MA/MFA Production (Design/Management)
Please note, this programme is subject to validation.
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Overview
Theatre production requires much more than just being skilled in your own discipline. There is a complex web of social, political and ethical considerations that must be embraced to ensure you are in the best position to collaborate in your chosen role. Our MA/MFA Production (Design or Management) programme is for those seeking to further enhance their skills as stage or production managers, or as lighting, sound, or set and costume designers through an exploration of individual and collaborative practice.
Having entered the programme with the core specialist skills required to fulfil the role of a designer or a manager, you will be introduced to other priorities which will inform and enhance your production practice within the context of the ensemble.
Collaboration is at the centre of our philosophy. You will create your own pathway through the degree, taking advantage of opportunities for personal development, research, ensemble activities, work placements, and live production roles.
You will have agency over your work and will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning. With support from the staff team, you will write learning outcomes to help determine your trajectory and empowering you to flourish as both a learner and a creative practitioner.
The important details
UK Applicant Deadline:
31st of March 2025
International (including EU) Applicant Deadline:
31st of March 2025
Institution code:
R58
Programme code:
MA Design - 206F; MFA Design - 213F; MA Management - 207F; MFA Management - 214F
Interview fee:
£55
Application fee:
£28.50
Programme Structure
The first part of the programme is designed to introduce the philosophy of the programme and the core values of the Conservatoire through engagement in a series of seminars and workshop on subjects such as:
- The Ensemble
- Collaborative practice
- Sustainable theatre practices
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Inclusive practice
- Dramaturgy
- Digital literacy
As part of an ongoing personal development portfolio, you will reflect on your existing skills and knowledge and consider your professional development goals and desired learning outcomes.
The second part of the term one and the start of term two will be individually scheduled to address individual subject-based skills development needs and to facilitate a work placement opportunity either externally in a professional environment or on an RCS production, where available.
After this you will engage in a practise based collaborative opportunity to produce new work, either alongside peers in the Conservatoire or with external partners as negotiated. This work may be shared publicly as part of a digital festival of work through the RCS Website. You may also use this time to complete an academic research proposal if preferred.
Having focussed on skills development in terms one and two, you will spend the next two terms working in collaboration with our MA/MFA Classical and Contemporary Text acting and directing students, taking appropriate roles on the public stage productions in Chandler Studio Theatre.
To achieve the MFA qualification, you will be required to complete one of the following options:
- A self-led project in collaboration with MFA Classical and Contemporary Text students to be shared as part of the Emergence Festival in January of year two
- An academic research project (10,000 words or equivalent)
- A professional placement in an industry setting
How to Apply
Apply via UCAS Conservatoires
Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. You can read our guidance about using UCAS Conservatoires on our dedicated How to Apply page.
Applicants will also be required to create an Acceptd account when they apply, which will be used for scheduling interviews. More information about this process will be available soon.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2026, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58. You will also require one of the following programme codes to apply: MA Design – 206F OR MFA Design – 213F OR MA Management – 207F OR MFA Management – 214F
The closing date for all on-time MA/MFA Production applications is 31 March 2025. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your application will be reviewed by the audition panel. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications
Application/Audition fees
There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £28.50. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition/interview assessment administration fee. The interview assessment administration fee is £55 for this programme. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.
We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.
Interview Information
All on time applicants will be interviewed. The interview will take place in person, where possible, and will focus on your practical experience, evidenced through a portfolio of work including a 1000-word reflective statement outlining your academic and professional achievements and goals. Where necessary an online interview can be arranged, in which case, all portfolio materials should be digitised and submitted in advance.
References
It is your responsibility to ask two separate referees to write references and ensure that these are sent to RCS.
The references must be written by two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can submit your UCAS Conservatoires application form and send your references at a later date, but they must be received prior to your audition date.
UCAS Conservatoires provides reference forms for you to download and send to your referees for completion.
Policy
We have a number of policies and statements which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire.
Please select the links below to read each policy.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
You should have evidence of extensive practical experience in your specialism in a realised stage environment, either through a degree in a related subject or through previous work opportunities, or both. You should have strong, established skills in your specialist area and be ready to explore these skills further, both independently and as part of an ensemble alongside other emerging creative collaborators. You should be passionate about stage production and the possibilities of collaborative, inclusive and sustainable theatre practise.
Applicants should have:
- Evidence of extensive practical experience in your specialism in a realised stage environment, either through a degree in a related subject or through previous work opportunities, or both.
- Strong, established skills in your chosen specialism and be ready to explore these skills further, both independently and as part of an ensemble alongside other emerging creative collaborators.
You should be creative, curious and passionate about stage production in the context of collaborative, inclusive and sustainable theatre practise.
All on time applicants will be interviewed. The interview will take place in person, where possible, and will focus on your practical experience, evidenced through a portfolio of work including a 1000-word reflective statement outlining your academic and professional achievements and goals. Where necessary an online interview can be arranged, in which case, all portfolio materials should be digitised and submitted in advance.
English language requirements
The language of study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) is English. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence that their English language level meets the entrance requirements.
The required IELTS level for this programme is 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component. Full details of all the English tests we can accept can be found on our English Language Requirements page.
Fees & Funding
Tuition fees
For academic year 2025/26:
Tuition fees for academic year 2025/26 are in the process of being confirmed and will be available to view here soon.
Funding & Scholarships
You can find out about the funding and scholarships available for studying at RCS by visiting our dedicated page:
Cost of Living & Programme Costs
In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £11,200 and £15,300 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Much will depend on your lifestyle and whether your course runs for three or four terms.
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