BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design

COURSE OVERVIEW

Programme Specifications UCAS CODE W452 UCAS TARIFF 96 - 112 UCAS Calculator BA (Hons) 3 YEARS

Located in the vibrant heart of the North East’s rapidly expanding film and television industry, this technically focused costume course provides comprehensive training in the skills to create bespoke garments for a wide range of performance contexts — including stage, screen, heritage, and live events. Students benefit from access to fully equipped costume workshops, specialist dye facilities, and the Costume Archive, which houses an extensive collection of garments and accessories dating from the 1800s. This environment supports the development of advanced skills in both design and construction, with period and contemporary practices examined through dedicated modules in design, pattern cutting, garment construction, corsetry, tailoring, and millinery. Collaboration is at the heart of the programme. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside students from Acting, Film, TV & Theatre, and Set Design for Stage & Screen on live projects that reflect the fast-paced nature of professional production. A strong emphasis is placed on professional engagement, with opportunities for students to undertake live projects, work placements, and industry networking with established industry partnerships and The Northern Film and Television Studios. This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 16 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students can typically expect to receive 10 hours of taught sessions and 6 hours of supervised open studio time, supported by specialist technicians, and have open access to studios and workshops (subject to School opening times and availability). In the final year, students typically engage in a higher proportion of supervised, independent study, reflecting the increased focus on self‑directed practice and specialist project work at this level. In addition, students are expected to undertake independent study appropriate to a full-time undergraduate degree programme.

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COURSE
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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.

Awards
• Best Costume Design for Jane Austen, International Film Festival 2024
• Felt Makers Design Awards 2023 Nominee
• The Godber Theatre Foundation Prize 2021
• Costume Designers Guild 2019 'Costume excellence in Contemporary television'
• Nominee (Alumni) Fleabag, BBC

Year One - 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

Year Two - 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

Year Three - 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 

Year Four (Optional)
Optional Master of Arts. Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year - https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/

FACILITIES

Our equipment and facilities reflect many of the tools used in the real world, so you graduate ready for the world of employment. The learning environment we provide is unique, offering a sewing studio which is in a 1800s public library and individual work bays for all students.