Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Performance Design

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
Awarded by:
University of London
More about Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
Apply

Course summary

BA (Hons) Performance Design is an innovative programme that delves into contemporary and expanded performance design practices within the creative industries, whilst considering the impact of technological advancements, inclusive and collaborative practices and environmental sustainability. The programme covers a range of design disciplines including:

- Space and Environment
- Light
- Sound
- Costume
- Video and Extended Realities

The programme encourages practical, hands-on experimentation with materials and new technologies for a range of different live, screen and music contexts; including theatre, dance, site-specific and immersive experiences, events, exhibition and installation design, film/ TV, the experience economy and virtual and blended realities. You will engage in speculative, experimental, and realised projects, complemented by professional placements. The programme fosters cross-departmental and cross-programme collaborations, promoting a laboratory culture that prioritizes sustainable practices and values active and inclusive collaboration. You will be equipped with essential professional preparation and research competencies including critical reflection, contextual studies, freelancing in the creative industries and professional networks alongside skills such as dramaturgy, digital and 3D visualisation and practice based artistic research. You will also become part of a wide professional network through compulsory industry placements and project-based professional mentors, positioning you at the forefront of this dynamic field upon graduation.

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/design-performance-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/design-performance-ba

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 28/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W461
Institution code:
C35
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

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.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
W461
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.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 64 - 120 points

A level - CC

Grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP

Grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview.

Access to HE Diploma

An overall Pass is acceptable for admission. Grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview.

Scottish Higher - AAA

Grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview.

T Level - P

An overall Pass (D or E) is acceptable for admission. Grades alone will not determine whether an applicant may be offered a place. Offers are only made following successful interview.

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 admissions@cssd.ac.uk 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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7With no lower than 6.0 in an individual component (ie. Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking).

English language requirements are outlined on Central's website: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/english-language-requirements

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 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

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
International£27250Year 1
EU£27250Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 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

Like this page