Dance pedagogy, master
In the Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy, we explore critical thinking, artistic-pedagogical practices and the many meanings of art.
Is this for you?
The programme is aimed at applicants who have a degree in the field of performing arts, or another relevant qualification. You should also have professional experience in the field, and a wish to deepen your expertise as a specialist in dance pedagogy.
Applicants may also apply to the master’s programme with a background in a field other than dance. In such cases, you can obtain teaching qualifications by completing the required arts studies during the programme.
Why study here?
The Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy focuses on the development of education and pedagogy in dance and, more broadly, in the performing arts. Through your studies, you will examine and experiment with different approaches to organise learning, teaching and engaging with learners. You will also learn to combine artistic practice with pedagogy in a variety of contexts.
You will gain a broad subject teacher qualification and the skills required to work, for example, in schools and higher education institutions as well as in a range of artistic-pedagogical projects. Graduates go on to work widely across the fields of performing arts and education.
Applications to the programme are accepted every other year.
About the studies
The content of the programme is shaped flexibly through interaction among students, the study group, and faculty. Learning is grounded in inquiry-based practice within a safe and supportive community that fosters dialogue and discussion.
During your studies, you will:
- learn to examine dance both as an art form and as a subject of teaching and learning within a broader cultural and societal context;
- develop critical and creative thinking skills;
- collaborate with professionals from different fields;
- explore and experiment with new pedagogical approaches in practice;
- learn to apply your expertise in a variety of learning and artistic environments.
We see art pedagogy as a form of artistic activity where pedagogical questions are ever-present. In the context of art pedagogy, we consider art, performance and teaching as intertwined interactions of aesthetic, ethical and political phenomena. When art and pedagogy come together, they both transform.
The programme consists of advanced studies in the arts, studies in the theory and practices of art pedagogy, research studies, teaching practice periods, international interaction and studies that support the development of the student’s identity as an art pedagogue.
The goal of the master’s programme is to train open-minded and professional art pedagogues who have found their own voice, have cooperation skills and are aware of their responsibilities.
The mandatory study module in pedagogy (60 cr) is organised by Tampere University. If the pedagogical studies include practical training with minors, the student’s criminal record extract will be checked at the beginning of the course in question. Read more about checking the criminal record extract.
Values of the programme
In our programme, we foster an encouraging atmosphere that relies on the core values of interaction, holistic perspectives and critical thinking.
Teaching methods
The studies are based on attendance, dedication and interaction. The programme uses diverse and continuously evolving teaching methods. The courses are organised in the form of workshops, group projects, lectures and seminars, as well as independent learning assignments. Most of the instruction takes place on weekdays between 9:00 and 17:00.
Collaborations
The Master’s Programmes in Dance and Theatre Pedagogy have close collaboration with each other. The teachers make decisions about the pedagogical guidelines together, and about half of the teaching is arranged collaboratively.
Our partner universities offer optional courses on various topics. Our main partners are the Department of Music Education at Uniarts Helsinki and the Department of Art and Media at Aalto University.
Our international partners include the University of Auckland in New Zealand, Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, University of Copenhagen, Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Sami University of Applied Sciences.
The teaching practices can be carried out as either Finnish or international collaborations.
Teachers
The teachers in the Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy are experts in their artistic field and art pedagogy. They have diverse professional backgrounds and a strong research-based orientation in art pedagogy. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes experts as guest teachers on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree allows you to complete, for example, a Doctor of Arts (Dance) degree as a third-cycle degree. Doctoral studies in theatre and drama as well as dance are offered by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).
Learn more about studying with us
Admissions guide
Application instructions for this programme haven't been published yet.
Target degree and length of study
Master of Arts (Dance)
2 years
Application period
No admission in 2027. Next possible time to apply will be announced later.
Degree language
English, Finnish
Read more about the language skill requirements
Tuition fee
From August 2026, the annual tuition fee is € 28,000 for students who are studying in English and come from outside the EU and EEA countries.
Supervising teacher
-
Eeva Anttila
Part-time teacher, Open university, Open Campus
Professor, Emerita, Research Theater Academy, Theatre Academyeeva.anttila@uniarts.fi
Unit
Theatre Academy
Ask about applying
Max catalogue: students and alumni
Is this for you?
The programme is aimed at applicants who have a degree in the field of performing arts, or another relevant qualification. You should also have professional experience in the field, and a wish to deepen your expertise as a specialist in dance pedagogy.
Applicants may also apply to the master’s programme with a background in a field other than dance. In such cases, you can obtain teaching qualifications by completing the required arts studies during the programme.
Why study here?
The Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy focuses on the development of education and pedagogy in dance and, more broadly, in the performing arts. Through your studies, you will examine and experiment with different approaches to organise learning, teaching and engaging with learners. You will also learn to combine artistic practice with pedagogy in a variety of contexts.
You will gain a broad subject teacher qualification and the skills required to work, for example, in schools and higher education institutions as well as in a range of artistic-pedagogical projects. Graduates go on to work widely across the fields of performing arts and education.
Applications to the programme are accepted every other year.
About the studies
The content of the programme is shaped flexibly through interaction among students, the study group, and faculty. Learning is grounded in inquiry-based practice within a safe and supportive community that fosters dialogue and discussion.
During your studies, you will:
- learn to examine dance both as an art form and as a subject of teaching and learning within a broader cultural and societal context;
- develop critical and creative thinking skills;
- collaborate with professionals from different fields;
- explore and experiment with new pedagogical approaches in practice;
- learn to apply your expertise in a variety of learning and artistic environments.
We see art pedagogy as a form of artistic activity where pedagogical questions are ever-present. In the context of art pedagogy, we consider art, performance and teaching as intertwined interactions of aesthetic, ethical and political phenomena. When art and pedagogy come together, they both transform.
The programme consists of advanced studies in the arts, studies in the theory and practices of art pedagogy, research studies, teaching practice periods, international interaction and studies that support the development of the student’s identity as an art pedagogue.
The goal of the master’s programme is to train open-minded and professional art pedagogues who have found their own voice, have cooperation skills and are aware of their responsibilities.
The mandatory study module in pedagogy (60 cr) is organised by Tampere University. If the pedagogical studies include practical training with minors, the student’s criminal record extract will be checked at the beginning of the course in question. Read more about checking the criminal record extract.
Values of the programme
In our programme, we foster an encouraging atmosphere that relies on the core values of interaction, holistic perspectives and critical thinking.
Teaching methods
The studies are based on attendance, dedication and interaction. The programme uses diverse and continuously evolving teaching methods. The courses are organised in the form of workshops, group projects, lectures and seminars, as well as independent learning assignments. Most of the instruction takes place on weekdays between 9:00 and 17:00.
Collaborations
The Master’s Programmes in Dance and Theatre Pedagogy have close collaboration with each other. The teachers make decisions about the pedagogical guidelines together, and about half of the teaching is arranged collaboratively.
Our partner universities offer optional courses on various topics. Our main partners are the Department of Music Education at Uniarts Helsinki and the Department of Art and Media at Aalto University.
Our international partners include the University of Auckland in New Zealand, Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, University of Copenhagen, Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Sami University of Applied Sciences.
The teaching practices can be carried out as either Finnish or international collaborations.
Teachers
The teachers in the Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy are experts in their artistic field and art pedagogy. They have diverse professional backgrounds and a strong research-based orientation in art pedagogy. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes experts as guest teachers on a regular basis.
Doctoral studies
A master’s degree allows you to complete, for example, a Doctor of Arts (Dance) degree as a third-cycle degree. Doctoral studies in theatre and drama as well as dance are offered by the Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke).