Production Design is the study of creating a sense of time, location, and mood for film, TV, theatre, etc. Students interested in careers in production design will study media, history, and art theory.
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of production design including aesthetics, costuming, and lighting and sound design.
Depending on the focus of their production design studies, students will likely move from exam-based modules to more hands-on production modules. Most performing arts courses will combine exams, written assessments, dissertations, and production projects as benchmark assessments for students.
Most undergraduate Production Design courses in Ireland run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as a facet of their program.
It is common that all performing arts-based courses will require students to complete long-term research or performance projects including a final Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies or for their careers in Production Design.
A bachelor’s degree in Production Design studies is adequate for many careers in the performing arts. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working in film and TV production, theatre production, and arts administration.
Graduating from college with a degree in Production Design will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A performing arts degree teaches students how to think both critically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable performance and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ careers in production design working as interior designers, product managers, and stylists.
Other jobs that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
An undergraduate degree in production design studies is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in their preferred genre, be it film, television, stage, or otherwise.
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