Art and Design PhD at Estonian Academy of the Arts
The Art and Design PhD course at the Estonian Academy of the Arts equips students with research theories and methods to conduct practice-led creative research.
This four-year doctoral study offers an opportunity to critically investigate art in the context of wider society.
Based in Tallinn, the course is concerned with a variety of topics including society and digitalisation, gender studies through artistic practice, figurative and metaphorical thinking and expanded scenography.
Students also explore meaning-making through art and design, social design, public-social space, sustainability and ecocriticism.
School: Estonian Academy of the Arts
Course: Art and Design PhD
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Course dates: September 2027 to June 2031
Application deadline: 31 March 2027
Find out more about the course and apply ›
What will I learn during this course?
– Creative and practice-based research methods
– Critical thinking and analysis
– Independent research design and execution
– Academic writing and communication
– Interdisciplinary research
– Project management and self-directed learning
What are the requirements?
– A master’s degree or an equivalent qualification
– English proficiency at at least B2 level
– A CV, a portfolio, a motivation letter and a proposal of the doctoral thesis
– Optional documents: academic CV of the prospective supervisor/s
What facilities and resources are available?
– A library
– A technical equipment rental
– A prototyping lab
– Professional photography and sound studios
– Workshops for wood and metalworking
– 3D modelling
– Workshops for textiles, glass, ceramics, printmaking, metalwork, and many more (all EKA workshops and studios are open to all students)
What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?
After completing the course, our graduates work across a wide range of creative industries.
Career pathways include:
– Universities and higher education as lecturers, researchers, professors, or academic leaders
– Professional artistic and design practice, working as independent artists, designers, creative directors, or consultants
– Research and innovation roles in cultural institutions, design organisations, museums, galleries, and creative industries
– Leadership positions in arts, design, and cultural sectors
– Public sector and policy development
– Interdisciplinary research projects
Who teaches this course?
Along with many external supervisors, our internal professors include:
– Jaana Päeva, researcher and head of curriculum
– Liina Unt, supervisor and lecturer
– Kristi Kuusk, supervisor and senior researcher
– Kärt Ojavee, supervisor and professor
– Anu Allas, supervisor and visiting research fellow
– Ingrid Ruudi, supervisor and senior research fellow
– Reet Aus, supervisor and senior research fellow
– Krista Kodres, supervisor and professor
– Nesli Hazal Oktay, supervisor and associate professor
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