Subject Leader MA Theatre and Performance Design

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic theatre designer to help shape the future of theatre design at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, University of the Arts London.

As Subject Leader for MA Theatre and Performance Design, you’ll provide fresh, academic leadership for the design pathway, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and student experience. You’ll lead the strategic development, design and delivery of an innovative, new curriculum that combines critical research with creative practice, while overseeing the day-to-day management of the course in line with University and College policies and procedures.

MA Theatre and Performance Design engages with contemporary ideas and research within the field of theatre, performance and entertainment, and prepares graduates for the continually evolving nature of the industry. The course enables students to collaborate through speculative or realised live theatre projects enabling students with the opportunity to build ideas, proposals and events with other makers. 

There is a strong emphasis on live, real-time performance, research and engaging with skills to develop, organise and deliver a production.

Through your leadership, students will gain the creative, technical and professional skills required to succeed in theatre design across a range of creative industries, preparing them for sustainable and innovative careers.

Your profile

You’ll hold a degree or higher qualification in theatre design or a closely related discipline and demonstrate a professional level of practice in industry. You’ll have substantial experience of course leadership, curriculum management, teaching and assessment within higher education, together with a fresh vision of the future of theatre design practice and established reputation through research and/or professional practice.

You’ll also bring excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, enabling you to lead effectively, collaborate with colleagues and external partners, and contribute to the continued success, development and reputation of the MA and the wider Performance programme.

Closing date: 4 November 2026

Scheduled interview date: week commencing 16 November 2026

Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Esther Armstrong/Programme Director for Theatre Screen and Performance Arts e.armstrong@wimbledon.arts.ac.uk 

Should you have any questions about the application process or require reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact CCW.staffrecruit@arts.ac.uk

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our application portal. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Please read through our FAQs before applying and Recruitment Process before applying.

View full job description and apply

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.