How to become Set designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can study for a higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject, like:
- fine art
- interior design
- architecture
- 3D design
- theatre design
You could also do a course in performing arts production or design for film and television at some universities, colleges and drama schools.
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 do a creative course at college to learn some of the skills you'll need to get a trainee position.
Courses include:
- production arts practice
- art and design
- photography
- interior design
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Scenic Artist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Scenic Construction Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
These can take around 2 to 3 years to complete and are a mix of workplace training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could get a junior position with a company and work your way up through training and promotion.
For example, you might start as a:
- set designer's assistant
- art department trainee
- assistant prop maker
- TV or film production runner
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to build a portfolio of your design work to show potential employers what you can do.
You can use examples from being involved in:
- student theatre or film
- local amateur or community theatre
- low budget independent films
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Career tips
If you're aged between 16 and 30 and want to learn more about backstage careers in theatre, you could attend workshops and talks run by organisations like TheatreCraft.
Further information
You can find out more about working in television, theatre and film from: