Set Design for Screen and Stage with Foundation Year

Do you want to bring theatre, film and television sets to life through creativity and design? This set design degree will provide you with an environment where you can experiment, innovate and create your ideas.
Boost your understanding of design, aesthetics, form and function, develop your technical skills and broaden your knowledge, so upon graduation you’ll have a portfolio that demonstrates that you can turn scripts into three-dimensional environments for stage and screen.

Why study BA (Hons) Set Design for Stage and Screen at BNU?
Facilities
Our industry-standard facilities support every stage of the design process, helping you develop creative and technical skills. You'll gain experience using professional software including Vectorworks, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and Rhino, alongside specialist workshops for wood, metal and plastics.
You'll also have opportunities to realise designs within a studio environment, developing skills in model making, fabrication and scenic painting. Facilities include CNC and laser-cutting technology, 3D design studios, engineering and making workshops, computer suites with industry-standard CAD software and 3D printing facilities. Dedicated technicians provide technical guidance and support throughout your studies.

Taught by the Industry
The BA (Hons) Set Design for Stage and Screen course is led by an experienced teaching team with strong industry knowledge and professional connections. You'll benefit from guest lecturers, project briefs, masterclasses and networking opportunities with industry specialists.
As part of the College of Creative Arts, Technology and Engineering, you'll study on a practice-based course supported by contextual studies and collaborative projects. You'll also have opportunities to work with students from related disciplines, including Costume Design, Hair and Make-up and Acting, helping you build professional networks and industry experience.

Location
With London within easy reach, you'll have opportunities to visit prop stores, production facilities, material suppliers, museums and organisations relevant to stage and screen design. You may also have opportunities to visit working studios and professional production environments.

Career-Focused
This course prepares you for careers across theatre, film, television and live performance. Graduates may pursue roles including production designer, model maker, art director, production design co-ordinator, stylist and illustrator.
Through practical projects and industry-informed briefs, you'll develop the creative, technical and professional skills employers value while building a portfolio that reflects your interests and career ambitions. Opportunity Modules also allow you to broaden your skills in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills and employability.

What Will I Study?
This course is also available with a Foundation Year, designed to help you develop academic skills and confidence before progressing to the undergraduate degree.
Throughout the course, you'll develop as a production designer for theatre, film and television. Drawing on contemporary industry practice, you'll learn to respond to design briefs through research, experimentation and technical development, while exploring the historical and theoretical contexts that inform design for stage and screen.
You'll develop skills in aesthetics, technical drawing, CAD, workshop practice and production techniques, building a foundation for creative industry careers. The course also encourages entrepreneurial thinking and professional collaboration, helping you communicate effectively across production departments.
Study visits to prop stores, sets, material suppliers, museums and industry professionals enhance your understanding of professional practice. By graduation, you'll have developed a specialist portfolio showcasing your skills and interests in set design for stage and screen.

At Bucks New University, you'll benefit from career-focused teaching, hands-on learning and a supportive community that helps you thrive throughout your degree and beyond.

You'll learn from lecturers with industry experience, gain practical skills in professional-standard facilities and receive personalised support through smaller class sizes. Beyond your course, The Big Deal gives every student free access to sports clubs, societies, fitness facilities, social events, trips, volunteering opportunities and career-boosting workshops. It's Bucks way of helping you discover new interests, meet like-minded people, build your CV and make the most of university life – all without paying extra membership fees.

Whether you're preparing for your future career, growing your confidence or looking for an unforgettable student experience, Bucks offers the opportunities and support to help you achieve your goals.