. Tell us about your research interests in the fields of choreography and the performing arts and share the questions you consider most important to explore and investigate during your studies. Describe how your interests and motivation relate to the objectives set out in the programme’s curriculum. https://opinto-opas.uniarts.fi/en/programme/21826
Length + – 800 words. Name the file: lastname_firstname_motivation_letter
- Submit a 5 min. video where you tell us more in-depth about the interest you described in assignment 1. In addition, please tell us how you think you could advance your research by working alongside the artistic practice students in a joint cohort. Please film the video in front of the camera, thank you.
Name the file: lastname_firstname_videoreflection
Assignment 2 – Reflection and analysis
Think about what you currently consider to be an important or interesting phenomenon in the field of choreography and the performing arts. Choose a work or several works that reflect that phenomenon. Analyse how the choreographic, artistic and performative means of the works reflect that phenomenon. Use textual references to support your analyses. Mark your sources correctly.
Length +- 1000 words. Name the file: lastname_firstname_analysis
Assignment 3 – Work examples
In this assignment we are interested in knowing more about your previous work.
1. Make a pdf file containing one to five examples that you consider relevant and supporting for your application. It may include a link to your BA thesis, documentation of projects you have been involved, published texts etc.
To successfully complete the documentation task, you must have clearly marked your role and nature of contribution in each sample.
Name the file: lastname_firstname_work_examples
Assignment 4 – Curriculum vitae
Provide us a CV of your educational background and research or artistic activities.
Your CV is a comprehensive summary of all your achievements. It should not exceed three pages. Do not use images or photographs in the CV but you can include links. Include in the CV the headings that are necessary in terms of review your personal development in relation to your application.
Here are some examples of headlines you can use:
- personal details
- education
- research related work
- publications
- art or other related activities that support your application
Name the file: lastname_firstname_cv
If you wish to submit materials via links, please read the instructions: Submitting materials via an external service link.
Assessment criteria for study option Theoretical research
The assessment criteria for the advance assignments and the entrance examinations:
- knowledge of different approaches and discourses in choreography, dance and performance
- ability to frame and develop defined research propositions and present them in a written format
- curiosity and ability to study and explore theoretical discourses in relation to distinct choreographic and performance contexts and societal concerns
- readiness and ability to interact, contribute and communicate constructively in different study and work situations
- motivation for studies, openness for learning and commitment to full time studies
How to apply
1. Fill in and submit an online application form in Studyinfo: The first joint application to higher education, Spring 2027
The application period starts on 7 January 2027. The application period ends on 21 January 2027 at 15:00 (Finnish time). Fill in and send the application form in the Studyinfo portal before the application period ends.
Once you have submitted the application, you will receive a confirmation email to the address you have given on the application form.
You can make changes to the application you have submitted and add attachments to it during the application period via My Studyinfo.
If you did not complete the application form while authenticated, you can edit your application by using the link in the confirmation email.
Note that you can only submit one (1) application form in joint applications. If you submit several application forms, only the newest one will be taken into consideration, and all others (e.g. first submitted ones) will be deleted. You will not receive notification about deleted applications.
2. Submit the advance assignments and other attachments
Submit the advance assignments and other required attachments in the Studyinfo portal by 28 January 2027 at 15:00 (Finnish time).
- Advance assignments
- Documents demonstrating your educational background for eligibility verification
- Proof of language proficiency
- Identity document, if required
- Document proving exemption from tuition fees
If you are applying to an English-taught programme, 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.
Read more about filling in the application form (opintopolku.fi)
Submitting materials in the Studyinfo portal
After completing the electronic application form in the Studyinfo.fi system, submit your advance assignments and any other required materials through the Studyinfo application form by the deadline.
Before uploading your materials make sure all files open and function correctly. Name the files according to the instructions provided. Do not use Scandinavian characters (å, ä, ö) or special characters in file names.
Studyinfo supports the most common image, audio, video and document file formats. In particular, audio and video files must be saved in a standard file format. Please note that the file extension may change when the file is uploaded.
The Studyinfo system accepts the following file formats:
- Audio: mp3, m4a, aiff, wma, wav, aac
- Video: mpeg, mpg, mp4, mov, avi, wmv, m4v, vob, qt (we recommend the mp4 format)
- Documents: all text documents must be submitted in PDF format
- Images: jpeg, jpg, png, gif
The maximum permitted file size is 1 GB.
Make sure that your computer and web browser are up to date. Use a stable internet connection when uploading materials and ensure that your device does not enter sleep mode during the upload process.
Before submitting your application, make sure that you have uploaded all required attachments. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the application, advance assignments and attachments by the deadline. Incomplete or partially uploaded advance assignments will not be considered. Advance assignments submitted by email will not be accepted.
Upload materials well before the deadline
Large files may take several hours to upload during periods of heavy traffic. You can speed up the upload process by reducing the file size, for example by compressing video files.
We strongly recommend that you begin uploading your materials well before the application deadline.
Submitting materials via an external service link
We recommend uploading materials directly to Studyinfo. If you wish to submit material through an external service (for example YouTube or Vimeo), upload a PDF file containing the link or links to the material through the Studyinfo application form.
The material must be uploaded to the external service by the deadline. No changes may be made to the material after the deadline. Make sure that the link remains accessible throughout the admissions process.
The link must be provided in its original format (do not use shortened URLs) and must lead directly to the material being assessed.
Make sure that the privacy settings allow the Selection Committee to access the material directly via the link. You may protect the material with a password if you wish. In this case, the password must be provided to the University of the Arts Helsinki together with the link.
The material must remain available in the external service for at least six months after the application period has ended.
The University of the Arts Helsinki is not responsible for the data security risks, terms of use or services provided by third parties, nor for any copyright infringements or issues such as muted copyrighted audio tracks. Please also note that third-party services may collect user data and use it for purposes such as advertising, marketing and research.
Student selections
You will be notified of the results of your eligibility check by email by the first week of March.
Those who have passed the first phase based on their advance assignments will be sent invitations to phase 2 by e-mail during week 13 at the latest. 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 two phases.
Phase 1 of the entrance examination
Submission of the application form, advance assignments and other attachments in the Studyinfo portal.
Phase 2 of the entrance examination for Study option Artistic Practice and Research
The entrance examination will take place on 19 April – 23 April 2027 (Reserve day 26 April 2027 may be used if required).
The entrance examination for each applicant will take place on three days at specific times allocated to the applicant. The individually allocated times are not necessarily on consecutive days.
The applicants who are to be invited to the entrance examination for phase 2 will be given assignments that require preparation.
The entrance exams are organized as remote online exams according to individually designated schedules. Applicants are not required to travel to Helsinki at any point of the selection process.
In the student selection in phase two, the applicant completes an individual assignment, a group assignment and an interview. Each task takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
Additional tasks requiring preparation may be assigned during entrance examinations.
Applicants may be excluded at different stages of the entrance examinations.
Phase 2 of the entrance examination for Study option Theoretical Research
Entrance examinations on 22 April – 24 April 2027 (26 April is in reserve and may be used if required).
The entrance examination will take place on two days at a specific times allocated to the applicant. The individually allocated times are not necessarily on consecutive days.
The applicants who are to be invited to the entrance examination for phase 2 will be given assignments that require preparation.
The entrance exams are organized as remote online exams according to individually designated schedules. Applicants are not required to travel to Helsinki at any point of the selection process.
In the student selection in phase two, the applicant completes an individual pre-assignment, a group assignment and an interview. The examination tasks takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
Additional tasks requiring preparation may be assigned during entrance examinations.
Applicants may be excluded at different stages of the entrance examinations.
More information about entrance examinations and assessment
Individual arrangements in the entrance examination
If you require individual arrangements in the entrance examination because of a sensory or physical disability, illness or other corresponding reason, you must apply for individual arrangements by filling in a separate application form. Submit the application no later than 28 January 2027.
Read the instructions on how to apply for individual arrangements in the entrance examination
Announcement of results
The Theatre Academy will publish the entrance examination results on 5 and 31 May 2027. 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 5 May, 9:00 (Finnish time):
- Master’s Degree Programme in Choreography
- Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree)
- Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance
- Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
- Master’s Degree Programme in Scenography
- Master’s Degree Programme in Writing
- Master’s Studies in Acting (in Finnish)
- Master’s Studies in Directing
- Master’s Studies in Lighting Design
- Master’s Studies in Sound Design
Results will be published on 31 May, 9:00 (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
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 the offered study place
Please confirm whether you accept the study place offered to you no later than 13 July 2027, 15:00 (Finnish time). If you do not accept a study place by the deadline, you will lose the study place offered to you.
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 confirmation of acceptance of a study place is binding and cannot be changed or cancelled. You can accept only one offer of admission per academic term. More information on how to accept an offer of admission can be found here.
The One Study Right Rule
The One Study Right Rule refers to the legislative amendments that 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.
This means that if you accept a new study place, you will lose your existing study rights at the same or lower level. When accepting the study place, you are shown which study rights will end as a result. The decision to accept the new study place – and thereby to terminate previous study rights – is binding. The decision cannot be reversed afterwards.
More information on the One Study Right Rule can be found here.
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 13 July 2027 at 15:00 (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
Help and advice
Do you have a question about applying? You can contact us via Uniarts Help.
If you have any questions regarding student life at the Theatre Academy or in Helsinki, you can contact our Student Ambassadors at teak.student.ambassadors@uniarts.fi.
Read about study costs in Uniarts Helsinki and living expenses
Read about studying in Helsinki
Read about studying in Finland