Overview

Key Features

We believe that the most effective teaching tool is hands on experience. The more experiential the learning, the deeper and more connected the educational impact will be on the student. Beginning their second semester, our students are encouraged to design at least three realized productions each semester and work professionally in the field during summer break. This aggressive practical experience must be balanced with an equally rigorous academic component. The student must develop a thorough understanding of Dramaturgy, Literature, History, Art, Theatre and Concept Development. The first year of Lighting Design program at University of Tennessee Knoxville focuses primarily on the intellectual and emotional connection to the source material and the artistic self-expression of that connection.

We also put and emphasis on Digital Media/Projection Design and Technology and its integration with light. The integration of these fields will substantially enhance the student’s education and prepare them for a broader field of employment. The curriculum is flexible enough to be adapted to individual student strengths, weaknesses and personal interests. We encourage students with diverse backgrounds to join us, as our students not only learn from our faculty but from each other as well.

The opportunity to study abroad with some of Europe and Asia’s top designers and to collaborate with the professional directors and designers at the Clarence Brown Theatre, make this one of the most unique training programs in the country. Top designers in the field are brought in to work with the design students in both a workshop format and as guest designers at the LORT theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to travel with the faculty designers as they continue to freelance professionally. In the first semester, students take a five-day trip to NYC to introduce them to New York designers, their studios, and the current running productions. Students will gain the understanding that there are many different ways to design with light. The broader their learning experience, the more complex and rich their own design voices can become.

This competitive 3-year program will accept 2 new students every other year. Two first year students will be on campus with two third year students. This allows for both creative exchange and an informal mentoring environment. In the second year of study there are only two graduate students. This allows a one to one student to faculty ratio, giving the personal attention necessary during a design intensive year. In the third year, they become the mentors and will have (if interested) teaching responsibilities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computer Aided Drafting for Theater

Graduate Studies

Elements of Design for the Theatre

Lab Analysis of Realized Lighting Design

Design Seminar

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Domestic applicants may apply up to two weeks prior to the beginning of the desired term of entry.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Knoxville, United States

Disciplines

Design Interior Design View 455 other Masters in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Graduate School Application

Pay the $60 application fee by credit card or electronic check.

Unofficial transcripts of all prior Undergraduate and Graduate coursework and degree confirmations

A professional resume.

A brief essay (2 pages maximum) about your commitment to a life in art, your interest in training, and your creative and career interests.

Two letters of recommendation.

Note: GRE exam is not required.

An interview/portfolio review

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

32208 USD / year

≈ 32208 USD / year
Out-of-State

32208 USD / year

≈ 32208 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13720 USD / year

≈ 13720 USD / year

Living costs

Knoxville

United States

885 - 1454 USD / month

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

Financing

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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.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Lighting Design.

Available Scholarships

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

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About

Overview

Key Features

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

Knoxville

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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