BA (HONS) TOP-UP TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
Validated by University of East Anglia
Application Deadline: Aug 3 2026 at 9:00AM
2026/27 Course Fees
Application fee : FreeUK/ROI students : £10,330
International students : £19,650
Explore the course:
Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Top-Up is open to Mountview students currently studying on the FdA course, as well as non-Mountview graduates with relevant qualifications and experience from another technical training provider.
Mountview’s Technical Production training is primarily focussed on sound and lighting, while also incorporating video and technical stage craft. Course content includes lighting and sound studio skills, the preparation and management of technical equipment, lighting and sound system design, how to programme and operate desks, video mapping and design, as well as core technical and maintenance skills.
With over 20 in-house productions each year in Mountview’s state-of-the-art theatres, Technical Production students benefit from a vast array of learning experiences:
- Hands-on training with contemporary equipment
- Technical stagecraft skills including rigging and flying and installation of live productions
- Sound studio skills including recording and editing technology and techniques
- Lighting studio skills including computerised drafting and visualisation software
- Understanding and designing lighting and sound systems
- Prepping, fitting, and monitoring radio mic systems
- Planning, prepping and managing lighting equipment for live productions
- Programming and mixing industry standard sound desks on plays and musicals
- Programming and operating lighting desks, including working with generic and moving lighting equipment
- Creating sound, lighting and video designs for live productions
- Technical and maintenance skills such as power distribution, soldering and other skills needed by the modern production professional
Mountview is also internationally recognised for the quality of its Musical Theatre training and produces at least eight large-scale musicals in-house every year, providing Technical Production students with extensive experience of the musical format.
Mountview also offers a two-year Foundation degree (FdA) in Technical Production which provides fast-track training – find out more here.
The BA (Hons) Top-Up course is designed for students who have completed a foundation degree or equivalent in a technical production discipline. With at least 30 contact hours per week over 36 weeks, the course offers intensive, hands-on training in a professional environment.
From the start, students will take on senior technical roles in Mountview’s public productions, working closely with professional lighting and sound designers, technicians, and programmers. Students can choose to specialise in either lighting or sound, while continuing to develop a broad range of technical skills. All learning is rooted in practical experience, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and adaptability.
Alongside production work, students complete an extended research project in their chosen area of interest, submitted at the end of the course.
Please note that production roles involve evening and weekend work, reflecting the demands of professional theatre.
Course Content
Professional Practice 1 & 2
Advanced Technical Production Skills
Specialist Research Project
Project Proposal
Final Project Submission
Students are given integral roles on both Mountview productions and professional placements. This provides excellent opportunities to showcase skills, gain important industry contacts and develop personal networks, all of which are key to your career progression.
Students also undertake work placements with external organisations, allowing them to develop a network of professional contacts and gain valuable experience. Previous placement destinations have included Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Globe, Wilton’s Music Hall, National Theatre, Hampstead Theatre, Cabaret and the Barbican.
Full Module Specifications document: BA (Hons) Top Up Technical Production – Module Specifications 2025-26
Course Dates
2025/26 Term Dates
Autumn term 8 September – 19 December 2025
Spring term 5 January – 18 April 2026
Summer term 20 April – 19 June 2026
2026/27 Term Dates
Autumn term 7 September – 18 December 2026
Spring term 4 January – 18 April 2027
Summer term 19 April – 18 June 2027
*Please note – All Production Arts students will not have a two-week break over Easter. All students will have a two-week break but they are scheduled around show roles. All students must speak with their course leader before booking any holidays/travel.
Graduates
Mountview Technical Production graduates enter a strong network of successful professionals working in lighting, sound and technical production. Their work spans large-scale national, West End and regional theatres, international touring productions, festivals and events, as well as TV, film and media companies.
Production Arts graduates have gone on to work with a diverse range of companies including the National Theatre, Secret Cinema, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, Eurovision, Les Miserables and the Olympics.
Entry Information
Applicants must be aged 18 or turn 18 within the first term of the course, and have achieved 240 credits (120 per year) from an equivalent technical theatre or production arts course. You do not need to have completed these credits at Mountview.
Entry is based on an interview at which you will be invited to talk about previous experience, interests and inspiration.
If an applicant requires a student visa and their first language is not English, they will need to prove their knowledge of the English language before applying for their student visa. This must be demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or, having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that they began when they were under 18
Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants to achieve their best. If applicants have any special requirements or access needs, these should be discussed with the course leader/administrator.
Mountview is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for students in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. No applicant will receive less or more favourable treatment on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic origin, disability, religion and marital/parental status or any comparable grounds.
Upon offer, students must be sure that they are prepared to engage with a wide range of material that may challenge their personal ethical, religious, spiritual or moral beliefs, and present it in a wide range of settings.
Fees
| Application fee | Free |
| UK/ROI students | £10,330 |
| International students | £19,650 |
Students may apply for a maximum Student Tuition Fee Loan of £6,350. For more information, please refer to our Funding and Scholarships page below.
Additional costs may include a basic tool kit and transport.
Funding and ScholarshipsInterview Information
All Production Arts candidates will take part in a first-round interview with senior course tutors, at which you will discuss your interests, influences and production arts experience. You will be required to submit examples of work. This will be either online or, if possible, at Mountview with the opportunity to meet staff and students and tour our building and theatres.
Auditions and Interviews
