Design for Theatre and Live Performance BA (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom, Nottingham

University RankQS Ranking

593

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/United Kingdom/Nottingham /Nottingham Trent University/Design for Theatre and Live Performance BA (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

W460

Campuses

City Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,250 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Design for Theatre and Live Performance BA (Hons)

About

Introduction:

Transform empty stages into vivid new worlds — set a powerful scene that conjures emotions before a word’s been spoken, or a note’s been played. If you’re a visual storyteller with a love of live performance, and you’re looking to create lifelong memories for audiences around the world, you’ve found your perfect course.

You’ll live and breathe live performance, developing your skills and trademark style as a designer. Learn from tutors who’ve collaborated on some of the most visually spectacular productions in the world, from A-list concerts to Broadway musicals; complete an optional placement at venues like the RSC, and across London’s West End theatres. When employers are looking for new talent to bring their next gig, play, musical, or production to life, don’t just be an option — be their priority.

Whether you’re designing interactive environments for the theatre, puppetry or technical costumes, visually stunning stages for concerts and eSports events, or dynamic virtual spaces in the metaverse, there are so many opportunities to apply your vision and creativity. The only limit is your own imagination!

Our students get great jobs: we’ve been ranked 1st in the UK for employability (Uni Compare 2025)
Work on live projects with partners like the National Theatre, the National Trust, and Nottingham Playhouse
Define your own unique specialism and direction for theatre and live performance
Get expert credentials — this course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Designers.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

BA (Hons) Design for Theatre and Live Performance

112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

Other requirements

a portfolio.

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Foundation courses leading to undergraduate study at NTU

English language requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

English Program Requirements

Career

Careers and employability

Just as there are no limits to your creative skills, there are no restrictions on where you can apply them. There’ll always be an audience for what you can offer, and the opportunities to showcase your skills as a visual storyteller are constantly evolving.

Will you follow in the footsteps of our recent graduates, who’ve gone on to work for the English National Opera, as model-makers for Cameron Mackintosh, design associates for Es Devlin, and design assistants at the RSC? Maybe you’ll turn your talents to the next generation of eSports events or create immersive new worlds in the metaverse.

Along the way (and for up to three years after your course finishes), you’ll have the support of our friendly, award-winning Employability experts. Once you’ve graduated, your professional pathways could include:

Set Designer: specialising in designing sets for different performance mediums, including opera or dance
Event Designer: designing the layout and aesthetics of events, including corporate functions and weddings
Design Assistant: working as a modelmaker and draftsperson in a theatre designer’s studio
Costume Designer: focusing on clothing and accessories for stage and screen productions
Production Designer: working in film or television to create the overall visual style of a project
Props Master: managing the acquisition and creation of props used in productions
Art Director: overseeing the artistic aspects of a project, often in advertising, film, or television
Exhibit Designer: creating engaging displays for museums or galleries
Festival Decor: designing and making for international arts festivals
Theatre Educator: teaching design principles and techniques in schools or community programmes.