Consultations for applicants for doctoral studies
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre offers doctoral studies under a curriculum “Music and Theatre” in two branches: 1. Musicology; 2. Artistic Research in Music and Theatre.
The standard period of doctoral studies is four years. There is no tuition fee when studying full time.
Applications should be submitted through the following systems:
DreamApply system (for the curricula in English)
SAIS (for the curricula in Estonian)
Artistic Research in Music and Theatre
The application deadline information
The examination is organised in two rounds.
Round oneis based on documents and recordings.
- a video recording (YouTube link required) of a performed program of 45-60 minutes in performance specialties, or ca 45 min of music recordings (with sheet music) in composition specialties, or a list of major creative achievements with written sources and/or recordings in dramatic art;
- a plan of prospective doctoral studies, which should include four concert programs (or other creative tasks depending on specialty), and a research paper proposal on the required form;
- an overview of previous creative activities and research (CV).
Up to 10 candidates will be admitted to the second round. The candidates will be notified of the results of the first round at least 5 days before the second round.
In round two, a student candidate should:
- at the request of the examination panel, perform a requested part of the program submitted previously as a recording, or answer the questions of the panel on his or her previous creative activities (a live performance is not required for candidates in the specialties of conducting and dramatic art);
- justify and defend his or her plan of prospective doctoral studies.
As a rule, candidates are required to attend the second round in person. In exceptional cases, the interview can also be conducted via electronic communication channels.
The examination panel evaluates and considers the following:
- persuasiveness and originality of artistic ideas of a candidate;
- specialty-specific level of technical mastery;
- scope and quality of previous creative activities;
- creative potential and qualities required for creative activities at international level;
- relevance of the research subject and its connection to creative activities;
- clarity of the research problem, adequacy of selected methodology, and familiarity with reference literature and sources on the subject.
The examination is graded on a scale of 1-10. Based on the examination results, a single ranking list will be established for candidates. Three highest-ranked candidates will be admitted to the Academy and offered the position of junior researcher. The admission committee has the right to create additional study places for doctoral students who finance their studies themselves and knowledge transfer doctoral students.
Musicology
The application deadline information
The examination is organised in two rounds.
Round one is based on documents.
- a plan of prospective doctoral studies and a doctoral thesis proposal on the required form;
- an overview of previous research and creative activities (CV).
Up to 10 candidates will be admitted to the second round. The candidates will be notified of the results of the first round at least 5 days before the second round.
In round two, a student candidate is required to justify and defend his or her plan of prospective doctoral studies and the doctoral thesis proposal. As a rule, candidates are required to attend this round in person. In exceptional cases, the interview can also be conducted via electronic communication channels.
The examination panel evaluates and considers the following:
- relevance of the research subject and clarity of the research problem;
- explanation of theoretical context and consideration of research methods;
- familiarity with reference literature and sources on the subject;
- previous research of a candidate and his or her ability to participate in international research communication.
The examination is graded on a scale of 1-10. Based on the examination results, a single ranking list will be established for candidates. Three highest-ranked candidates will be admitted to the Academy and offered the position of junior researcher. The admission committee has the right to create additional study places for doctoral students who finance their studies themselves and knowledge transfer doctoral students.