How to become a set designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
University
You can study for a higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject, like:
- fine art
- interior design
- 3D design
- theatre design
Several universities, colleges and drama schools also offer courses in performing arts production or design for film and television.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a college course like a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Work
You could start as a set designer's assistant, art department trainee, prop maker or a runner in film or TV and work your way up.
Volunteering
You should find practical experience and build a portfolio of your design work to show to potential employers. You can get relevant experience by getting involved in:
- student theatre or film
- local amateur or community theatre
- low-budget independent films
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Career tips
A DVD or online portfolio showing sets you've designed for amateur theatre, school plays or films would be useful.
Further information
You can find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.