Directing, bachelor and master

Why study here?

In the degree programme in directing, you will learn to verbalise your personal observations, develop critical thinking and improve your leadership in the arts. You will learn to master various production models and become familiar with the diverse sectors of theatre and art. Our aim is to train professionals who master their art form and are also able to develop it further.

Content and objective of the programme

The five-year degree programme in directing consists of three-year bachelor’s studies (180 credits) and two-year master’s studies (120 credits). The bachelor’s studies will give you the basic competence to work as a director. During your master’s studies, you will deepen your skills and explore your areas of interest from a more comprehensive perspective. We aim at an open, inquisitive, and dialog-driven atmosphere. We guide you to examine issues related to your own field of art, culture, and society. 

You will begin your studies by getting to know the theoretical and practical premises of your art form. After familiarising yourself with the basics, you will apply the traditional and contemporary theories and practices of directing in exercises. You will observe the concepts that are meaningful for your personal art and verbalise your way of thinking to others. You will create your own unique directing style and learn to reflect on your work from a conceptual and theoretical viewpoint. As your studies progress, you will learn to view your own work as part of a larger context in the world of theatre and society. 

We give you the supportive environment you need to grow your own distinctive artistic qualities. After you graduate, you can also pursue doctoral studies. The main aims of your education include the following: you will continuously develop your artistic expression and vision, you will let ideas flow freely, and you will be able to think analytically and critically. We want to give you an in-depth understanding of the nature, history, and current status of theatrical arts.  

In addition to your personal artistic growth, we emphasise the communal nature of theatre. We arrange the majority of the studies collaboratively as shared stage studies, demos and performance productions together with students of other degree programmes. We encourage future theatre artists to seek joint themes, forms, work methods, and a joint language for the stage, and to form future partnerships by networking with fellow students. During your studies, you will work together with students of dramaturgy, acting, choreography, sound and lighting design, scenography and costume design, for example. Other partners include theatres, operators in the field of theatre, universities, and other stakeholders. 

The primary language of instruction is Finnish. However, students have the right to use Swedish both orally and in writing in connection with teaching and examinations, unless otherwise specified in the curriculum or required by the nature of the teaching.

New curriculum to be launched

Our curriculum is currently being updated. Teaching according to the new curriculum will start in autumn 2024. Please keep this in mind when browsing the current curriculum.

Teachers

Our teachers are experienced experts in their field. In addition to the permanent teaching staff, the programme welcomes top professionals from both Finland and abroad as guests on a regular basis. 

Applying to the programme

Student admissions to the degree programme are arranged on a yearly basis.

Uniarts Helsinki is one of the most sought-after places to study in Finland. Browse the applicant statistics from previous years. Browse the applicant statistics from previous years.

Doctoral studies

You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at the University as a third-cycle degree. After graduating with a master’s degree, you can apply for doctoral studies in theatre and drama and specialise in research-oriented, artistic or applied doctoral studies.