Kirsty Dunlop

How I found my passion for set design 

My name is Kirsty, and I’m in my third year studying TV and Film Set Design at USW. I chose this course because it brings together my two biggest passions—film and art. Growing up in the countryside with limited creative outlets, moving to Cardiff and joining this course felt like the perfect opportunity to explore both interests in one place. 

I discovered the course almost by chance. I attended a nearby college and frequently passed the USW windows showcasing models and designs, which sparked my interest. After attending an Open Day and seeing the facilities, meeting the lecturers, and hearing about graduate success stories, I knew USW was the right fit. 

Hands-on experience and career goals 

The connections the University has with the industry have been invaluable. Through Screen Alliance Wales, I gained work experience at Doctor Who, and I was also awarded an Apple TV mentorship through the Royal Television Society Bursary—an incredible opportunity that offers monthly guidance and industry events. 

One of my proudest projects was a short film set design I worked on in my second year with a team of classmates. The experience of seeing our ideas come to life on camera, collaborating seamlessly with a dedicated team, and achieving a professional outcome was deeply rewarding. 

After graduation, I hope to work in concept art or model-making, ideally in sci-fi or dystopian genres, and USW has equipped me with the technical and creative skills needed to thrive in this industry.