Doctoral Programme in Music

Applications for the Aug 2027 intake are due by Jan 17, 2027, while tuition fees are 5,000 EUR per year.

The PhD in Doctoral Programme in Music at The University of the Arts Helsinki is a 4-year degree for students with a Master's degree. It helps students become experts in music.

The curriculum includes music-related subjects and hands-on components to develop research skills.

Graduates can become Music Professors, Music Researchers, Music Critics, or Music Consultants, working in universities, research institutions, or music organizations.

The University of the Arts Helsinki is a multidisciplinary arts university formed to advance high quality education across music, theatre, dance, visual arts and design. With about 2,200 students and roughly 450 international students, the institution cultivates artistic excellence and experimentation while maintaining close ties to the cultural life of Helsinki. Its compact size supports close mentorship and intensive studio and performance work.

Programs emphasize creative development, critical reflection and professional practice, guided by faculty who are active artists and scholars. Students engage in project-based learning, collaborations across disciplines and performance or exhibition opportunities that prepare them for careers in the arts. The university also supports research and artistic development, providing facilities and platforms for emerging work and international exchange.

For international applicants the university offers a stimulating, internationally minded environment with services to help integrate into academic and city life. Helsinki provides a rich cultural scene, festivals and institutions that complement studies, and the university fosters connections with the Nordic and European arts communities. Prospective students should expect an immersive creative education that balances individual artistic growth with collaborative practice and professional preparation.