Hi, my name is Lauren. I have just completed my first year at BNU and it’s fair to say, I am loving my time here, so far! They say University is the best time of your life and they’re not wrong. I have made the most amazing mates anyone could ask for, experienced life to its fullest, and most importantly… learnt how to not burn my kitchen down! 

The reason I made the choice to go to university was so I could follow my aspirations of becoming a Production Designer, but also, to make the most of what life has to offer. There weren’t too many Universities in the UK that held a Set Design course, but that didn’t bother me too much because once I had discovered BNU, I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else.

BNU is a small University, which I believed was what helped me settle in straight away.  I went to a reasonably small secondary school in Hertfordshire, so going to a university situated in a town with a good mix of countryside and city was just perfect for me.  Before I had even moved to the BNU, I had made a few friends from Facebook, who were part of a group chat made by current students.  I met my best friend through this group chat, and we ended up requesting to be flatmates.  Of course, the accommodation team listened, and thankfully he hasn’t annoyed me too much just yet…

So, anyway, Set Design. Why choose BNU? To put it simply, if you love film and theatre, and you have a passion for art, BA (Hons) Set Design for Screen and Stage is for you!  The course here is part of the Art and Design school, giving my classmates the best equipment and resources. We have full access to the workshops and get inductions on how to use all the machines. This covers plastics, ceramics, metal, wood and even the 3D printers.

The course is supported and led by a teaching team full of industry experience, who will guide you step-by-step through the designing process, from mood board creating, all the way through to the final product. The University also has a base at the iconic Pinewood Studios, which means there could be opportunities to engage with the community there.