Program structure

The Master’s Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies (LAPS) at Uniarts Helsinki is a two-year, full-time program that integrates critical thinking with experimental artistic practice and research. The curriculum is designed to collectively investigate the functions and societal impacts of performance, providing students with both practical and theoretical tools to explore, develop, and disseminate their artistic practice and knowledge.

Key Components:

1. Practice-Led Research:

   • Students engage in research that combines artistic practice with theoretical inquiry, fostering synergies between the two.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach:

   • The program welcomes artists from diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds, encouraging a shared inquiry into the nature of contemporary performance.

3. Diverse Faculty Expertise:

   • Lecturers, mentors, and visiting artists specialize in areas such as visual culture, gender studies, performance philosophy, performative research, embodiment, community-based practice, anthropology, mediated performance, performative writing, and political theory of performance and activism.

4. Full-Time Commitment:

   • The program requires a full-time commitment, ensuring immersive and comprehensive engagement with the curriculum.

This structure is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of live art and performance studies.

For more detailed information, visit the Live Art and Performance Studies, Master page.

Fees and Funding

The Master’s Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies (LAPS) at Uniarts Helsinki has specific tuition fees and funding opportunities for students.

Tuition Fees:

• EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens: No tuition fees are charged.

• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: An annual tuition fee of €12,000 applies.

  University of the Arts Helsinki

Scholarships and Funding:

• 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.

• Finnish Government Scholarships: Available for students from certain countries, these scholarships can assist with living expenses.

• External Funding: Students are encouraged to seek scholarships from foundations and organizations in their home countries or international bodies.

Scholarship Guidance

Uniarts Helsinki offers scholarships to support talented international students pursuing the Master’s Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies (LAPS). These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers, particularly for non-EU/EEA students, and enable them to focus on their academic and artistic growth.

Scholarship Options

1. Tuition Fee Waivers

• Eligibility: Available for non-EU/EEA students required to pay tuition fees.
• Scholarships 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:
  • Full tuition fee waiver.
  • A €5,000 grant to support living expenses during the first year of studies.

3. External Scholarships

• Students are encouraged to seek additional funding from:
  • Finnish Government Scholarship Pool: For students from eligible countries.
  • Private organizations and cultural foundations that support arts education.

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).
  • Motivation and alignment with the program’s objectives.

How to Apply

1. Indicate Scholarship Interest

• While completing your program application on the Studyinfo Portal, specify your intention to apply for scholarships.

2. Submit Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• A motivation letter detailing your financial need, artistic goals, and reasons for seeking funding.
• Portfolio showcasing your artistic and research work related to live art and performance.

3. Review and Notification

• Scholarship applications are reviewed alongside program applications.
• Scholarship decisions are announced 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

• Tuition Fees and Scholarships - Uniarts Helsinki
• Study in Finland - Scholarships

These scholarships provide significant financial support, ensuring that talented international students can access world-class education and resources in live art and performance studies.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master’s Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies (LAPS) at Uniarts Helsinki is competitive and seeks applicants with strong creative potential, academic ability, and an interest in interdisciplinary approaches to performance and live art.

General Requirements

1. Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree:
  • A degree in arts, humanities, or a related field is typically required.
  • Equivalent professional experience in the field of live art or performance may be considered.

2. Language Proficiency

• Proficiency in English is required as the program is conducted entirely in English:
  • 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

Application Process

1. Submit an Online Application

• Complete your application via the Studyinfo Portal.
• Select the Master’s Programme in Live Art and Performance Studies and fill out all required fields.

2. Upload Required Documents

• Degree Certificates and Transcripts:
  • Certified copies of your academic qualifications.
• Portfolio:
  • A collection of work samples that reflect your artistic and research interests in live art and performance.
  • Examples may include videos, photographs, scripts, or project descriptions.
• CV/Resume:
  • Highlight academic achievements, artistic projects, and relevant professional experience.
• Motivation Letter:
  • A 1–2 page document explaining your reasons for applying, artistic and research goals, and how the program aligns with your aspirations.
• Proof of Language Proficiency:
  • Submit required test scores unless exempt.

3. Complete Artistic Tasks

• Applicants may be assigned specific tasks or questions to assess their understanding and interest in live art and performance studies.

4. Attend an Interview

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to discuss:
  • Their portfolio and previous work.
  • Their goals and readiness for the program’s interdisciplinary and research-based approach.

Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic Potential: Quality, originality, and depth of submitted work.
• Motivation and Fit: Alignment of the applicant’s goals with the program’s objectives.
• Research Interest: Readiness to engage in practice-led research.
• Collaboration Skills: Ability to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary environment.

Key Deadlines

• Application Period: Typically from November to January for programs starting in autumn.
• Artistic Tasks and Interviews: Scheduled between February and March.
• Results Announcement: Admissions decisions are communicated in April.

Further Information

• Uniarts Helsinki Admissions Guide
• Studyinfo Portal
• Live Art and Performance Studies, Master - Uniarts Helsinki

This admissions process ensures the selection of students with exceptional creative potential, academic rigor, and a commitment to the exploration of live art and performance.