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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