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
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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.
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.
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
Test
Grade
Additional details
IELTS (Academic)
7
With no lower than 6.0 in an individual component (ie. Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking).
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.
Data from:
This course and 11 other drama courses
Date range:
2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
For Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these
calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data.
Learn more here
.
AAA
Most common
AAA Most common
A*AA
Highest grades
CDD
Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
12%
12% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
N/A
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
85%
85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
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
Location
Fee
Year
Channel Islands
£9535
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
£9535
Year 1
International
£27250
Year 1
EU
£27250
Year 1
England
£9535
Year 1
Northern Ireland
£9535
Year 1
Scotland
£9535
Year 1
Wales
£9535
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.