BA (Hons) Costume Construction

Location

Applicant Type

University Level

Level

Level 6

Subject

Performing Arts

Course Overview

UCAS Course Code: B5L2 - This course is validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL).

Study our outstanding Costume Construction degree in collaboration with the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) formerly known as the Royal Opera House (ROH)

This programme places 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 include: opera, dance, theatre, performance art, Film & TV. Teaching is undertaken in small groups with a studio/ industry focus from day one.

Key Highlights

We have a unique collaboration with the Royal Ballet and Opera (which exclusively adds value to the student experience and enhances employability
Small cohort sizes enable bespoke delivery and access to machinery and equipment. A strong history of collaboration with diverse organisations both locally and nationally provides students with a variety of platforms to showcase their skills, network and promote their work

This programme is delivered across two locations:

Our costume and textile print studios are based at our Thurrock College campus
The Royal Ballet & Opera Costume Centre at High House Production Park, Purfleet. This centre has been purposed built and houses our studio alongside a Revivals workroom, a vast costume store and the RBO Costume Archive

Both campuses provide students the opportunity to utilise industry standard machinery and resources.

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules (Level 4):

Costume in Context 
Technical Skills 
Underpinnings
Textile Exploration 
Costume Interpretation

Year 2 Modules (Level 5):

For Future Generations
Specialist Focus
Industry Practice
Creative Exploration

Year 3 Modules (Level 6):

Theory as Practice
Personal Project
Professional Progression
Final Major Project

Entry Requirements

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

A Levels
T Levels
BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
Equivalent international qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma

You will also require English GCSE at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C). Please note that this list is not exhaustive other qualifications may be considered. Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application looking primarily at your portfolio/showreel of work personal statement and reference.

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence.

Assessment and Feedback

Contact hours: 13 hours per week plus independent study (suggested 30 hours per week).

All assessments for this programme are via coursework: there are no exams. This coursework is assessed in a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes.

You will receive:

Ongoing feedback as part of your one-to-one sessions with your unit teachers
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. 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.

Fees and Funding

The cost of this course is £9,790 for 2027 entry.

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 Higher Education Department. 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, High House Production Park, Purfleet

Future study/career options

The costume industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Costume construction and design
Touring theatre
Textiles, dyeing and costume breakdown
Womenswear, menswear and dancewear
Tailoring, props, wardrobe management and costume supervision
Costume conservation and restoration

Graduates have progressed into professional roles with organisations including:

Royal Ballet & Opera
English National Ballet
Central School of Ballet
Royal Ballet School
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Graduates have also contributed to major television and film productions, including Netflix's The Crown, Amazon Prime's My Lady Jane, and feature films such as Wonka, Wicked and Firebrand.

Study Commitment

3 years

Additional Information

Full Time