Course units
Year 1
Unit 1 - Introduction to Technical Arts for Theatre and Performance
This unit is an introduction to your course, the College and the University. It will set out industry basics within the field of technical arts for theatre and performance. You will be introduced to key fundamental principles of practice including concept and design, materials, fabrication and interactive arts.
Unit 2 - Designing and making 1
This unit will train you how to interpret and realise design ideas to scale and accuracy. You’ll explore a range of materials and construction methods used within technical arts theatre practice. You’ll also learn basic principles in life modelling and start your own personal blog during practical workshops.
Unit 3 - Designing and making 2
This unit will introduce you to a range of specialist skills and processes such as moulding, casting and digital 3D equivalents. You’ll undertake projects to develop your digital and technical skills. Through your online blog and reflective journal, you’ll record your notes and techniques, reflecting upon your experiences so far.
Unit 4: Exploring ideas
This unit will broaden your perspective of technical arts. You’ll be introduced to the mechanics of interactive objects and modelling. This will help you expand your technical skills and develop a responsive practice. You'll also research contemporary and historical viewpoints, making wider connections to your technical arts practice and theories relating to social, racial and environmental justice.
Unit 5: Who are you? Establishing practice
In this unit, you’ll develop and make a prototype using your current skills. First, you’ll research an area of interest. You’ll then produce an outcome based on your findings and understanding of technical arts. Alongside this, you’ll continue to record your experiences on your online blog.
Year 2
Unit 6: Practice as laboratory
In this unit, you’ll undertake projects that will refine your interest and knowledge in technical arts practice. You’ll cover planning, research and technical drawing, and further develop your technical skills in areas such as life modelling, digital capabilities and software. You’ll also learn about major production houses to expand your awareness of current industry practices.
Unit 7: Collaborative and collective practices
You will be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.
Unit 8 - Where in the world? 1
In this unit, you’ll undertake a complex project focusing on either creature or model design. You’ll carry out creative research to engage with broader concepts and themes. Alongside this, you’ll develop your CV and professional portfolio. You’ll also be encouraged to undertake a work placement or industry-based research project.
Unit 9: Where in the world? 2
In this unit, you’ll complete a self-directed project in 1 of the following areas: concept and design, material research, fabrication or interactive and applied arts. This unit will allow you to situate your practice within an industry context. During this unit, you’ll also undertake a work placement to develop vital industry experience.
Year 3
Unit 10: Finding your voice: portfolio design, crafting research skills and career planning
Your final year project involves 3 self-directed elements. The research portfolio is a reflective project that demonstrates your research skills. The creative research project, also known as a dissertation, is a written, filmed or presented piece of work. The personal portfolio highlights your professional experience to help with potential employment.
Unit 11: Show your work: independent practice
This final unit brings together all the ideas and knowledge you’ve developed on the course through a self-determined project. This could relate to any area such as film, live production, museum exhibition, digital gaming and virtual reality.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)
This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.
Diploma in Creative Computing
Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Technical Arts for Theatre and Screen (with Creative Computing).
