Course summary
Play a vital role in designing and building worlds for the screen. This course develops your individual creativity and teaches you the technical expertise essential for a career in film and television. You will develop your skills and gain experience on live action films, animation, television, games and commercials, using traditional and digital design techniques. You’ll learn in a fully equipped design studio, where you’ll be designing for live action shoots, using traditional and digital design techniques. Uniquely in the UK, you’ll benefit from studying alongside students of other filmmaking disciplines, engaging in a series of productions where working methods replicate professional practice. You’ll also get far more time learning directly from professional tutors, in real production facilities and on real projects, than you would get in the vast majority of film schools or universities. Course Facilities Our design studios offer you a designated workstation equipped with a drawing board, computer, model making table and storage. Computers are loaded with the latest design software, plotters and a 3D printer. To assist you on productions, the School also has its own well stocked Prop Store and maintains close relationships with a wide range of external prop houses to help facilitate the diverse nature of student productions. We also have a selection of drapes and green screens available for productions.
Modules
Uniquely in the UK, our MA Production Design students study alongside students of other filmmaking disciplines, engaging in a series of productions where working methods replicate professional practice. The advent of digital technology has brought in new design tools and ways of working and this course promotes a lively interface between old and new methods. 3D and 2D computer techniques and Concept Art are taught alongside traditional skills such as set sketching, orthographic draughting, design geometry and model-making. The course offers the opportunity to specialise in Concept Art, particularly in the second year. Design students apply their skills to live action and animation films, television programmes, games and commercials, in the studio and on location, using built sets and green screen. Relevant business and management skills are also taught, equipping students to manage a small art department, its budget, personnel and logistical schedules, studio procedures and set decorating. Studio visits and placements familiarise students with a working art department and inspire them with actual film sets.
Assessment method
Assessment is based on a graduation and a graduation film. Students also submit a dissertation.
Entry requirements
Production Design students come from a wide variety of visual backgrounds, including theatre, architecture, illustration, fine art, digital design, interior design and 3D design. When you apply, your portfolio submission must demonstrate a strong visual imagination, an aptitude for spatial and 3D design, an awareness of architecture and design for the moving image and exhibit a personal visual language. Please refer to our guidance notes here for more information. Experience of film/TV work is not essential but a willingness to work collaboratively and an ability to motivate and lead a team are essential. While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
2025 Fees will be confirmed Spring/Summer 2024
Students with EU settled / pre-settled status will be eligible for home fees subject to residency checks.
Sponsorship information
NFTS Scholarships available for UK Students.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG