Programme Specifications

Theatre and Performance Design


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Arts

5 : Programme title
Theatre and Performance Design

6 : UCAS code
064W

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

Dance, Drama and Performance Studies

8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

  • September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

  • To advance teaching, learning and research into the field of scenography as a discrete artistic practice and academic discipline.

  • To research and develop the function of scenography in the generation and presentation of a wide range of aesthetic events including theatrical production; physical, non-textual and devised performance; dance; installation, and events within which the visual aesthetic and scenographic composition and direction bear an especial, creative significance.

  • To disseminate knowledge of the theory, methodology, key practice and criticism which establishes, constitutes and supports the discreteness of the subject area.

  • To develop in students the knowledge and abilities to be able to consider critically and productively the role of scenography in contemporary performance contexts.

  • To develop student ability to apply, demonstrate and advance their learning through the realisation of analytical, creative and reflective responses within original creative output.

  • To develop practical initiatives in the area of devising scenography and the acquisition of knowledge through experiential learning.

  • To develop student ability to undertake independent research and apply this within both academic and creative contexts.

  • To develop students interpersonal and teamwork skills and their ability to apply these within both academic and creative contexts.

  • To provide students with sufficient ranges of intellectual and practical skills, transferable skills and experiences to make informed career choices.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

  • Scenography, as both aesthetic practice and event, within various historical, ethnic and artistic contexts.

  • Key practices and practitioners and the concepts and principles under-pinning scenographic composition and exposition

  • The function of scenography within the dramaturgy of theatrical and other performative events

  • The processes by which scenography is created and realised within a range of performance contexts.

  • The interplay between theory and practice in the academic study of scenography.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

  • The ability to examine critically a wide range of scenographic practice(s)

  • The ability to engage in research through a variety of strategies.

  • The ability to identify, interpret and take into consideration the cultural frameworks surrounding and informing scenography.

  • The ability to develop and effectively apply conceptual and practical procedures appropriate to scenographic composition and exposition

  • The ability to embody and sustain intellectual argument within diverse forms of exposition and from a range of critical perspectives.

  • The ability to effectively document procedures of scenographic practice



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies:

  • The ability to structure and communicate ideas effectively in a variety of situations, and through a variety of media

  • The ability to pose and solve intellectual problems

  • The ability to listen and make use of critical advice

  • The ability to make effective use of available (including on-line) resources

  • The ability to manage time effectively

  • The ability to apply creative, imaginative and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations

  • The ability to work independently, and in groups

  • The ability to use a range of information technology skills and resources, appropriate to tasks.

  • The ability to apply a range of research skills



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BA Theatre and Performance Design [064W]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Single Honours scheme - available from 2022/2023

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years
Last intake year: 2023/2024

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
TP10020

Design in Context

TP19820

Theatre Technologies

Semester 2
TP19920

Theatre Technologies 2

Year 1 Options

Single Honours Theatre and Performance Design students may take ONE of the following modules.

Semester 2
TP11420

Site-Specific Performance Project

TP11720

Scenography Site Project

Year 1 Options

Single Honours Theatre and Performance Design students may take 20 credits from the following recommended modules or from from any Level 1 modules from other departments.

Semester 1
FM10120

Studying Film

FM11420

Making Short Films 1

TP11020

Theatre in Context 1

Semester 2

Year 1 Options

Single Honours Theatre and Performance Design students may take their remaining credits from these options:

Semester 2
FM11120

Movements in Film History

FM11520

Making Short Films 1

TP11320

Theatre in Context 2

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
TP22320

Principles of Scenography

TP22520

Scenographic Composition

Semester 2
TP24740

Scenography Production Project

Year 2 Options

Single Honours Theatre and Performance Design students may take their remaining credits from the following modules:

Semester 1
TP21820

Directors' Theatre

TP22620

Design Project

TP23820

New Media Performance

Semester 2
FM20920

Creative Fiction: Horror

TP20820

Theatre and Contemporary Society

TP23220

Shakespeare in Performance

Final Year Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
TP31240

Advanced Studio Practice (scenography)

Semester 2
TP35940

Advanced Scenographic Project

Final Year Options

Single Honours Theatre and Performance Design students may choose their remaining credits from the following modules:

Semester 1
TP30020

Contemporary Drama

TP32820

Place, Space and Landscape

TP36000

Independent Research Project

Semester 2
TP33420

Performance and Architecture

TP36040

Independent Research Project

TP39020

Musical Theatre Dramaturgies


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.