School of Creative Arts

BA (Honours) in Design for Stage and Screen

Award Code : Level 8 Award DL047

Associated Course Information
Course InfoDetails
Duration:4 years (full-time)
Places:30
Awarding body:IADT
Head of department:Kevin Rafter
Course co-ordinator:Patrick Molloy
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About BA (Honours) in Design for Stage and Screen

What is Design for Stage and Screen?

This new programme has three specialised disciplines:

  • Production Design & Art Direction
  • Make Up Design
  • Costume Design

Designing for the stage or screen is a highly creative discipline which involves many different skills: design, research, creativity, problem-solving and technical insight in realising the visual world of the performance.

On this programme, unique in Ireland, you will learn the process of designing for Stage and Screen through working on joint projects alongside other students at IADT. You will have the experience of the collaborative practice associated with being a member of a Film Production Team.

You will be able to select from a range of potential specialisms including production designer, art director, make up designer and costume designer. All are integral members of the production team and play a vital role in the creation of real or imagined worlds for Theatre, Film, Video or Digital Media Productions.

The programme is designed for applicants who have a high level of interest in learning to design for stage and screen and offers you a range of potential specialisms to select from including, production designer, art director, make up designer and costume designer.

There are 2 semesters per year and of 15 weeks per semester. The final week of each semester consists of a presentation of work for assessment.

Aims and Objectives

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

You can work as a freelance independent designer / craftsperson in Theatre, Film and Video productions, in the entertainment, media and cultural industries or establish an independent business unit.

You may also choose to pursue postgraduate studies.

What subjects will I study?

Year 1

Common to all students. You will be introduced to a range of new and basic skills in design, process, research, critical thinking and presentation.

Year 2

You begin to specialise in you chosen discipline as well as collaborative projects which are designed to incorporate a range of technical and conceptual challenges for all.

Years 3 & 4

You will work as a team member on a student Film/Video production as well as developing and refining your personal direction through individual projects.

What are the Entry Requirements?

  • Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher (or Common) level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects, to include English and Maths. Foundation level Maths is not acceptable
  • A portfolio of relevant work
  • You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
  • Applicants with FETAC awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. FETAC Links for this programme are:

AACDX: Art, Craft, Design

AAXXX: Art

ACADX: Computer Aided Design

ACXXX: Creative Craft

ADESX : Design

AFDXX: Fashion Design

AFURX: Furniture Design

AGDXX: Graphic Design

AIDXX: Interior Design

EPATD: Theatre Production

What should my Portfolio include?

Present a selection of work that shows a distinct interest in the discipline in which you wish to specialise in:

  • Your ability in illustration, costume drawing, spatial design/spatial concepts and make-up concepts
  • Your level of awareness of Design for performance
  • Notebook(s) or visual diary indicating level of knowledge/interest in discipline
  • Photographs of any 3D work or make up tests - (do not include pieces of 3D work, photos only)

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

Approx. €500 - €750 per year

Approx. €350 per year for admission to galleries, theatres, etc and travel.

Graduate Exhibition costs in year 4