COURSE OVERVIEW
Programme Specifications BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design
UCAS CODE W452
UCAS TARIFF 96 - 112
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.
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
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
Johan Kusters Cosplay Shoot - Behind The Scenes
BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design - Course Trailer
BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design - Student Voice
Staff
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.
CAREER PATHS
This degree is for you if you wish to have a career in:
COSTUME DESIGN
COSTUME MAKING
PATTERN CUTTING
TEACHING & LECTURING
COSTUME EMBELLISHMENT & SURFACE DECORATION
HERITAGE INDUSTRY
PROM / BRIDAL DESIGN / MAKING
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR / ASSISTANT
COSTUME ILLUSTRATION
MILLINERY
TAILORING
