Overview

The Design for Stage and Film programme at New York University offers an intensive three-year Master of Fine Arts curriculum designed for aspiring theatre and cinema artists. This professional training environment fosters a diverse community of storytellers dedicated to the disciplined practice of craft and deep dramaturgical exploration. Students engage in meticulous research and creative experimentation to prepare for impactful careers in the global arts industry.

Why Design for Stage and Film at New York University?

Studying at the Tisch School of the Arts provides students with unparalleled access to the world-class cultural resources of New York City. The faculty consists of leading international professionals who bring current industry standards directly into the studio. A distinctive feature of the programme is the collaborative environment, where designers work alongside directing students from Columbia University and filmmakers from NYU to simulate professional production dynamics. The department emphasises a profound respect for diverse cultures and identities, ensuring that design work is both imaginative and socially conscious.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 76646 per year
National fee: USD 76646 per year
Local fee: USD 76646 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around orchestrated studio courses that allow for individual artistic development. While students specialise in one or two primary areas, they are encouraged to explore multiple disciplines to become well-rounded visual thinkers. Modules may include:

Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Production Design
Figure Drawing
Text and Dramaturgical Exploration
Technical Aspects of Theatre
Artistic Process and Research

Careers with Design for Stage and Film

Graduates are prepared for high-level professional roles across various entertainment sectors, including theatre, film, opera, dance, and television. The programme has a strong track record of alumni success, with former students becoming influential figures in the arts. Notable graduates have seen their work featured in major publications like Vogue and Paper Magazine, and have contributed to significant productions such as Wicked and Saturday Church. The department supports career progression through portfolio reviews and public exhibitions like the annual Design Show, which connects emerging designers with industry recruiters and collaborators.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Students benefit from the knowledge and professional practice of a faculty comprising some of the top theater and film professionals in the world, close proximity to every type of performing and media art imaginable, and all of the advantages of living and studying in New York City, a unique global center for the arts.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-03 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Design Film Studies Drama View 255 other Masters in Drama in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copies of academic transcripts from any schools in which you received a college degree or attended for two or more years.
Two letters of recommendation from academic, artistic or professional references
Professional or artistic resume
Statement of Purpose

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Out-of-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

76646 USD / year

≈ 76646 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design for Stage and Film.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners