Apply to Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
Admission 2023 timetable, required certificates and advance assignments as well as information about participating in the entrance examinations.
Important Dates
● The application period starts on 4 January 2023
● The application period ends at 3 pm (Finnish time) on 18 January 2023
– Complete and submit the application form via Studyinfo
● Submit appendices before 25 January 2023, 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
● The online entrance examinations will take place 14 March – 28 April
● The results of the student selections will be published on 11 May 2023, 9 am (Finnish time)
● No later than 14 July 2023, 3 pm (Finnish time)
– Accept the study place and enrol at the university
– Pay the tuition fee (if required)
– Send a certificate of completed degree (if you are being conditionally selected)
Length of study and the language of the degree
- Length of study: 2 years
- Language of degree: English
Eligibility for education
You are eligible to apply for Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies (LAPS) if you have:
- completed a higher education degree in Finland and your degree includes at least 30 ECTS credits worth of studies in arts
- completed a bachelor’s degree abroad, which in the country concerned grants eligibility to undertake higher education studies at master’s level, and your degree comprises at least 30 ECTS credits worth of studies in arts
OR - if you have acquired sufficient knowledge and competence, as determined by the Theatre Academy, on the basis of your studies and work experience in the field. In this case, you must have completed at least 60 ECTS credits worth of higher education studies in the arts by the end of the application period. In addition, we require at least two years of full-time work in the field of arts (equal to 120 ECTS credits worth of studies).
This option is intended for applicants with an incomplete degree or applicants who have completed other studies in the arts, such as studies at the Open University.
Attachments required to verify eligibility
Section 1
Attach a degree certificate and a transcript of records to your application. Clearly mark the minimum number of ECTS credits (30) required in the transcript of records or a separate appendix for higher education arts studies.
Section 2
Attach a degree certificate and a transcript of records as well as Diploma Supplement to your application. If a Diploma Supplement is not available, provide a separate report on the status of the foreign degree in the education system of the country of study, and a description of the duration of the programme. Clearly mark the minimum number of ECTS credits (30) required in the transcript of records or a separate appendix for higher education arts studies.
Section 3
Attach a transcript of records of the minimum number of ECTS credits (60) required for higher education arts studies. In addition, provide a clear itemisation of two years of full-time work in the field of arts (production, employer/work group, performance venue, training period, performances).
Assessment of eligibility
Your eligibility will be assessed on the basis of your application, certificates and other reports.
A decision will be made on your eligibility before sending out invitations to the entrance examination. You will be notified of the decision by email during week 9 or 10.
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 14 July 2023, 3pm (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.
Supplementary studies
If you are accepted without a lower university degree, you may be required 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. The scope of supplementary studies may not exceed 60 credits.
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. You will be informed of any additional studies required in connection with the admission decision.
Applying for transfer from another university
Applicants who are refugees or in a refugee-like situation
Language requirements
The language of study and degree in the Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies 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 25 January 2023, 3pm (Finnish time). Attach a degree certificate or a language test certificate to the application form submitted via Studyinfo.
Study languages and the language of the degree in Theatre Academy
Tuition fee
In the academic year 2023-2024, University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) will charge an annual tuition fee of 5,000 euros from non-EU and non-EEA students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a foreign language. The amount of the fee will stay the same for the duration of a particular student’s studies.
In the 2023 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 (double-degree)
- Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance
- Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies
- Master’s Studies in Directing
The fee cannot be charged to a citizen of a Member State of the European Economic Area, or to a person who is entitled to the same treatment as EU citizens under a treaty signed by the European Union and its Member States with a third party or to a family member of the above-mentioned individuals. Nor can it be charged to a person with an EU Blue Card, a continuous or permanent residence permit or a long-term resident’s EC residence permit issued to third-country nationals as referred to in the Aliens Act, or to a family member of the above-mentioned individuals. The definition of persons regarded as family members is based on the Finnish Aliens Act.
UK citizens will be charged tuition fees, as is the case with other non-EU/EEA citizens. However, the tuition fee will not be collected from British citizens who have a residence permit card issued by the Finnish Immigration Service that is in accordance with the Brexit withdrawal agreement or a pending application for a right of residence.
The tuition fee is to be paid no later than 14 July 2023 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:
- overt motivation to MA studies
- exploratory ethos in artistic practice and conceptual clarity of ideas
- demonstrated capability for critical reflection on your artistic work
- aptitude to work in collaborative research environment
- desire to combine artistic practice with theoretical studies
- motivated research orientation
- sufficiently developed practice and knowledge for MA in live art and theoretical studies
- ability to understand and employ theoretical materials to support your artistic practice
- ability to write exploratory and analytic text
Advance assignments
The applicant is required to submit three advance assignments: Motivation Letter, Research Plan and Portfolio.
No further explanation or more detailed information will be available on the advance assignment. The advance assignment should be completed in English. Page size is A4, spacing 1.5, font size 12. Please mark your name on each advance assignment and insert page numbers.
1. Motivation Letter
In the Motivation letter you should clearly indicate your motivation and interest to apply to the LAPS MA programme at the University of the Arts Helsinki. You should demonstrate what you aim to accomplish during the two years of your study. Name the PDF file: lastname_firstname_motivation_ letter
2. Research Plan
In the Research Plan you should present both artistic and theoretical interests, themes, questions, contexts, methods and their intersections which would form the basis of your studies at LAPS MA programme. The length of the Research Plan is between 1500-2500 words. It should include a short abstract where you present these interests in concise form. In supporting your arguments reference to other artists, scholars or theoretical ideas or phenomena of contemporary performance that your find relevant. In the Research Plan you should present how you would see LAPS MA programme supporting your inquiry. Reference list or bibliography of literature, audio-visual materials, performances, artworks, or other publications should be included, but it does not count towards the word limit. Familiarize yourself with the LAPS Curriculum, LAPS website and focus areas. Name the PDF file: lastname_firstname_reseach_plan
3. Portfolio
The portfolio should present maximum 5 artworks or art projects of yours. The portfolio needs to be presented in a PDF format. You may add maximum 5 links to online documentation (audio, video, website, social media, etc.) that are related to works presented in the portfolio. Name the PDF file: lastname_firstname_portfolio
When eligibility of each applicant is confirmed, the selection for the Phase 2 is made based on the advance assignments and application (Phase 1).
How to apply
You can find Master’s Degree Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies on the Studyinfo portal under the name of;
Master’s Admission: Live Art and Performance Studies, Master of Arts in Theatre and Drama (2 yr)
1. Complete and submit an online application form: Joint Application to Higher Education, Spring 2023
Complete and submit an online application form at the Studyinfo portal by 18 January 2023 at 3pm (Finnish time). The application period is from 4 January to 18 January 2023.
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 25 January 2023 at 3pm (Finnish time).
- Advance assignments
Name the advance assignments in accordance with the assignment instructions. - Resume/CV
Name your file: lastname_firstname_cv - Documents demonstrating your educational background
Send a degree certificate and a transcript of records of a completed degree suitable for master’s studies, or a certificate of student status and a transcript of record of ongoing studies.
Name your files: lastname_firstname_document, such as: lastname_firstname_degreecertificate, lastname_firstname_transcript - Diploma Supplement (DS)
If you are applying with a foreign degree, submit a Diploma Supplement. If a Diploma Supplement is not available, provide a separate report on the status of the foreign degree in the education system of the country of study, and a description of the duration of the programme.
Name your file: lastname_firstname_document, such as: lastname_firstname_ds - Demonstration of language proficiency
Send a certificate demonstrating language proficiency in the language of instruction, if it cannot be verified on the basis of the higher education degree completed.
Name your file: lastname_firstname_document, such as: lastname_firstname_toefl - 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.
Name your file: lastname_firstname_document, such as: lastname_firstname_passport
The applicant must have the appendices translated by a professional translator, if they are in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English.
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.
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 – the preferred format for all text documents is pdf
- 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.
Student selections
A decision on the applicant’s eligibility will be made on week 9-10. Applicants found eligible/ ineligible will be informed of that decision via e-mail. Those who have passed the first phase based on their advance assignments will be sent invitations to phase 2 by e-mail. 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 three phases
Additional assignments may be given during the selection process. The assignments will be given in English and should be answered in English.
Phase 1
Submitting an online application form, advance assignments and appendices in Studyinfo portal
Phase 2
The Phase 2 consists of a written assignment and a group discussion. Assignment instructions will be sent by email by 14 March 2023 at the latest.
The applicants need to submit the Phase 2 written assignments by 28 March 2023 at 3 pm (Finnish time)
Phase 2 group discussion will be held online on 5 April 2023 at 4 pm (Finnish time).
Phase 3
Based on Phase 1 & 2 assignments, eligible applicants will be invited for an interview by 6 April 2023. The applicants will receive instructions for the Phase 3 assignment that will be presented for the admission panel during the online interview.
Applicants are not required to travel to Helsinki at any point of the selection process.
The selection of the applicants moving on to the next phase is based on the assessment of assignments following the criteria.
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 11 May and 2 June 2023. 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 11 May 2023 at 9am (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 Live Art and Performance Studies
- Master’s Degree Programme in Writing
- Master’s Studies in Acting (in Finnish)
- Master’s Studies in in Design for the Performing Arts
- Master’s Studies in Directing
Results will be published on 2 June 2023 at 9am (Finnish time):
- Degree Programme in Acting (in Finnish)
- Degree Programme in Acting (in Swedish)
- Degree Programme in Design for the Performing Arts
- Degree Programme in Directing
- Degree Programme in Dramaturgy and Playwriting
- Degree Programme in Lighting Design
- Degree Programme in Sound Design
- Master’s Degree Programme in Dance Performance
- Master’s Studies in Lighting Design
- Master’s Studies 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 an offer of admission
Please indicate whether you will accept the study place no later than 14 July 2023, 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 14 July 2023 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 2023 will begin their studies in August 2023.
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