Overview

The Design for Performance degree at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama provides an immersive, performance-based education in the art of visual storytelling. Students explore the essential elements of costume and set design for diverse platforms, including live theatre, major events, and screen productions. This training ensures that graduates are equipped with the technical and artistic expertise required for the modern creative industries.

Why Design for Performance at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama?

Students benefit from a high level of individual support due to an excellent staff-to-student ratio and mentorship from active industry practitioners. The university maintains prestigious partnerships with major organisations such as the BBC, the National Theatre, and the Royal Opera House, providing students with high-profile work placement opportunities. Facilities across Cardiff, including Llanishen Studios, offer professional environments for technical drawing, prop making, and scenic art.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: GBP 29500 per year
National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum progresses from foundational techniques to advanced performance-based projects and professional specialisation. Modules may include:

Technical Drawing
Costume Construction
Prop Making
Scenic Art
Puppetry
Millinery and Tailoring
Design Software
History of Art and Architecture
Professional Website Development

Careers with Design for Performance

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global entertainment sector, working as designers, design assistants, or scenic artists. The programme concludes with a professional showcase attended by employers from major studios and theatres, facilitating direct entry into the workforce. Alumni often find employment in theatre production, film art departments, and television costume teams, supported by the professional network established during their studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Costume Design

Technical Skills

Group Project

Individual Design Project

Specialist Study

Historical & Contextual Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-14 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Liberal Arts Drama View 191 other Bachelors in Liberal Arts in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants are selected for interview on the basis of the information provided in their UCAS application.

An A level or equivalent qualification in art and design is the minimum requirement for entry. Equivalent qualifications include WBQ, Scottish Highers, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, International Baccalaureate, Advanced GNVQ, AVCE or Advanced Diploma (Level 3), or recognised international qualifications.

We recommend that applicants complete a general Art and Design Foundation Course prior to entry.

However, any minimum conditions that may be attached to the offer of a place will be based on individual applications, interviews and portfolio presentations.

The College may consider applications from people without formal qualifications if they have an exceptional level of practical ability and suitable portfolio content.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29500 GBP / year

≈ 29500 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9535 GBP / year

≈ 9535 GBP / year

Living costs

Cardiff

United Kingdom

628 - 1066 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Student Finance For EU Students

www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk

Email: EU_Team@slc.co.uk

Tel: + 44 141 243 3570

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Design for Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cardiff

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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