BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology Bachelor's degree at LIPA
BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology at LIPA. Over three years, you'll develop practical competence and professional awareness through specialist options and applied practice, alongside core theory, research methods and an independent project.
About this course
Train for a career in technical theatre and production; in lighting, sound, stage management, AV projection and digital technologies. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at LIPA, based in LIPA Mount Street Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Drama graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Music & Performing Arts, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 5 modules
- Essential Production Skills
Module details
This module introduces you to the basic theories, practice, skills, and technologies used in the core backstage professions of stage management, lighting, sound, stage rigging, scenic construction and prop making. You experience a broad range of fundamental practical technical skills, underpinned by industry and discipline specific health and safety regulations and safe working practices.
- Collaborative Practical Project
Module details
In this module you collaborate with first year Theatre and Performance Design students to create and realise an exhibition, installation or event. This enables you to develop and practice your planning, management, creative, fabrication and communications skills as well as using the skills learnt in the Essential Production Skills module.
- Backstage Practice
Module details
In this module you choose two backstage production technician or assistant roles on LIPA's season of public performances. It enables you to apply and advance the skills you have learnt so far, as well as develop essential collaborative and team working qualities.
- Technical Drawing for Performance
Module details
In this module you are introduced to fundamental technical drawing, drafting and CAD skills as well as industry-recognised layouts of technical drawing for performance. You learn how these skills are used by all backstage production disciplines, from creating scenic construction drawings or stage and lighting plans and models with clear and accurate information, to creating animated environments for video production or creating 3D printed elements for costumes and props.
- Research Project 1
Module details
This module is designed to ensure you can place your work and the work of others in both a broad socio-cultural context and within the context of the theories and practice of your own practical discipline. You develop your understanding by taking part in debates and seminars, extending your cultural reference points and developing vocational critical analytical skills.
Year 2 7 modules
- Specialist Pathway – Lighting Design, Electrics, ProgrammingOptional
Module details
In your second year you choose one of four specialist pathways. This module offers you in-depth study and practice in the design and technical aspects of lighting for performance. You develop your analytical and creative approach to lighting design as well as your skills and knowledge in technical lighting, electrics and lighting control programming. This gives you the understanding and experience needed to become an accomplished chief electrician/head of lighting or lighting designer.
- Specialist Pathway – Sound for PerformanceOptional
Module details
In your second year you choose one of four specialist pathways. This module offers you in-depth study of two key aspects of live sound production – the technical and the creative. The technical covers advanced sound system design, deployment, and optimisation for live sound performance along with communication and wireless microphone and monitoring systems. The creative element explores the concepts and processes involved in theatrical sound design along with the complexities, subtleties, and ch
- Specialist Pathway – Stage ManagementOptional
Module details
In your second year you choose one of four specialist pathways. This module offers you in-depth study of stage management and includes aspects of production management and event planning, in preparation for a career backstage in theatre and live events. You develop an understanding of the entire process of stage management by taking part in practical workshops, lecturers, and work on a live performance, either within LIPA or an external venue.
- Specialist Pathway – Stage and Scenic ConstructionOptional
Module details
In your second year you choose one of four specialist pathways. This module offers you in-depth study and practice in technical stage management and scenic construction. You develop skills and understanding in stage operations, rigging and flying technologies, set building carpentry, welding and fabrication, prop-making and scenic sculpture, construction management and industry-related regulations. It equips you with the hands-on experience to become a skilled scenic carpenter, technical stage m
- Production Practice
Module details
In this module you are allocated at least two production roles related to your specialism on LIPA's season of public performances or appropriate projects. At least one of them is at a senior assistant/deputy level bringing with it greater responsibility and challenges. You extend your practical knowledge of the role, employ a range of production skills and extend your collaborative abilities while managing responsibilities within a team.
- Industry Placement
Module details
This module is a chance for you to gain industry experience in your chosen field of work. Guided by the module leader, you research suitable placements within the performance, design and production industries before selecting and securing your own placement. This module enables you to increase your understanding of industry practices, develop your CV and employability while expanding your professional network.
- Research Project 2
Module details
This module further expands and deepens your awareness of cultural context by understanding how the performing arts are influenced by the social and political environment in which they operate. Through a series of lectures, masterclasses, field visits and research study you develop an appreciation of key theatre practitioners, directions, genres and national and local contemporary cultural, social and political issues in related areas of study.
Year 3 4 modules
- Professional Practice
Module details
In this module you undertake at least two senior production roles on our professional-standard public season productions, appropriate external events or self-led individual projects which reflect your own career aspirations. This enables you to apply your specialist skills to realise a production or project in full, strengthening your self-management skills and working practices.
- Production Department
Module details
In this module you continue to work on professional level shows and productions at LIPA, but this time as a member of a backstage production department related to your specialism. You refine your practical and self-management skills within a structured work-based environment that has real responsibilities.
- Professional Career
Module details
In this module you consider your personal and professional skills and strengths as you prepare for your career. You cover business management and financial skills, such as tax self-assessment, public liability and indemnity insurances, unions, and organisations. You identify and complete a professional development plan.
- Research Project 3
Module details
In this module you investigate an idea at the forefront of your practice. Through your work you build upon the theoretical knowledge and research skills developed throughout the course. You identify a topic to explore that is relevant to your career aspirations, conduct your own research and evaluate your findings.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course trains you for a career in technical theatre and production, focusing on lighting, sound, stage management, AV projection and digital technologies. A course like this typically moves from foundational principles in Year 1, covering core techniques across the technical disciplines, to more specialist study in Year 2, where you develop deeper expertise. By Year 3, you'll usually concentrate on a particular pathway, such as lighting design, sound engineering or stage management, and undertake significant practical projects that prepare you for professional work. Throughout, you combine technical knowledge with hands-on experience in real theatre and production environments.
Who it's for
You're drawn to theatre, events or live performance and want to work behind the scenes as a technician or manager rather than on stage. You're detail-oriented, enjoy solving problems under pressure, and have an aptitude for both equipment and people. You'll work with professional-standard gear in real venues, collaborating closely with performers, directors and other crew. Most entrants to this course held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. If you're excited by the technical side of live events and want to turn that into a career, this degree is designed for you.
Careers & job market
Across Music & Performing Arts nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Salaries vary: national figures show starting salaries of £20,000 to £28,000 at 15 months, falling to £15,725–£22,200 after three years, then rising to £19,975–£28,200 after five years. Of those in work, 55% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Your technical skills are portable across theatre, broadcast, events and live music sectors.
University & format
The BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), a University located at LIPA Mount Street Main Campus. The course is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. LIPA holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at LIPA →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Music & Performing Arts graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £21,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £12,000 – £22,500 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £23,500 | £19,000 – £28,000 | 65 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in music & performing arts · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Music & Performing Arts nationally
National figures for Music & Performing Arts graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Music & Performing Arts courses at the same study level.
Compared with 527 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 15; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Theatre and Production Technology earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Music & Performing Arts graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Music & Performing Arts graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Orchestras & ensembles
- Schools & conservatoires
- Studios & venues
- Media & freelance
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Music & Performing Arts graduates.
Music Tech Beta Liaison & Support SpecialistinMusic Brands, Inc.Music QTSColmore Education Recruitment LtdMusic Teachers in HuddersfieldAcademicsMusic Rights Operations & Data Services LeadPPLMusic Engagement Officer - Alternative Provision · Coventry MusicMusiceducationukMusic Audio & Tech Support Desk SpecialistMandarin RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.6 out of 10: NSS 63.4% · in work or study 100% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around LIPA Mount Street Main Campus
5,027 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Music & Performing Arts right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to LIPA from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,750 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check LIPA’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with LIPA and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LIPA
Music & Performing Arts at other universities
BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated foundation year)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Studies (with integrated year in professional practice)Aberystwyth UniversityBA (Hons) Drama & Theatre StudiesAberystwyth University
BA (Hons) Creative Industries Futures (including Foundation Year)ACMCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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