Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Art Direction, Set Design & Prop Making for Stage and Screen) - Level 3 (UAL)

Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Art Direction, Set Design & Prop Making for Stage and Screen) - Level 3 Extended Diploma (UAL)

Enter the exciting world behind the camera and discover how creative environments, props and visual storytelling shape the worlds we see across film, theatre, television, fashion and live performance.

Our new Level 3 Creative Practice pathway in Art Direction, Set Design and Prop Making for Stage and Screen is designed for imaginative students who want to create immersive visual experiences through design, construction and storytelling. This exciting course combines elements of theatre design, film production, fashion styling, spatial design, prop construction and visual communication to prepare students for the fast-moving creative industries.

You’ll explore how art directors and set designers build atmosphere, emotion and narrative through space, texture, colour, lighting and objects. Through hands-on projects, collaborative productions and creative experimentation, you’ll develop practical skills in set building, prop making, styling environments, scenic painting, model making and visual storytelling.

Studying in the heart of London gives you direct access to some of the world’s most inspiring creative industries. From theatre productions and museum exhibitions to fashion shoots, film culture and immersive experiences, London becomes your creative classroom.

Throughout the course, you’ll work on exciting live projects and collaborative productions, building a professional portfolio designed to support progression into our Level 4 UAL Art Direction, Set Design and Prop Making course, which is run in partnership with CSK at Pinewood Studios at the heart of the British Film Industry, university, apprenticeships or careers across stage, screen and creative production industries.

Why Choose This Course?

Creative industries are expanding rapidly across film, streaming, theatre, fashion content, immersive events and live entertainment. Audiences now expect visually rich, cinematic experiences, and creative designers are at the centre of making those worlds possible.

This course is perfect for students who:

· Love film, theatre, fashion, television or music videos

· Enjoy making, building and designing

· Are interested in visual storytelling and atmosphere

· Want to work behind the scenes in creative production

· Enjoy practical, hands-on creative work

· Are imaginative and concept-driven

· Want to combine art, fashion, interiors and performance design

· Are interested in immersive experiences and installation design

Art Direction & Creative Concept Development

· Visual storytelling

· Mood boards and concept development

· Colour palettes and atmosphere building

· Narrative environments

· Character and scene research

· Historical and contemporary visual references

· Creative pitching and presentation skills

Set Design for Stage & Screen

· Designing film and theatre sets

· Scenic design and spatial planning

· Set construction techniques

· Model making and scale drawing

· Floor plans and visual layouts

· Lighting and atmosphere

· Installation and immersive environments

Prop Making & Creative Construction

· Hand-crafted prop development

· Foam, cardboard and mixed-media construction

· Surface decoration and finishing

· Sculptural experimentation

· Materials and texture creation

· Sustainable prop design using recycled materials

· Large-scale creative builds

Styling & Visual Production

· Styling sets and environments

· Costume and prop relationships

· Fashion editorial environments

· Music video styling concepts

· Creative direction for photoshoots

· Visual composition and scene building

Film, Theatre & Production Design

· Understanding production roles

· Storyboarding and scene planning

· Working to creative briefs

· Collaborative production processes

· Audience experience and immersion

· Contemporary stage and screen trends

Digital & Creative Industry Skills

· Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

· Digital presentation boards

· Portfolio building

· Visual communication techniques

· Creative project management

· Professional presentation skills

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English at Level 2/GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above)
• A portfolio of your art and design work

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The assessment methods are diverse and comprehensive, designed to evaluate theoretical knowledge, practical skills, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.

Project-based Assessments: Students complete a series of design projects throughout the course. These could range from conceptual designs to practical implementations. Assessments evaluate the originality, creativity, and technical execution of their design solutions.

Portfolio Development: Students compile a portfolio showcasing their best work, demonstrating their progression, skills, and exploration of various design concepts and techniques. This serves as a comprehensive assessment of their abilities over the course duration.

Presentations and Critiques: Students present their projects and design concepts to a panel of faculty, industry professionals, or peers. This assessment method evaluates their communication skills, ability to articulate design ideas, and respond to critiques effectively.

Technical Skills Assessment: Evaluation of technical skills in areas such as 3D modelling, digital visualisation, material exploration, and prototyping. This assessment ensures proficiency in utilising design tools and techniques.

Assignments and Reports: Assessments may include written assignments, essays, or reports on topics related to design theory, architectural history, contextual studies, or critical analysis of design concepts and methodologies.

Industry Engagement and Live Projects: Assessments involving real-world projects or industry collaborations where students apply their skills in practical scenarios. Feedback from industry professionals may also contribute to the assessment process.

Final Project Assessment: Culminating in a major individual or group project that integrates learned concepts and skills. The final project is assessed based on creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to address complex design challenges.

These assessments emphasise not only technical proficiency but also creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, preparing for diverse roles within the industry.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

This course can lead to university study or careers in:

· Art Direction

· Set Design

· Theatre Design

· Film Production Design

· Prop Making

· Scenic Construction

· Exhibition Design

· Fashion Editorial Production

· Visual Merchandising

· Event & Immersive Experience Design

· Creative Direction

· TV & Streaming Production

Students may progress onto specialist creative courses at institutions including University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon College of Arts and other leading creative universities as well as our Level 4 UAL Art Direction, Set Design and Prop Making course, which is run in partnership with CSK at Pinewood Studios at the heart of the British Film Industry.