Directing, master

Study directing in a highly esteemed and international study environment, where your studies are built around your personal research question.

Why choose us?

The two-year master’s studies in directing offers you a unique setting to develop your distinct characteristics and artistic practice as a director. The master’s studies are built around your individual research question. The studies both support and challenge you as you develop your personal artistic thinking and skills. We offer you a learning environment that is both multidisciplinary and multifaceted and where peer learning plays a key role.

Content and objective of the programme

The student’s personal artistic work is a central part of directing studies, and the school’s professional production team and close relations with the professional field reinforce the student’s creative process. Students have the chance to collaborate with other degree programmes at Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy, including programmes in scenography, lighting design, sound design and acting. The master-level courses combine theory and practice, giving rise to versatile and even surprising points of view that challenge and refine the student’s artistic and critical thinking.  

We offer students opportunities to build connections with other European students of directing. We engage in close cooperation with other European degree programmes in directing, including programmes hosted by Ernst Busch University of Theatre Arts Berlin, Danish National School of Performing Arts, Iceland University of the Arts, Stockholm University of the Arts, Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. In addition, the Degree Programme in Directing has long-spanning partnerships in Brazil (São Paulo Higher School of Theatre) and Mozambique (Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo).  

The main language of instruction for master’s studies in directing is English, but in certain contexts students can also use Finnish or Swedish. 

Ritualistic theatre. Photo: Juanita Ocampo.

Teachers

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

Doctoral studies

You can complete a licentiate and a doctoral degree at Uniarts Helsinki 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. 

Learn more about studies

Admissions guide

Target degree and length of study

Master of Arts (Theatre and Drama)
2 years

Application period

Next possible time to apply is in January 2026. Studies begin in August 2026.

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.

Read more about tuition fees

Unit

Theatre Academy

Ask about applying

teak.admissions@uniarts.fi

Max catalogue: students and alumni