Bachelor's programmes
At the undergraduate level, University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy offers professional higher education (240 ECTS, 4-years). The advantage of professional higher education over more academic degree is its stronger link with the job market. Practical work in the actual work environment comprises at least 15% of the professional higher education curriculum. Both, bachelor's degree and professional higher education diploma will give the graduates equal access to the next level of higher education – master's studies.
All students admitted to the programme in Estonian are required to have at least B1 level Estonian language proficiency. Please see here for more information on admission requirements.
Curricula of professional higher education:
Performing Arts curriculum
University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy is the only higher education institution in Estonia to teach on-stage and off-stage artists together. The Performing Arts curriculum aims to bring together all the insights and skills needed for an artist working in the complex and meaning-changing world of performing arts. The curriculum values the close integration of theory and practice, cross-disciplinarity, social sensitivity, and a broader understanding of one's position as an artist in the world. One can specialise as a director, actor, dance teacher, visual technology specialist or technical producer, and combine the chosen specialisation with studies in other fields.
Music curriculum
Students of the Music curriculum get a broad-based musical education under the guidance of renowned professionals in the field, emphasising both centuries-old traditional music and forward-looking music technology. It is possible to specialise in traditional music, school music, rhythm music and sound engineering. Within the rhythm music specialisation, one can choose the direction of the music producer; within the school music specialisation, it is possible to become a musical instrument teacher. Besides the courses of their specialisation, music students also study instrument playing, folk music, ensemble playing, rhythmics, and music theory and technology. The lessons are put into practice at concerts: each year, 10–15 concerts are held in Viljandi and various concert venues throughout Estonia.
Estonian Native Craft curriculum
The curriculum of Estonian Native Craft includes gaining a thorough knowledge of Estonian traditional crafts culture and its professional, creative and sustainable application in a modern living environment. Emphasis is on interpreting, exploring and developing craftsmanship. By specialising in textiles, construction or metalwork, one can learn about all the main local craft techniques, skills and materials. In 2023, a new circular technology specialisation will be launched, focusing on reducing the amount of new materials in circulation through simple repair techniques, reuse and recycling. A strong emphasis is placed on acquiring practical skills and the general arts courses to support them. That is why all specialisations include a significant number of traineeships: in the first years, they are mainly carried out in the university's workshops, and later on, with craft masters, institutions and companies both at home and abroad.
Culture Management curriculum
Unique in Estonia, the Culture Management curriculum provides opportunities for self-development at many levels, from working with smaller communities to organising events with an international dimension. Studies consist of acquiring general cultural knowledge and professional organisational skills. What makes the curriculum special is the large volume of practical assignments: students can test their skills in a variety of situations, job shadow professional cultural managers, and also organise a wide range of events and projects in Viljandi and throughout Estonia.
Community Education and Hobby Activity curriculum
The Community Education and Hobby Activity curriculum provides a broad-based education to engage with young people and communities in non-formal education. It provides general cultural and pedagogical knowledge, knowledge of communities and the youth field, and thorough knowledge of either applied theatre or activity and adventure education.
