BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television)

The BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers students an immersive exploration into the world of production design for film and television. This program provides a comprehensive blend of creative design, technical skills, and industry-focused learning, preparing graduates for careers in the dynamic and fast-paced entertainment industry.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in production design principles, visual storytelling, and technical production processes. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including script analysis, concept development, set design, prop-making, costume design, and digital visualization techniques. Students have the opportunity to work on practical projects that simulate real-world production scenarios, from designing sets and props to collaborating with directors and cinematographers. The curriculum also includes modules on professional practice, industry standards, and collaborative teamwork, preparing students for careers in the film and television industry.

Research Focus: NTU is committed to research excellence, and this commitment extends to the BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program. Faculty members within the School of Art and Design are actively engaged in research projects that explore various aspects of production design, visual storytelling, and film theory. Students have the opportunity to engage with this research through coursework, dissertations, and collaborative projects. They may investigate topics such as production design aesthetics, historical and cultural influences on film and television design, or the impact of digital technologies on production processes.

Industry Engagement: Recognizing the importance of industry engagement in preparing students for careers in film and television production, NTU has established strong links with production companies, film studios, television networks, and industry professionals. The BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program incorporates industry-focused elements such as guest lectures, workshops, and work placements. Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced production designers, art directors, and set decorators, gaining insights into industry practices and building professional networks. Industry engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the film and television industry and make valuable contributions to production design teams.

Global Perspective: In an increasingly globalized entertainment industry, NTU emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in production design for film and television. The BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program integrates modules that explore diverse cultural traditions, cinematic styles, and storytelling techniques from around the world. Students are encouraged to consider the cultural, social, and political contexts that shape production design practices and aesthetics in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the program may offer opportunities for international study exchanges, collaborations with international film productions, or participation in film festivals or exhibitions, providing students with exposure to diverse cinematic landscapes and perspectives.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NTU are typically required to have completed their secondary education or its equivalent. NTU expects international students to have achieved a minimum of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications. 

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 81, with at least 19 in Listening, Reading,  Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

These scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Nottingham Trent University:

International Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: NTU offers the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for international students. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded based on academic excellence, with a focus on the applicant's achievements and potential contributions to NTU and their chosen field of study.

International Undergraduate Scholarship: NTU provides undergraduate scholarships for international students, which are awarded based on academic achievement and cover a percentage of tuition fees for each year of study.

Country-Specific Scholarships: NTU offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic achievement or residency in a particular country.

External Scholarships:NTU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. There are various organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships to support international students studying in the UK. NTU provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Design for Stage and Screen (Design for Film and Television) program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) are well-equipped for a variety of exciting career paths in the film and television industry, encompassing production design, art direction, and visual storytelling. With their specialized skills in design and creativity, graduates can pursue roles that allow them to contribute to the visual narrative of film and television productions and bring stories to life on screen.

Production Designer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is to become production designers, responsible for creating the overall visual concept and aesthetic of film and television productions. Production designers collaborate closely with directors, producers, and cinematographers to develop the visual style, mood, and atmosphere of a project. They oversee all aspects of the production design, including set design, props, costumes, and locations, ensuring that the visual elements align with the script and contribute to the storytelling. Production designers play a crucial role in shaping the look and feel of a film or television show, immersing viewers in the world of the story.

Art Director: Graduates may pursue careers as art directors, working closely with production designers to implement the visual concept and design elements of film and television productions. Art directors oversee the artistic and technical aspects of set construction, props, and costumes, ensuring that they align with the production design vision and meet the requirements of the script. They collaborate with set decorators, prop masters, and costume designers to create cohesive and visually stunning environments that enhance the storytelling. Art directors play a key role in translating the production design concept into tangible elements on set.

Set Designer/Set Decorator: Another career option for graduates is to work as set designers or set decorators, specializing in the design and decoration of sets for film and television productions. Set designers create detailed drawings and models of sets based on the production design concept, incorporating elements such as architecture, furniture, and lighting to create immersive environments. Set decorators source and arrange props, furniture, and set dressing to enhance the visual storytelling and create realistic settings for scenes. Set designers and decorators work closely with production designers and art directors to bring the production design concept to life on set.

Costume Designer: Graduates may also pursue careers as costume designers, focusing on creating costumes for characters in film and television productions. Costume designers collaborate with directors, producers, and actors to develop costumes that reflect the personalities of characters, convey their emotions, and enhance the visual storytelling. They conduct research, create sketches and mood boards, select fabrics and accessories, and oversee costume fittings and alterations. Costume designers play a vital role in shaping the visual identity of characters and contributing to the overall aesthetic of a production.

Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Some graduates may choose to specialize in visual effects (VFX) for film and television productions, using digital technology to create computer-generated imagery (CGI) and visual effects that enhance the storytelling and create immersive worlds. VFX artists work with directors, producers, and post-production teams to integrate CGI elements seamlessly into live-action footage, including creatures, environments, and special effects. They use software tools such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke to create stunning visual effects that bring fantasy and science fiction worlds to life on screen.

Storyboard Artist: Graduates may pursue careers as storyboard artists, creating visual representations of scenes and sequences for film and television productions. Storyboard artists work closely with directors and cinematographers to visualize the script, plan camera angles and movements, and communicate the visual style and pacing of a project. They create sequential drawings or digital storyboards that serve as a blueprint for the production team, helping to plan and execute complex scenes and sequences. Storyboard artists play a crucial role in pre-visualization and visual storytelling, ensuring that the director's vision is realized on screen.