Entry Requirements

You will need a minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following:

• At least two A-levels
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma/Certificate
• BTEC National Award/Certificate/Diploma
• International Baccalaureate
• AQA Baccalaureate
• Progression Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• You will also need GCSE English at grade C (old specification) or Grade 4 (new specification) or above OR a Level 2 equivalent such as functional skills

Course Structure

Year 1 Units

Your Stage 1 studies will familiarise you with the foundation and introductory nature of the BA (Hons) Costume Construction. The emphasis is on acquiring knowledge and applying diagnostic skills and all units will enable you to develop essential learning skills, and to extend your knowledge base whilst developing analytical and critical awareness of the main area of study. Specialist subjects include:

Costume in Context

This unit offers a theoretical understanding of the history of dress and how gender, identity, class and cultural issues impact on the basic silhouettes of clothing through history. It is intended to provide an introduction into the theory of the changes of clothing and for them to develop, utilise, recognise and analyse the factors involved with this to support their own work practice.

Textiles for Costume Construction

This unit aims to offer a broad exploration of traditional and contemporary textile applications relating to costume making. Textile methods, processes and applications are introduced including fabric dyeing, embroidery and printmaking techniques. Consideration of fabric properties, sustainability and the importance of Health and Safety is also covered.

Introduction to Costume Construction

This unit introduces students to fundamental pattern cutting and garment construction skills. The unit also provides opportunity to develop understanding through creative solutions, of different materials utilised within costume construction.

Costume Interpretation

This unit extends the knowledge gained in the unit ‘Introduction to Costume Construction’ in order to translate two-dimensional designs, images and characters into a three-dimensional costume. You will be introduced to historical and/or contemporary pattern cutting and construction techniques to enable you to identify appropriate methods and fabrics to produce a final garment/costume.

Technical and Skills Portfolio

An introduction to the skills and practical elements underpinning the fundamental construction and finishing skills required at levels 5 and 6. This includes basic elements of costume making, with an emphasis on fastenings, hand finishing, pressing, measuring, block drafting and dart manipulation and covers fitting etiquette, communication and time management.

This unit underpins all practical elements within the course specifically enabling students to elevate the finish and quality of their work. The outcome is to produce a portfolio that students will utilise for levels 5, 6 and after graduation.

Year 2 Units

Studies in Stage 2 have the overriding emphasis on expanding skills and knowledge gained at the first stage, whilst aligning various theories with costume design and construction practices.

Costume for Performance

This unit offers the understanding and development of skills covering the production and alteration of garments. Consideration of performers needs, body shapes, movement requirements and flexible construction. The acquired knowledge will be applied to create a garment for a specific performance utilising a given design.

Costume Conservation

This unit will enable the understanding and application of skills in the care and possible conservation of costumes and other costume related artefacts. This will be achieved through a range of practical and theory based activities, which will include; packaging, storing, cleaning and historical authenticating, to ensure that all costumes can be effectively conserved and archived for future generations.

Work Placement

This unit will provide the opportunity to develop and demonstrate a dedicated and professional work ethos through understanding of the roles within costume construction/designer/textiles or conservation through the undertaking of a work placement or live project. This could be within one of the following areas: performance art, theatre, opera, dance, music, musical theatre, film and TV. The placement/live project will give awareness to the business of costume construction/design/textiles or conservation and allow students to analyse the roles, responsibilities and the necessities of communication, teamwork and the development of their own personal skills within the industry. The student should complete a minimum of 120 hours this could be several placements throughout the second-year period.

Research for this unit will begin at the end of year 1 (level 4). Students will be encouraged to undertake the majority of work placement between level 4 and level 5.

Costume Design and Realisation

This unit combines the discipline of costume design with realisation. Students will be required to undertake in depth analysis of a given/chosen text and characters which will inform design ideas. A range of advanced pattern cutting and construction processes will build upon skills gained in year 1. Professional skills are developed by producing a technical folder demonstrating effective use of time management and communication skills.

Year 3 Units

At stage 3 the emphasis is on self-directed study and the ability to undertake different modes of assessment all requiring the production of work to levels of professional quality. You are expected to demonstrate the necessary skills required to produce a qualitative outcome in the form of a live exhibition and a cultural and historical study.

Cultural and Historical Study

This unit provides learners with the opportunity to develop a critical awareness, undertake in-depth research and to form a sustainable argument for an area of investigation. Students will negotiate with a supervisor a line of enquiry that is relevant to their chosen field of study and undertake an avenue of research that could be, but is not limited to conservation of costume, performance art, theatre, opera, dance, music, musical theatre, film and TV.

This unit builds on theoretical and research skills built in yeas 1 and 2.

Personal Project

This unit will allow individuals to establish and produce a theme/subject/issue relevant to costume construction. The unit will enable learners to produce an in-depth research and development programme which will include; originality, creative analysis, prototyping, textiles, design work, productivity with other learners and generic skills to support learning. The context of the unit will be defined by the learner; through consultation and ongoing communication with Tutors. It will actively encourage independent learning, self-directed research and time planning and necessitate a rigorous approach. Research for this project will begin at the end of year 2 (Level 5).

Professional Portfolio

This unit will underpin professional practice by supporting the student’s understanding of the roles, responsibilities and potential progression routes within the Costume Industry. Students will build on their year 2 Work Placement unit by looking at marketing, self-promotion and presentation techniques in preparation for the workplace and/or freelance work, particular attention will be given to students producing traditional and online portfolios.

Final Costume Realisation

This unit will provide a platform for the realisation of the knowledge, skills and understanding gained from the enquiry and exploration within Levels 4 and 5. Students will be expected to work to current industry standards and articulate their ideas through suitable construction processes. The unit will encourage students to push the boundaries of creative construction and design by implementing and executing a range of skills and knowledge gained during the programme. The work produced will be of a high level of sophistication and fluency, along with evidence of a dedicated and professional work ethos.

Course delivery hours

12 hours per week.

Teaching & Learning

Teaching

The BA (Hons) Costume Construction course places an emphasis on the knowledge and use of both historical and current pattern cutting, construction, print and finishing techniques. These are applied and accurately tailored to fit a modern day figure whilst effectively interpreting a certain shape, silhouette or era of a given design. Areas of study will include opera, dance, theatre, musical theatre, performance art, film and television. Teaching is undertaken in small groups (Between 15 - 30), with a studio/making focus.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, studio sessions or other timetabled sessions, students will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for garment construction. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, HE Breakout rooms and the two professional standard costume studios.

Assessment & Feedback

Coursework is assessed in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including:

• Portfolio and sketchbook submissions
• Group presentations
• Written essays
• Research folders
• There are no examinations.

Feedback

You will receive formative feedback as part of your one-to-one sessions with your unit teachers. You will also receive summative feedback on all formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your unit leader tutor. Feedback can be given in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including group critiques, recorded verbal feedback and written feedback.

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in (for all formal studio based coursework assessment). For the third year Dissertation Unit you will receive feedback and grades at the same time as your Final Creative Output Unit.

Course Cost

Adult, full_time: £9000

Fees are per academic year for Home/UK students.

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• Guest speakers, visiting lecturers and industry focussed workshops will be included in your course over the three years.
• Third Year students will have the opportunity to showcase their final year work at the end of their studies. This may be a local, national or online platform. Event/exhibition costs will be covered by the Faculty of HE. Students will be responsible for any additional costs associated with the production of their personal project (ie: printing, materials).
• Annual £20 printing allowance.
• Free Car Parking at Backstage Centre, Purfleet.

Additional course costs can be found here

What Next...

You can progress to a career in a variety of roles including costume construction, costume design, touring theatre, textiles, dying and breaking down, women’s wear, menswear, tailoring, prop costume, running wardrobe, costume conservation and restoration.