Acting in Finnish (degree programme)
Grow into a frontline actor in an intense degree programme that requires a high level of commitment.

Why study here?
An activity-based approach and practice are at the core of acting studies in Finnish. You will complete studies in acting techniques, movement, music, singing, voice control, and speech. As a student, you will be part of a community-oriented environment that emphasises interactive and respectful collaboration.
Content and objective of the programme
We consider acting an activity-based way of thinking. It is a psycho-physical activity that entails interactive situations that one can practise. This lays the foundation for the programme’s approach to learning about acting techniques, speech, movement, music and singing. The Degree Programme in Acting aims at providing students with diverse professional skills and a creative identity as an artist who is capable of developing the field of acting. The focus is on drama-oriented theatre.
The studies take five years to complete: three years of bachelor’s studies and five years of master’s studies.
As a bachelor’s student, you will complete full-time studies and participate in intensive contact teaching, which requires you to commit yourself both to group lessons and independent work. An activity-based approach and practice are at the core of the studies.
Each student has individual study paths in their master-level studies, which push the students to take an increasing amount of responsibility for their own development, long-term planning of their studies and overall independent work.
Embarking on an artistic journey
Not only does the programme refine students’ acting skills, but it also challenges their intellect. Students are expected to reflect on their views on humanity, the world and art and encouraged to adopt a curious, independent and broad-minded way of thinking. The interaction between acting studies and research-based knowledge is highlighted in the studies.
We will help you find your own place in the continuum of acting tradition and encourage you to live out the tradition in novel ways. Performing arts are in a constant state of change. Acting as a profession is opening up to new directions, and the art of acting is realised in increasingly diverse contexts. As a student, you will enter the programme with your own personal observations of the world and with the views and experiences of the generation that you represent. During your studies, we will both support and challenge your views. We encourage you to observe discussions on topical social issues and analyse their connection to the representations and statements produced by theatre and films.
We highlight the importance of cooperation and steer you towards a dialogue-oriented and respectful working method in a group.
Teachers
Our teachers are experienced experts in their field. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top talents as guest teachers on a regular basis.
Applying
The degree programme admits new students on an annual basis. Every year, a total of 12–14 new students begin their acting studies in Finnish.
Our University is one of the most sought-after places of study in Finland. Browse the admissions statistics from previous years.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree gives the eligibility to complete a Doctor of Arts (Theatre and Drama) degree, for example, as a third-cycle degree. Doctoral studies in theatre are offered by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).
You can apply to
Degree Programme in Acting (in Finnish)
- bachelor’s and master’s (5 years)
- master’s (2 years)
Target degree
Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
Unit
Theatre Academy
Languages
Finnish Read more about language skill requirements
Tuition fee
Annual tuition fee €5,000 for students from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Read more about tuition fees
Next application time
Next possible time to apply is in January 2021.
Studies begin in August 2021.
Persons in charge
Elina Knihtilä
professor