Acting in Swedish, bachelor and master
The stage is still missing something. It will come to life – with you.
Why study here?
The Degree Programme in Acting in Swedish supports the student’s journey toward independent artistry and embraces diverse ideas about the art of acting. We train autonomous actors who understand their mutual interdependence and the significance of co-creation. Acting is not a one-time event, but a process to which all participants at a given time and place contribute.
Teaching aims at actively decolonising all course content and opening up a broad range of contexts for creating art. This is the only Swedish-language university-level programme in performing arts in Finland, which is why it strives for an active dialogue with the arts scene both in Finland and internationally.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences and points of view. Your perspective is a valuable addition, and it is our mission to create an environment where you can grow in your role as a performing artist. We especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Content and goals of the programme
Completing a degree in acting means becoming an expert in performance, both in theory and practice. The programme is anchored around artistic research and contemporary interdisciplinary performing arts. The goal is for the student to become a collaborative actor who can contribute to the traditions of the art form, to its future as well as to its societal relevance.
Our pedagogical philosophy is based on curiosity and engagement. The foundation of our pedagogy is that learning is a dynamic process within each individual, that it occurs in interaction with others and that the various subjects of the programme are integrated in a unique way by each student. The interaction between students and teachers is based on questioning existing power relations and institutional structures. We believe that knowledge does not precede the pedagogical process, but is a result of it.
We have a responsibility to develop and inspire Swedish-language performing arts in Finland, which entails a broader commitment than just training actors.
Bachelor’s and master’s studies
Studies are full-time and follow the academic year plan and schedule. Studies in the bachelor’s programme comprise mostly compulsory courses, while the master’s programme offers more optional studies. Students generally attend classes with their own year group, but some teaching is provided collaboratively with other student groups and degree programmes. Class sizes are small, and teaching is usually provided in group settings. One-to-one instruction is also provided.
The programme spans five years, but we also offer separate admission to the two-year master’s studies. After completing three years of studies, the goal is for the bachelor’s graduate to be able to apply a wide range of skills in their professional role as actors. In the two-year master’s programme, students deepen and hone their artistic practice and broaden their perspective on theatre.
Teaching consists of the following study modules: acting, movement, voice and music, contextual studies, general studies, optional studies, advanced studies and the thesis project. The language of instruction and degree is primarily Swedish, but some teaching is provided in English. Optional courses taught in Finnish are also available.
Teachers
Our teachers are experienced experts in their respective fields. In addition to our permanent staff, we regularly host visits by Finnish and international guest teachers, artists and other experts.
University staff in the programme
- Aune Kallinen, professor
- Stina Engström, lecturer in acting (voice and speech)
- Tom Rejström, lecturer in acting
- Emma Raunio, singing and music
- Oo Condit, artistic research
- Julian Owusu, hip hop
- Satu Palokangas, somatics and ecosomatics
- Jukka von Boehm, history and theory of performing arts
Visiting teachers and artists within the past few years
Bengt Ahlfors, Abdissa ”Mamba” Assefa, Aminkeng Atabong Alemanji, Antonia Atarah, Blaue Frau (Sonja Ahlfors & Joanna Wingren), Lidia Bäck, Freja Bäckman, Saara Cantell, Dash Che, Noora Dadu, Athena Farrokzhad, Sol Garre, Karolina Ginman, Minna Harjuniemi, Mikaela Hasan, Sanna Huldén och Duvteatern, Elina Izarra, Maimouna Matikainen-Soreau, Juni Klein, Samuel Kujala, Ken Mai, Satu Mikkelinen, Lehmus Murtomaa, Minttu Mustakallio, Kaya Pakaslahti, Martin Paul, Adrian Perera, Gesa Piper, Pia Rickman, Vincent Roumagnac, Ville Sandqvist, Aino Savolainen, Anita Seppä, Ritva Siikala, Astrid Stenberg, Per Sörberg, Yuko Takeda, Raul Nene Vargas Torres, Jonas Welander, Emelie Zilliacus
Target degree and length of study
Master in Arts (Theatre and Drama)
5 years
Application period
Next possible time to apply is in January 2026. Studies begin in August 2026.
Application languages
Swedish
Read more about language skill requirements
Tuition fee
Annual tuition fee €5,000 for students studying in English and who come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Read more about tuition fees
Supervising teacher
-
Aune Kallinen
Professor, Swedish degree programme in acting, Theatre Academy+358469219098aune.kallinen@uniarts.fi
Unit
Theatre Academy
Ask about applying
Max catalogue: students and alumni
Why study here?
The Degree Programme in Acting in Swedish supports the student’s journey toward independent artistry and embraces diverse ideas about the art of acting. We train autonomous actors who understand their mutual interdependence and the significance of co-creation. Acting is not a one-time event, but a process to which all participants at a given time and place contribute.
Teaching aims at actively decolonising all course content and opening up a broad range of contexts for creating art. This is the only Swedish-language university-level programme in performing arts in Finland, which is why it strives for an active dialogue with the arts scene both in Finland and internationally.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences and points of view. Your perspective is a valuable addition, and it is our mission to create an environment where you can grow in your role as a performing artist. We especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Content and goals of the programme
Completing a degree in acting means becoming an expert in performance, both in theory and practice. The programme is anchored around artistic research and contemporary interdisciplinary performing arts. The goal is for the student to become a collaborative actor who can contribute to the traditions of the art form, to its future as well as to its societal relevance.
Our pedagogical philosophy is based on curiosity and engagement. The foundation of our pedagogy is that learning is a dynamic process within each individual, that it occurs in interaction with others and that the various subjects of the programme are integrated in a unique way by each student. The interaction between students and teachers is based on questioning existing power relations and institutional structures. We believe that knowledge does not precede the pedagogical process, but is a result of it.
We have a responsibility to develop and inspire Swedish-language performing arts in Finland, which entails a broader commitment than just training actors.
Bachelor’s and master’s studies
Studies are full-time and follow the academic year plan and schedule. Studies in the bachelor’s programme comprise mostly compulsory courses, while the master’s programme offers more optional studies. Students generally attend classes with their own year group, but some teaching is provided collaboratively with other student groups and degree programmes. Class sizes are small, and teaching is usually provided in group settings. One-to-one instruction is also provided.
The programme spans five years, but we also offer separate admission to the two-year master’s studies. After completing three years of studies, the goal is for the bachelor’s graduate to be able to apply a wide range of skills in their professional role as actors. In the two-year master’s programme, students deepen and hone their artistic practice and broaden their perspective on theatre.
Teaching consists of the following study modules: acting, movement, voice and music, contextual studies, general studies, optional studies, advanced studies and the thesis project. The language of instruction and degree is primarily Swedish, but some teaching is provided in English. Optional courses taught in Finnish are also available.
Teachers
Our teachers are experienced experts in their respective fields. In addition to our permanent staff, we regularly host visits by Finnish and international guest teachers, artists and other experts.
University staff in the programme
- Aune Kallinen, professor
- Stina Engström, lecturer in acting (voice and speech)
- Tom Rejström, lecturer in acting
- Emma Raunio, singing and music
- Oo Condit, artistic research
- Julian Owusu, hip hop
- Satu Palokangas, somatics and ecosomatics
- Jukka von Boehm, history and theory of performing arts
Visiting teachers and artists within the past few years
Bengt Ahlfors, Abdissa ”Mamba” Assefa, Aminkeng Atabong Alemanji, Antonia Atarah, Blaue Frau (Sonja Ahlfors & Joanna Wingren), Lidia Bäck, Freja Bäckman, Saara Cantell, Dash Che, Noora Dadu, Athena Farrokzhad, Sol Garre, Karolina Ginman, Minna Harjuniemi, Mikaela Hasan, Sanna Huldén och Duvteatern, Elina Izarra, Maimouna Matikainen-Soreau, Juni Klein, Samuel Kujala, Ken Mai, Satu Mikkelinen, Lehmus Murtomaa, Minttu Mustakallio, Kaya Pakaslahti, Martin Paul, Adrian Perera, Gesa Piper, Pia Rickman, Vincent Roumagnac, Ville Sandqvist, Aino Savolainen, Anita Seppä, Ritva Siikala, Astrid Stenberg, Per Sörberg, Yuko Takeda, Raul Nene Vargas Torres, Jonas Welander, Emelie Zilliacus