Overview

Develop your design skills and gain the practical experience to pursue a career in the field of production design for either stage or screen, including film, television, theatre and dance.

The Master of Production Design offers you the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to successfully take on design roles for either stage or screen. Designers play a pivotal role in both performance and filmmaking, creating the visual style of environments and characters to convey meaning to the audience.

This structured coursework program provides you with an enriched and comprehensive pathway into the profession encompassing formal classes, workshops and studio-based learning where you will explore the role of production design for stage or screen. Guest lectures from the industry and staff who are also experienced practitioners ensure the training is professionally relevant and current. Through placements on either film or stage productions mounted within VCA, you will gain practical experience and develop a portfolio of work that may include theatre, dance, opera or film. Industry internships allow you to test your skills in professional contexts, where you will gain insight and experience to guide you towards career pathways and contacts.

A core principle of the program is that collaboration is at the heart of design for both screen and stage. In developing this skill, you will interact with other makers, including directors, choreographers, designers and filmmakers at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). As such this course provides a unique opportunity to develop creative partnerships that can lead to future collaborations in the profession.

Who is this course for?

The Master of Production Design provides intensive training in the field of design for stage or screen to a cohort from diverse backgrounds including architecture, visual art, film and drama studies.

The Master of Production Design also provides a substantial professional development opportunity for designers, theatre makers and art directors to further develop their creative, conceptual and technical abilities.

Become a production designer

With the skills gained from your Masters, you can take on a variety of performance styles and art department roles. Professional roles may include Production Designer, Art Director, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Set Decorator or Props Master.

Graduate pathways

Upon completion of the program, graduates can select to undertake further study in one of our research degrees.