The Master's Degree Programme in Digital Performance offers a good channel to international productions and networks

The English-language Master’s Degree Programme in Digital Performance offered by Oulu University of Applied Sciences is suitable for a wide range of culture professionals.

Digital Performance is a master’s degree programme in the culture sector that opens doors internationally. The programme helps the professionals participating in it to integrate new digital technologies, innovations and design methods into the practices and productions of the performing arts.

– This degree programme supports professional growth in the performing arts sector and creative industries, says Mika Paldanius, Head of the degree programme.

The studies are offered entirely in English with an emphasis on internationality.

– There is a need for international innovation competence related to the performing arts. The studies offer a guaranteed route to international productions and networks. We collaborate with European partners in teaching and innovation.

According to Mika, the studies are versatile and suitable for various professionals in the culture sector.

– Applicants come from fields such as dance, music, theatre, communications and visual arts. The student group is expected to be multidisciplinary and international.

Networking is an important part of studies

The scope of the degree is 60 credits, half of which consists of a final thesis. The other studies are related to performing arts innovations, productions and digital experiments, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

– The courses include topics such as financing, the establishment of a company, and innovations for digital presentations.

The studies are offered as blended learning, and they include both distance learning online and a few meetings in person.

Distance learning includes video conferences and continuous independent assignments. Three-hour video conferences are held once a month from August to November in the autumn semester and from January to May in the spring semester.

– A practical approach and bold experiments are important in this programme, but theoretical studies are also included in it.

Networking is an important part of studies.

– For example, students jointly plan events where they can present their own performance works.

A head for languages is needed

Mika says that the degree programme requires students to have adequate English language skills, initiative, a systematic approach, an interest in experimentation and a creative spirit.

– Social skills are also important so you can network, work in a group and promote things in multidisciplinary cooperation.

According to Mika, graduates from the degree programme can work as independent entrepreneurs, for example.

– The degree also enables further studies all the way up to a doctorate. 

Above all, Mika recommends participating in the degree programme because it provides excellent opportunities for international contacts.

– It’s also a great opportunity to present your artistic works, develop them further and take them in completely new directions.