Bachelor of Fine Arts (Set Construction Technologies)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Set Construction Technologies) at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is a three-year degree that trains you to build the physical world of a production. You will learn how sets are designed, engineered, fabricated and installed for stage, screen and live events. The course sits within NIDA's fine arts offerings and leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, an AQF Level 7 qualification.

What you study

Your units will cover scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, welding, rigging, scenic painting, props making, drafting and technical drawing, and production planning. You will also study safety and compliance for performance spaces, materials and finishes, and the collaborative process of realising a designer's vision. Assessment is largely practical: you build things, and those things go into shows. You will work on NIDA productions alongside student directors, designers, actors and technicians, which is how the industry actually operates.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are normally three years of full-time study, made up of units of study with credit points. At NIDA, the year is typically divided into semesters, with production periods that can run intensively. You accumulate credit points across core construction units, production practice, and supporting studies in design and performance context. In your final year you will usually take on a major production role, which acts as a capstone project. There is no honours year built in; an additional honours year is a separate qualification in the Australian system. Work-integrated learning is central here: NIDA's model is production-based, so you are on placement in the workshops and theatres throughout the degree.

Skills you gain

You will finish able to read a set design and turn it into working drawings, select materials, estimate costs, build and finish scenery, and manage a build schedule. You will know how to work safely at height, operate workshop machinery, and coordinate with other departments during bump-in and bump-out. You will also learn to solve problems on the fly, because that is what technical theatre demands.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who like making things and want to do it professionally in performance. You might come from a trade background, a design course, or have been building sets for community theatre. You need to be practical, patient, and comfortable working to deadlines with a team. The course is based in Sydney, and NIDA has strong links to Australian theatre companies, screen production and live event organisations. International graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, and while studying, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register; check the official page for current fees, English requirements and application details.

• Set builder or scenic carpenter in theatre, film and television
• Scenic artist or painter
• Props maker or props buyer
• Rigger or stage technician
• Workshop supervisor or construction manager
• Exhibition or event constructor
• Freelance maker for commercial and community productions

Employers include major performing arts companies, screen production houses, live event and festival organisers, and theatre venues across Australia.