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
- architecture
- 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
- level 3 Diploma in 3D Design and Crafts
- level 3 Art and Design
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 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 as a set designer from ScreenSkills and other creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.