The Craft Studies MA course at Estonian Academy of the Arts provides students with interdisciplinary skills in ceramics, glass, jewellery, blacksmithing and textiles.

Craft Studies MA expands on the discipline and understanding of contemporary crafts – a hub for emerging craft makers and thinkers.

The course also advances professional development, critical expression and artistic research into materials, processes, concepts and identities.

Through studio work and craft theory, students participate in recrafting cultural, social, economic and ecological narratives.

The course mainly focuses on material and process-based autonomous practices, artistic research and creative authorship, integrated traditional know-how and innovation, and meaningful narratives in materials and processes.

Craft Studies MA provides students with an educational framework for drafting individual material and medium-based practices with a focus on studio and research.

This interdisciplinary programme fosters elemental curiosity, critical thinking, cultural phenomena and making, while operating alongside the peripheries and advocating for non-hierarchical material engagements.

Rooted in craft research, students advance their specialisation through material explorations, field trips, workshops, group critiques, and student-led projects. Each semester, students are paired with individual studio advisors.

The curriculum collaborates with and leans on the competence and traditions of the ceramics, glass, jewellery, blacksmithing, textile, accessories, bookbinding, fashion departments and labs at EKA.

The programme merges traditional and contemporary high and low-tech approaches, aiming to rethink and reimagine the role of the hand and making, envisioning future craft practices.

School: Estonian Academy of the Arts
Course: Craft Studies MA
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Course dates: September 2027 to June 2029
Application deadline: 1 March 2027

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Material-based creative practices and thinking
– Craft theory
– Contemporary concepts, theories and topics related to craft, design and material research
– Integrating theory with practice while applying critical thinking and analytical skills
– Artistic research and creative authorship
– Combining traditional and modern techniques
– Hands-on making and material exploration
– Contextualising and positioning own practice
– Collaboration and knowledge sharing
– Presenting and reflecting on creative work
– Independent studio practice development

What are the requirements?

– A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
– English proficiency at B2 level at least
– CV and portfolio

What facilities and resources are available?

– Library
– Technical equipment rental
– Prototyping lab
– Professional photography and sound studios
– Workshops for wood and metalworking, 3D modelling, textile, glass, ceramics, printmaking, and many more

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Students can expect pathways including independent graphic designer/authorial practitioner, working in studios or creative agencies, publishing and editorial design roles, exhibition-making and curatorial practices, teaching, workshops, and educational roles, research-based or critical design practices, cultural and social sector design work and further academic study (PhD).

Who teaches this course?

– Juss Heinsalu, associate professor and the head of the Craft Studies MA curriculum
– Kärt Ojavee, professor

The course is also assisted with studio advisors, tutors and theory lecturers.

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