Professor of Arts Didactics

The Professorship of Arts Didactics is a tenure-track position aimed at developing arts learning and teaching at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) into a strategically grounded, research-based, and internationally visible academic field. The professorship integrates artistic practice, didactic reflection, and theoretical analysis, and serves as a connecting link between different artistic fields at BFM, supporting their integration across learning, teaching, and research.

The position requires a long-term contribution to teaching, research and artistic research activities, and institutional development. The workload is approximately divided between research and artistic research (40–65%), teaching and supervision (20–40%), and social and institutional contribution (10–30%).

Key responsibilities

• Teach courses in arts didactics, art-based/art-led research, and integrated art practices at bachelor’s and master’s levels.
• Supervise creative, artistic research-based, and art-based theses and support students in connecting artistic activity, learning, and reflection.
• Participate in supervising interdisciplinary teaching and creative projects.
• Conduct research and/or artistic research in the field of arts didactics and publish results in scientific and/or art-related publications
• Contribute to the development of art-based and didactic research methods.
• Participate in research projects and apply for external funding.
• Contribute to the development of BFM curricula and teaching formats within the field of specialisation.
• Collaborate with BFM lecturers and researchers on issues related to arts didactics and participate in academic discussions at the institute.
• Contribute to the visibility of arts didactics as a field at Tallinn University
• Participate in professional networks and discussions as well as national expert bodies.
• Cooperate with partners in the fields of culture and education.
• Contribute to the promotion of arts didactics in academic and professional contexts.

A PhD in arts didactics; alternatively, a PhD in another field of the arts or humanities, provided that the candidate has clearly demonstrated research and pedagogical competence in arts didactics.

A candidate shall meet the requirements for the position of a professor established in Annexes 2, 9 and 10 to the Employment Relations Rules.

The candidate has a clear connection to at least one artistic practice or an interdisciplinary artistic field (e.g. visual arts, sound, movement, audiovisual arts, or their integrations). The candidate is able to link artistic practice with teaching and reflection and has experience in conceptualising learning and teaching in the arts from a didactic and/or research perspective. A clear artistic and methodological focus is expected.

The candidate has teaching experience at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in the arts, art education, or related fields, as well as experience in supervising students, including creative, artistic research-based, or art-based theses. Willingness to supervise doctoral students is expected; prior experience in doctoral supervision is preferred. Experience with interdisciplinary or experimental forms of study is considered an advantage.

The candidate is expected to have a credible research profile and agenda in the field of arts didactics as well as a consistent record of high-level publications over the past five years, in accordance with the criteria set out in Annex 10 of Tallinn University’s Employment Relations Rules. Experience in artistic research projects, the development or application of art-based research methods, and the creation of didactic models or conceptual frameworks is considered beneficial.

The candidate has the capacity to develop collaboration and synergies across different artistic fields within BFM, with other units of Tallinn University (in particular the School of Educational Sciences), with other tenure professors, and with national and international partners, in order to support the integration, reflexivity, and effectiveness of learning and teaching in the arts.

To apply, please send the application documents required in English to participate in the call for applications for academic positions announced no later than 1 June 2026 by clicking on the "Apply now" button.

If you have any questions about the vacancy, please contact Kaie Viigipuu-Kreintaal, Head of Administration, BFM, e-mail: kaie.viigipuu@tlu.ee; for organisational questions konkurss@tlu.ee.

By default, successful candidates are appointed at the Associate Professor level. Candidates wishing to be considered for appointment as Professor must submit evidence demonstrating that they meet the requirements for this level, including proven experience in leading a research team.

The expected levels of qualifications, experience and performance are specified in Annexes 9 and 10 of Tallinn University’s Employment Regulations.

• an interesting and responsible position in an academic and international environment;
• a professional and supportive team;
• diverse opportunities for professional development and self-improvement;
• access to health and sports activities on preferential terms;
• 56 calendar days of annual leave;
• 5 paid days off per year for significant life events, health promotion, or voluntary work.