Course summary
Some of the major innovations in performance practices over the past hundred years have been drawn from scenographic developments. The MA/MFA Scenography courses approach scenography from multiple practical and theoretical perspectives to create new opportunities for experimentation and authorship. • Develop authorship through performance design, working with a dynamic interplay of practice and theory, informed by a variety of disciplines including film, sculpture, sound, digital media, puppetry, choreography and architecture • A balance of independent and collaborative work • A professional focus through mentors, tutors and industry partners Through past and present approaches to performance design, the Scenography courses aim to explore dynamic and innovative interplays between the body, space and time, further informed by a variety of disciplines including film, sculpture, sound, digital media, puppetry, choreography and architecture. Your existing skills and practices are challenged, extended and refined as you investigate design processes and tools for creative developments. With a balanced mix of collaborative and independent work, and a particular attention to the interplay of practice and theory, the courses include:
- workshops and mentoring to explore speculative and operative uses/misuses of processes and tools, ranging from dramaturgy, model making and technical drawing to audio-visual media, casting, interactive sensor technologies and 3D printing;
- studies in relevant historical and theoretical frameworks and contexts for understanding and developing practice.
Modules
In the first year, students of the MA and MFA combine for terms one to three of their course. The MFA second year extends the final project initiated at the end of the first year, with support from seminars and tutorials with the course team and with the possibility of undertaking one or two workplace/ professional attachments. An MFA top-up year for those with an existing MA in this subject is also available.
Assessment method
Assessment is by practical conceptions and realisations, written assignments and verbal presentations (individual and collaborative). You will collaborate with your class peers, as well as with other courses within Central to create and design new work, including the MA/MFA Advanced Theatre Practice, MA Acting for Screen, MA/MFA Performance Practice as Research and MA/MFA Creative Producing. Archives of past students’ work on the course can be seen at www.mascenography.com.
How to apply
International applicants
https://www.cssd.ac.uk/international-students/information-international-applicants
Entry requirements
You should normally have an undergraduate degree in the broad field of performance, drama studies or a design subject, although applications from students of other disciplines (e.g. visual arts, architecture, sonic arts) will be considered. Applications from those with at least two years’ relevant experience will also be considered. An offer will normally only be made after interview. An MFA top-up year for those with an existing MA in this subject is also available.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11550 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11550 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11550 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11550 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11550 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £11550 | Year 1 |
| EU | £22050 | Year 1 |
| International | £22050 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
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