Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
This course trains students in the art of lighting design for theatre, live performance and related fields. It involves learning the practical skills required to rig, focus and maintain lighting equipment whilst developing the ability to make aesthetic and technical design choices. It also covers aspects of video and projection design. Students are supported and encouraged to make full use of automated lighting, video, projection, LEDs and other emerging technologies. They will benefit from Central’s industry focused research culture, which ensures their design practice is at the forefront of knowledge and industry practice. With an emphasis on practical as well as aesthetic training, graduates will be able to create work they can be proud of - and earn a living from it. Tuition is structured around practical projects in Central’s well-equipped studio and proscenium performance spaces, with rigorous investigation of the design process. As they progress, students develop their own style, supported by tutors, mentors and visiting professionals. This course leads to the qualification of BA (Hons) Theatre Practice. For more detailed information, to see what is covered in each year of the course and to view the Course Specification document, click on the 'Course Details' heading on the following page of Central's website: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/courses/lighting-design-ba
Modules
Students specialise in one aspect of theatre and performance practice, working alongside students from each of the other courses, enabling you to engage with and understand the collaborative work of theatre practice. For detailed module information, see the Course Specification document, available under the 'Course Details' heading on the course page on Central's website: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/courses/lighting-design-ba
Assessment method
Emphasis is placed on your own interaction with the challenges and opportunities which the programme provides and you are expected to develop an independent and self-directed approach to your studies and praxis, which will serve you in your continuing professional development. The teaching and learning methods used to enable these outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are: Studio teaching; Lectures and workshops; Professionals masterclasses; Seminars; Group and one to one tutorials; Online remote sessions; Tutor and peer supervised production work. For detailed assessment information, see the Course Specification document, available under the 'Course Details' heading on the course page on Central's website: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/courses/lighting-design-ba
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W450
- Institution code:
- C35
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Please refer to guidance available at: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/student-transfer-procedures
International applicants
We welcome applications from overseas candidates. All applications must be made via UCAS. Applicants must attend an in-person interview either in London or at one of our international interview locations. In the past, interviews have been held at venues in New York, San Francisco, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney. International interview venues and dates will be listed on Central's website once they are confirmed. Applicants who will struggle to attend an in-person interview will be invited to book onto a distance interview, which will take place on Zoom.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 - 120 points
A level - CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - BCC
T Level - P
In all cases, grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview and portfolio review. International qualifications and others not covered within the UCAS tariff can also be accepted. Please email [email protected] if you need further clarification. Please note that we make lower offers (including unconditional) to exceptional candidates and those who have alternative or prior experience to offer. All candidates invited to interview are asked to bring a portfolio. Interview and portfolio are key factors in determining which applicants are accepted on to the course.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Places on this course can only be offered after successful interview and portfolio review. We will contact you shortly after you have applied to confirm an interview date. You can view the interview and portfolio requirements at the following page on our website: http://www.cssd.ac.uk/content/interview-process-ba-theatre-practice-courses
Portfolio
Places on this course can only be offered after successful interview and portfolio review. We will contact you shortly after you have applied to confirm an interview date. You can view the interview and portfolio requirements at the following page on our website: http://www.cssd.ac.uk/content/interview-process-ba-theatre-practice-courses
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | With no lower than 6.0 in an individual component (ie. Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking). |
English language requirements are outlined on Central's website:
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £25200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25200 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Please note that the EU fee may not be applicable to students originating from an EU country who have settled/pre-settled status. Other criteria apply. See the gov.uk website for further details.
Students who are applying for an equivalent or lower level qualification (ELQ) to one they already possess, will be charged full fees, unless they are exempt. Please see the Office for Students' website for details.
Sponsorship information
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-bursaries-awards
Provider information
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
Embassy Theatre
Eton Avenue
Camden
NW3 3HY