Design for Theatre & Screen, BA (Hons)

On the BA (Hons) Design for Theatre & Screen course at UCA Farnham, students explore storytelling, world-building, and character creation in an inspiring environment. The programme fosters innovative and independent thinkers by providing the necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement to discover their creative voice and confidently produce authentic designs. Participants engage in researching narratives, experimenting with visual worlds, and crafting costumes and props, all while benefiting from instruction by active theatre and film professionals. Strong industry connections, including with the Royal Opera House and National Theatre, equip students with essential skills for long-term careers. Related courses include BA (Hons) Acting, BA (Hons) Film Production, and BA (Hons) Film & Screen Studies.The curriculum progresses from staff-led learning in Year 1, focusing on foundational skills in areas like costume realisation, scenic art, props making, puppetry, and contextual studies, to a more self-directed approach in Year 2 for specialising in costume, props, or sets. By Year 3, students consolidate their knowledge through independent projects, demonstrating advanced making techniques, self-management, and critical reflection.

In Year 1, teaching and learning is primarily staff-led and emphasis is placed on developing core skills and a sound awareness and understanding of the different spheres of creative craft practice for theatre and film. Areas of study include costume realisation, scenic art construction, props making, puppetry and historical and contextual studies. Year 2 is designed to progressively move you away from course-led teaching and learning towards a more student-directed approach, in which you'll become increasingly self-motivated and develop the skills of an independent learner. You'll be encouraged to develop a specialist area of practice in the design and production of costume, props or sets. Year 3 of the course consolidates the various elements of study and is characterised by independent learning and the ability to fully bring together the range of experiences, knowledge and skills you've developed on the course. You'll be required to realise your work through the use of accomplished making skills and evidence of advanced levels of both self-management and critical reflection.