Program Overview

Technical Theatre (Production and Design)

Overview

The Technical Theatre (Production and Design) program is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to establish themselves in the theatre industry. The program is designed to provide a combination of technical skills work with an integrated stage and production management focus, developing students' ability to work as part of a team to bring a production to life.

Course Details

Year One

• Critical and Textual Studies: Examines key texts and critical approaches central to live performance and media disciplines.
• Introduction to Sound Design and Technology for the Stage: Introduces the fundamental practices of live and recorded sound for the stage.
• Introduction to Lighting Design and Technology for the Stage: Introduces the fundamental approaches and professional practices associated with the use of light for the stage.
• Introduction to Design: Students learn the concepts behind spatial design for theatre.
• Stagecraft: Introduces core concepts behind the development of stage management and technical production.
• Critical and Contextual Approaches to Scenography: Focuses on key approaches to Scenography.

Year Two

• Design for Theatre: Builds upon previous design learning and enables students to identify an area of theatre design they wish to pursue.
• Stages and Staging: Focuses upon the development of the performance stage, and associated technical advances.
• Technical Performance Project: Students work as an ensemble under the direction of professional artists/theatre companies.
• Technology in Performance: Advances students' knowledge of current performance technologies.
• Production Management (Principles): Outlines the function of the production manager and defines the range of responsibilities.
• Optional modules:
  • Professional Environment
  • Introduction to Multimedia Performance
  • Introduction to Theatre Directing
  • Costume Design for Theatre
  • Production Design: Tools and Processes

Year Three

• Advanced Design for the Theatre: The syllabus will be determined by the nature of the student's chosen project.
• Production Management Practices: Studies more advanced and varied aspects of stage and production management.
• Collaborative Project: Students work in groups to produce two theatre and/or event-based projects.
• Professional Practice: Enables students to identify and focus upon their defined area of interest related to theatre/performance/event production studies.

Employment and Stats

• Career Prospects: Graduates are well equipped to work in a variety of roles within the theatre and live events industries.
• Further Study: Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path.
• A taste of what you could become:
  • A multi-skilled theatre technician
  • A stage or production manager
  • A lighting/sound/video/stage designer
  • A lighting programmer or sound engineer

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: A passion for creative theatre production, practical theatre skills, and an ability to explore text and other key source materials.
• Standard Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
  • UCAS tariff points: 104 points.
  • A level: 104 points, preferably including theatre, drama, or a subject related to creative production.
  • T level: Merit.
  • BTEC National Diploma: DMM, preferably including theatre, drama, or a subject related to creative production.
  • Access to HE: 104 UCAS Tariff Points from a Level 3 QAA approved Access programme, preferably including Media/Performance.
  • Scottish Highers: 104 points, preferably including theatre, drama, or a subject related to creative production.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 104 points, preferably including theatre, drama, or a subject related to creative production.
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points, 5 or 6 (Higher level) in a relevant subject.
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 72% overall.
• Alternative Entry Requirements: Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES).

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27).
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26), £18,120 per year (2026/27).
• Additional costs: Books and plays (from £100), stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

• High-achieving international students may be eligible for one of our scholarships.