BA (Hons) Costume Production
Our BA (Hons) Costume Production program offers a fresh approach to the study of design, realisation, and construction for costume. Working from classic and contemporary texts, music, and storytelling, students will become skilled at producing bespoke costumes for a range of performance genres, whether for stage, screen, or live action events.
<ul><li>Master sought-after skills in costume craft, from precise pattern-cutting to expert construction techniques for both garments and accessories.</li><li>Learn technical skills and specialist knowledge of costume design and construction techniques.</li><li>Gain deep understanding of sustainable practices for both costume design and making, preparing for a future in eco-conscious production.</li><li>Opportunities to construct costumes and produce costume props for live projects, ensuring hands-on experience and practical application.</li><li>Learn directly from seasoned wardrobe professionals, ensuring industry-standard expertise and guidance.</li><li>Engage in live projects, gaining practical experience in constructing costumes and crafting costume props, essential for a comprehensive understanding of the industry.</li></ul>
The things I loved best at university were the live briefs and outside collaborations. In my first year, I created a Victorian dress to go on display for the National Trust as part of a costume exhibition in Castle Drogo. We also worked on a theatre production with another local university, making and altering costumes backstage for the productions King Lear and Clockwork Orange, which taught me so much.
Sophie Prings costume in action for 'The Actors Wheels' production of Faustus | Photo credit: Claire Tregaskis
<p dir="ltr">In our dedicated Workshop Labs, you'll find a wealth of resources and expert guidance from technicians, empowering you to explore everything from computer-aided design (CAD) to laser cutting, moulding, casting, and digital fabric printing. Meanwhile, our specialised studio workshops will hone your skills in costume design interpretation, pattern cutting, wearable props, and tailoring. You will also benefit from masterclasses led by industry experts in areas like millinery and costume enhancement. <br /></p>
Costume Production students have access to a wide range of facilities.
<p dir="ltr">Discover a vibrant learning environment that blends academic rigour with creative inspiration. Our costume course offers a rich range of processes and media, providing a stimulating journey into costume production. Interdisciplinary collaboration is actively encouraged, particularly amongst your peers in film and other media productions and as a student at Arts University Plymouth you’ll gain unrivalled access to a range of digital processes, textile printing and 3D-making. Plus, tap into our extensive professional network within the performance industries for valuable connections and future opportunities. <br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Our costume course delves into the historical and cultural contexts of costume, giving you a critical understanding and appreciation of design principles. Gain hands-on experience through live commissions, honing essential organisational and communication skills. Enter prestigious international competitions like New Zealand’s World of Wearable Art and the Costume Society’s Patterns of Fashion, where our students have achieved remarkable success. Benefit from the guidance of industry professionals, including professionals from Channel 4, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and West End Producer Cameron Mackintosh. Gain invaluable insights from visiting experts like Paul Farnsworth (Lend Me a Tenor), Lucinda Wright (The Witcher) and Susannah Buxton (Downton Abbey), as well as a close relationship with Theatre Royal Plymouth.</p>
The Actors Wheel production of Faustus. Photo credit: Claire Tregaskis
<p dir="ltr">Our students have contributed to acclaimed productions like BBC's 'Poldark', ‘EastEnders’ and their Diamond Jubilee Parade, as well as Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’. They have also worked behind the scenes of smash hit touring productions of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Matthew Bourne’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘The Bank Robbery That Went Wrong’. You will have the opportunity to present your work at exhibits at events like TheatreCraft and Destinations, London. With coveted opportunities at institutions like Glyndebourne Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company, our global horizons offer boundless opportunities. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This course encompasses cultural and historical contexts for costume, enabling students to create costumes for public exhibitions and commissions from heritage societies such as the National Trust and The Box, Plymouth. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of costume production, where creativity meets craftsmanship.</p>
<p>National Trust, Netflix, Soapbox Children's Theatre, The Box, Trigger Productions Ltd, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Prague Quadrennial.</p>
Rachel Kitchen, The Curious Mermaid (2020)
Marie has such a passion for what she does, and the diversity of the modules provided so many opportunities to learn so many different skills to find what we really loved within our discipline.
<p>Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for a minimum of <strong>112 UCAS points</strong>, but we understand that talented artists, designers and makers can have a wide range of relevant strengths and skills beyond formal qualifications. We’re just as interested in exploring your portfolio and discussing your creative experiences as we are in seeing your grades.</p>
<p>We recognise the value of a variety of qualifications and relevant experience and welcome applications from students who have followed less traditional routes. We also accept a range of international qualifications and will look at each application individually.</p>
<p>For more information please consult our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply">How to Apply page</a> and the UCAS <a href="https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/ucas-tariff-points" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tariff Table</a>.</p>
<p>All students at Arts University Plymouth can access specialist support via our Student Support Team. Our trained advisers offer information and guidance on student finance and funding, disability support, counselling and more.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br /><br />Click here</a> to read more about the support we offer.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:COSTUME@aup.ac.uk">costume@aup.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aup_costume/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@aup_costume</a></li></ul>
