Overview
The Master’s Programme in Writing at Uniarts Helsinki offers a comprehensive education for aspiring writers, leading to a Master of Arts degree. This unique program explores the concept of writing from various perspectives, fostering interaction with fine arts, performing arts, music, and artistic research. Students gain an understanding of the vast possibilities of writing and focus on their personal writing projects under the guidance of top professionals.
Key Features:
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Multidisciplinary Study Environment: Engage with diverse art forms, including fine arts, performing arts, music, and artistic research, to broaden your writing practice.
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Personal Writing Project: Develop a personal writing project linked to one of three focus areas:
- Writing in traditional genres (e.g., prose and lyric poetry).
- Writing about art.
- Media-sensitive writing, where the platform is integral to the work, often involving digital platforms or collaborations across various art fields.
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International Collaboration: Benefit from partnerships with other writing programs and close cooperation with Aalto University, enhancing the learning experience.
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Expert Faculty: Learn from part-time professors who are accomplished writers, including Riikka Pelo, Mikael Brygger, Antti Salminen, and Jussi Valtonen, with Jusa Peltoniemi serving as the head of the degree program.
This program is ideal for individuals seeking to expand their writing skills within a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.
For more information, visit the Writing, Master page.
Program structure
The Master’s Programme in Writing at Uniarts Helsinki is structured to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education in writing, leading to a Master of Arts degree. The program emphasizes the development of a personal writing project, supported by a curriculum that integrates various art forms and encourages innovative approaches to writing.
Key Components:
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Personal Writing Project:
- Central to the program is the development of your own writing project, which can focus on one of three areas:
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Multidisciplinary Study Environment:
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Collaborative Projects:
- Participate in projects that encourage collaboration across various artistic disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of the arts.
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Workshops and Seminars:
- Attend workshops and seminars led by experienced writers and artists, focusing on both traditional and experimental writing methods.
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International Cooperation:
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Mentorship:
This structure is designed to encourage a broad-minded approach to writing, allowing you to explore and develop your unique voice within a supportive and dynamic artistic community.
For more detailed information, visit the Writing, Master page.
Fees and Funding
The Master’s Programme in Writing at Uniarts Helsinki has specific tuition fees and funding opportunities for students.
Tuition Fees:
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EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens: No tuition fees are charged.
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Non-EU/EEA Citizens: An annual tuition fee of €12,000 applies.
Uniarts Student
Scholarships and Funding:
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Uniarts Helsinki Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to cover tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students. These are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
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Finnish Government Scholarships: Available for students from certain countries, these scholarships can assist with living expenses.
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External Funding: Students are encouraged to seek scholarships from foundations and organizations in their home countries or international bodies.
Scholarship Guidance
Uniarts Helsinki provides scholarships to support talented international students pursuing the Master’s Programme in Writing, making the program accessible to a diverse range of students. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers, particularly for non-EU/EEA students, enabling them to focus on their artistic and academic development.
Scholarship Options
1. Tuition Fee Waivers
- Eligibility: Available for non-EU/EEA students required to pay tuition fees.
- Waivers may cover:
- 100% of the tuition fee (full waiver).
- 50% of the tuition fee (partial waiver).
2. Helsinki Scholarship
- Awarded to exceptional international students.
- Includes:
- A full tuition fee waiver.
- A €5,000 grant to support living expenses during the first year of studies.
3. External Scholarships
- Students can apply for additional funding from:
- Finnish Government Scholarships for students from eligible countries.
- Private cultural foundations and organizations in Finland or abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to non-EU/EEA students enrolled in the program.
- Scholarships are awarded based on:
- Academic and artistic excellence.
- Financial need (for some scholarships).
- Clear motivation and alignment with program objectives.
How to Apply
1. Indicate Scholarship Interest
- When submitting your program application on the Studyinfo Portal, specify your intention to apply for scholarships.
2. Submit Required Documents
- Include academic transcripts and certificates.
- Write a motivation letter explaining:
- Your financial need.
- How the scholarship will help you achieve your artistic goals.
- Provide a portfolio showcasing your creative writing abilities.
3. Review and Notification
- Scholarship applications are reviewed alongside program applications.
- Scholarship decisions are communicated with admission results.
Key Deadlines
- Scholarship applications must be submitted during the program application period (typically November to January).
- Results are announced in April, along with admission offers.
Further Information
These scholarships ensure that talented international students can access world-class writing education at Uniarts Helsinki without financial barriers.
Admission Requirements
The admission process for the Master’s Programme in Writing at Uniarts Helsinki is designed to identify individuals with strong creative potential, artistic vision, and academic ability. The program seeks candidates who are eager to explore writing as a multidisciplinary and innovative practice.
General Admission Requirements
1. Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree:
- A degree in writing, literature, arts, or a related field is typically required.
- Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree in exceptional cases.
2. Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English, Finnish, or Swedish is required, depending on the language of instruction for your chosen courses:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 92.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 62.
- Applicants who have completed prior studies in English may be exempt.
Application Procedure
1. Online Application
- Submit your application via the Studyinfo Portal.
- Select the Master’s Programme in Writing and complete all sections of the application form.
2. Required Documents
- Degree Certificate and Transcripts:
- Certified copies of your academic qualifications.
- Portfolio:
- A collection of creative writing samples (e.g., prose, poetry, essays, experimental texts) showcasing your skills and artistic voice.
- CV/Resume:
- Include academic background, artistic projects, and professional experience.
- Motivation Letter:
- A 1–2 page document explaining your reasons for applying, your artistic vision, and how the program aligns with your aspirations.
- Proof of Language Proficiency:
- Submit English, Finnish, or Swedish language test scores unless exempt.
3. Artistic Task
- Applicants may be assigned a creative writing task, such as responding to a prompt or creating a short piece of work, to assess their originality and approach to writing.
4. Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview to discuss:
- Their portfolio and artistic vision.
- Their goals and readiness to contribute to the program’s multidisciplinary environment.
Evaluation Criteria
- Artistic Potential: Originality, creativity, and depth in submitted work and artistic tasks.
- Motivation: Alignment of goals with the program’s objectives.
- Interdisciplinary Interest: Ability to engage with writing as part of a broader artistic context.
- Collaboration: Readiness to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative setting.
Key Deadlines
- Application Period: Typically November to January for programs starting in the autumn semester.
- Artistic Task and Interview: Conducted between February and March.
- Admission Results: Communicated in April.
Further Information
This admissions process ensures that only the most creative and motivated candidates join the program, fostering a vibrant and dynamic artistic community.
