Program Overview

Led by internationally recognised practitioners, the Theatre and Performance Design degree scheme offered by the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University takes a fresh, radical approach to design in performance. It looks beyond the established boundaries of set, costume, lighting and sound design to take a total view of performance space as an expressive artistic field in its own right. This is not a degree in ‘how to do it’, but an inquiry into how it might be done.

Through a combination of practical and theoretical explorations, you will critically examine and engage with a wide range of contemporary practices from playhouse theatre to site-specific performance and from environmental theatre to performance installation. As the course progresses, the focus of study sharpens steadily upon your own practice as an independent artist, applying your acquired knowledge and skills to the making of work that is fresh, radical and expressive for you, within or beyond the context of theatre and performance.

Why study Theatre and Performance Design at Aberystwyth?

• This course will enable you to explore a radical and innovative approach to theatre and performance design.
• You will be taught and mentored by a team of internationally known designers and experts.
• We are a vibrant and creative department where drama and theatre, film and media, and scenography and theatre design collide.
• All students benefit from our complementary learning experiences where theory and practice are designed to feed into each other.
• As a department, students benefit from our connections with key industry partners, such as National Theatre Wales, Music Theatre Wales, Quarantine Theatre Company, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. These creative partners provide an excellent opportunity to network and liaise with those in the industry before graduation.
• Students in the department have access to our superb facilities and resources for practical work: three rehearsal studios, each with flexible technical facilities; 2 large professionally-equipped studios with digital lighting rigs controlled via ETC Congo and Strand Lighting consoles, Yamaha and Soundcraft PAs, Sanyo AV systems and Strand lighting and two NXAMP; and costume and wardrobe facilities.
• On our campus is one of the largest Arts Centres in Wales, which regularly presents national and international theatre and dance work.
• Aberystwyth University is known for having a large number of clubs and societies, so be assured that your time will be occupied with your studies and taking part in your chosen club / society's activities.
• If you're looking for an experience beyond Aberystwyth, all students will have the opportunity to take part in a study abroad or work placement.