Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research, admissions guide to the 2-year education (master, double-degree)
First joint application to higher education spring 2027. Admission timetable, required advance assignments and certificates 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: Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research, Master of Arts in Theatre and Drama (2 yr)
- Degree awarded: Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
- Extent: 120 credits (ECTS)
- Duration: 2 years
- Language of degree: English
- Structure of the programme: double-degree
- Tuition fee: €28,000 per academic year for non-EU/EEA and Swiss students studying in English. No tuition fee is charged for the period of study at the partner university.
- 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 |
| 7 April 2027 | You will receive an email informing you whether you have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process based on the advance assignments |
| 20 April – 22 April 2027 | 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 a Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research (double-degree) if you have:
- completed a higher education degree (bachelor level) in Finland in an applicable field of arts
- completed a higher education degree (bachelor level) abroad in an applicable field of arts which in the country in question grants eligibility for equivalent master’s-level studies
OR - completed three-year education in an applicable field of arts abroad at level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
The term “degree/education in an applicable field of arts” refers to:
dramaturgy, performing arts (live art, theatre, dance, performance, contemporary circus, devised theatre, applied theatre), theatre and performance studies, theatre research, playwriting, drama, critical studies, translation, literature, scenography, choreography, 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 qualification is not a bachelor’s degree awarded by a university, submit a certificate issued by the awarding institution confirming that the qualification gives eligibility for university-level master’s studies in that country.
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.
Language requirements
The degree language and the language of study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Comparative Dramaturgy and Performance Research 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
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. Mark your name on each advance assignment.
If other languages are used in the artistic/practical samples, an English translation of the excerpt should be provided.
AI guidelines
We are interested in your own thoughts, personal expression, and use of language. As the purpose of this assignment is to assess your individual thinking and expression, we recommend completing it without the use of artificial intelligence. If you do use artificial intelligence, please explain in detail how it was used and for what purpose.
1. Motivation Letter
Describe why you are applying for this programme, and why you think you are suitable for it.
Maximum length: 300-400 words (one A4 page). Name the file: lastname_firstname_motivationletter
2. Biography
Present yourself (studies, skills, interests, achievements, work experiences, etc.)
Maximum length: 300-400 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. This should be a research project you would like to develop into your thesis project (artistic and reflective) during your studies on the programme.
This research projects needs to explore a dramaturgical question/idea related to contemporary theatre, performance or dance. Alternatively, the research related to contemporary theatre/performance/dance should be dramaturgy-led.
Please note, if you are selected for the next phase of the admissions, you will be asked to elaborate on this research plan.
The length of this document should be 600-800 words (maximum of two A4 pages). Feel free to consult the CDPR Curriculum while writing your plan.
Give your outlined research plan a title. Name the file: lastname_firstname_researchplanoutline
In the plan, please include the following parts:
- Introduction (framework)
Give some background on your research topic. - Positioning/ defining your entry point
Briefly introduce where you are approaching this research from. - 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? - Approach and method
How do you plan to implement your research:
i, through reflection and analysis,
ii, through artistic practice? - 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.
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).
Name the file: lastname_firstname_role
If you wish to submit materials via links, please read the instructions: Submitting materials via an external service link.
Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria for the advance assignments and the entrance examinations are:
1. Motivation for pursuing studies in dramaturgy and performing arts.
- Demonstrated interest in dramaturgy, as well as awareness of and competence in applying key dramaturgical concepts.
- Interest in contemporary theatre, dance, performance, or new circus, and demonstrated knowledge of their chosen area of interest.
- Aptitude for dramaturgical practice.
2. Research orientation skills:
- Ability to critically reflect, analyse, articulate ideas, and make connections between concepts.
- Demonstrated breadth and depth of thinking.
- Aptitude to observe and experiment in and through artistic practice.
- Aptitude for collaborative work and effective interaction skills.
- Ability to provide and receive constructive criticism.
3. Suitability for the comparative aspect and readiness for advanced, double-degree study:
- Interest in and ability to work effectively across diverse contexts and disciplines.
- Readiness and motivation to engage in and commit to an international, research-oriented double-degree program.
- Ability to assume and/or share responsibility.
- Readiness for international mobility.
4. Suitability for MA-level higher education studies at an arts university.
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 third phase based on their advance assignments will be sent invitations to Phase 4 by e-mail by 7 April 2027. 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
Submission of the application form, advance assignments and other attachments in the 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 by 7 April 2027. 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: 20 – 22 April 2027. 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
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