The Costume Programme is a leading force in developing highly competitive graduates for the entertainment industry. It delivers a career-focused education grounded in a uniquely diverse range of taught skills, collaborative learning, and professional practice.

Internationally recognised for the excellence of its graduates, the programme is defined by its rich variety of technical and creative expertise, inspiring students to thrive in their chosen careers.

Our graduates' success stems from expert instruction in industry-relevant costume skills, complemented by a selection of specialised techniques unique to this degree—such as leatherwork and bespoke craftsmanship.

With access to industry-standard facilities, extensive resources, and a dedicated costume archive, students work alongside local professionals and industry leaders on collaborative projects. This hands-on experience empowers them to achieve their academic goals and make a lasting impact in the world of entertainment.

By the end of your three years, you will be able to design, source materials and create full costumes. You will showcase your designs in a final degree show which will be seen by industry specialists. The programme is built on strong industrial relationships and you may have the opportunity to work on live briefs, work placements and collaborate with students from a range of our other programmes including Acting for Stage & Screen and Film, TV & Theatre Production; this will enable you to gain a real understanding of the costume industry.

Our school engages with a wide range of partners working across each creative sub-sector to ensure that teaching and learning are in line with the latest developments in and requirements of industry, including:

Industry Partners
• Amber Butchart, Curator, Writer & Broadcaster
• Angels Costumes, International Costume Provider
• Gillian Wolfe, Head of Costume, Beamish Museum

Guest Speakers
• Lucy Adlington

We exhibit in places such as:
• Pinewood Studios
• Darlington Hippodrome Theatre
• Hartlepool Museum
• Beamish Museum

Students have the opportunity to work with a range of companies on live briefs throughout the programme, including:
• 28 Years Later – Danny Boyle film
• Gladiator II
• Adolescence
• Mob land
• Project Hail Mary – Ryan Goslin
• Wicked
• Hamilton
• Tina
• Phantom of The Opera
• The Lion King
• Harry Potter
• Beyoncé Tour
• Damsel – Netflix
• The Royal National Theatre
• Jackdaw - starring Jenna Coleman
• Smoggie Queens
• Durham Gala Theatre
• Beamish Museum
• Kynren
• Netflix
• Tussauds Group
• Heartstopper – Netflix
• Star Wars, Andor
• Star Wars, Acolyte
• Red, White & Royal Blue

Our Alumni work across a wide range of productions, including
• Entertainment industries; Film & TV
• Netflix
• Theatre
• Disney, Tussauds Group
• Freelance designer & constructor
• Costume houses
• RSC, Angels, Cosprop, Opera houses
• Theatres, television & film production
• Heritage industries
• Museum exhibition/ proprietor
• Castles/stately homes
• Re-enactment and entertainment
• Costume preservation
• Teaching & education

Your portfolio is a visual statement it tells us alot about you & your practice. The advice below is not meant to be restrictive but rather offers some simple advice to help you prepare for your portfolio review.

Examples can include:
1. Knowledge of the subject you are applying for

2. Drawing Skills
• Observational drawing of natural and/or man-made subject matter
• Experimenting with different media
• Design sketches and illustrations
• Photography or printmaking

3. Basic sewing skills
• Embroidery
• Sewing Samples
• Garments

4. Sketchbooks
• Evidence your ideas generation, development and research
• References to artists and designers that have inspired/influenced your work
• You may have references to contemporary and historical practices

5. Experimental approaches to your projects

6. Examples of written work

Work doesn’t necessarily have to relate specifically to the programme, as long as it is clear that this is where your interests lie. If you want to include evidence of ‘technical/design based skills’ this could be experimental samples, design sheets, or finished products.

Authenticity of Submitted Work
All work submitted in support of an application (including written work, portfolios, proposals or additional evidence requested by the School) must be the applicant’s own original work.

The School reserves the right to request verification of authorship. Where submitted work is found to be misrepresented, misleading or not the applicant’s own, the application or offer may be withdrawn in accordance with our Admissions policy.

Where applicants have used digital or AI-assisted tools as part of their creative process, this should be clearly declared.

Foundation and Orientation
In your first year the modules focus on the foundation of skills and knowledge required for progression through the programme. Construction-based modules introduce you to begin to develop and explore a range of practical skills in costume making and design-based module will orientate you to the principles of the discipline. You will also explore and develop forms of embellishment from different cultural and historical backgrounds to create textiles for costume. A contextual, theory-based module provides the academic foundation that supports all studio work, and an industry-awareness module introduces you to the costume sector and its wide array of career pathways.

• Introductory Cut & Construction
• Costume Design & Illustration
• Cut & Construction
• Embellishment
• Industry Awareness
• Creative Thinking

Development and Exploration
In your second year, the modules have been designed to extend your research abilities, refine advanced technical skills and deepen your academic investigations in specific subject areas. You will also broaden your understanding of potential career routes. Increasing emphasis is placed on collaboration with industry partners, which may lead to work placement or exhibition opportunities.

Your costume construction abilities are further developed through more specialised and progressive techniques, strengthening your confidence and professional capability. The Creative Discussions module encourages critical debate on theoretical and contextual issues related to costume.

• Millinery
• Tailoring for Costume
• Specialist Focus for Costume
• Professional Practice
• Creative Discussions

Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year, you will demonstrate and consolidate the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired to develop increasing levels of expertise and independence in preparation for your future transition into professional practice or further study.

This culminating year provides you the opportunity to plan and manage your individual pathway resulting in a distinctive portfolio supported by extensive critical and analytical research that reflects your professional aspirations.

• Specialist Practice 1 
• Specialist Practice 2 
• Dissertation and Report
• Professional Futures and Final Show 

Optional Master of Arts.

Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year – https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/