BA Production Arts and Design

Programme Overview

The Production Arts and Design programme creates a high-level learning environment for aspiring scenic artists, prop makers, stage carpenters, costume makers, and set and costume designers. You will be learning in an environment where your creativity and individuality is as important as your technical skill.

You will be accepted based on your profile in one particular area, taken from the five subjects on offer. You will follow an individual pathway based on a major and minor study to ensure a quality learning experience and will have the unique opportunity to engage with the diverse range of performance programmes. 

The facilities available to our Production students are second to none. The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks has purpose-built production workshops and design studios. The Renfrew Street building has five public performance spaces including a fully-equipped proscenium arch theatre and a black box studio theatre. The combination of professional venues, extensive workshops, construction spaces, design studios and the latest stage and workshop technologies provides a fantastic learning environment.  

Our standards are based on professional practice and we have strong links with industry partners from across the UK and beyond. We have close relationships with the national performing arts organisations in Scotland as well as many of the regional theatres. We work closely with these partners to ensure the education you receive is current, competitive and of the highest professional standard. 

Applications for BA Production Arts and Design are open for September 2025 entry, applications should be made via UCAS Conservatoires. Applications close on 29 January 2025.

Programme Structure

Year 1

You will experience all areas of the production arts and design process as well as building initial skills and knowledge in your major subject. You will receive a broad introduction to the production environment and the standard practices in Production Arts and Design.

The design process is examined through a range of projects, workshop rotations and collaborative projects culminating in the choice of a minor subject to study alongside your major pathway.

Alongside Production Technology and Management students, you will investigate topics of relevance to production more broadly and you will also meet year one students from across RCS to discuss social priorities important to all creative arts disciplines.

Year 2

You will be introduced to more advanced approaches and techniques including Personal and Professional Development skills.

Production Arts students engage with practice-based work on RCS productions as part of a collaborative team with students from third year. Processes, skills and techniques are gathered. You will have the opportunity to observe senior students in managerial positions.

Design students explore the design process from concept to final presentation through personal projects and begin the process of designing for a fully realised production.

Year 3

You will negotiate an individual pathway in third year to take advantage of production or design roles, personal projects, options modules and work placement opportunities. The placement ensures you are making contacts with industry practitioners and potential employers.

A showcase of work is exhibited at the end of the year and a range of potential employers are invited to view your work.