We take an exciting and inclusive view of costume design. Costume is the use of dress, body adornment or props for specific purposes: performances, events or styling. This is not everyday wear, and it is different from the production of clothing for fashion: it is costume in practice.

Who uses costume?

• Films: contemporary, historical, and of course Bollywood
• TV, including advertising
• Theatre, including opera, musicals, pantomime and theatre in education
• Music for live shows, videos or styling an image
• Carnival, festivals and street events
• Themed events for management and corporate launches
• Party organisers
• Religious ceremonies and festivals
• Contemporary art installation – e.g. the work of Yinka Shonibare
• Ballet, dance and theatre schools
• National Trust and English Heritage events and re-enactments
• Fancy dress shops and costume warehouses
• Performance art – e.g. Vito Acconi, Enio Marchetto, Rose English or even living statues.

Nobody designs for all these organisations, but someone is working for all of them. Think how exciting it is to be in the middle of that creative process.

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Factsheet

Who is This Course For?

This production based course is aimed at students who wish to develop skills with costumes, props and wardrobe. The course is highly practical, but it also demands academic ability. As a Foundation Degree we arrange the timetable, wherever possible, around students who are already working in this area and wish to develop their skills.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from mature candidates with recent, relevant qualifications or industrial experience. If you are progressing from school or college, you should have at least one A Level or a BTEC National Diploma in a relevant subject. You need to bring a portfolio to your interview to show your experience and ability as a designer. We are looking for evidence of ability, enthusiasm, energy and dedication.

You will need to apply through UCAS. We will invite you to attend an interview, which will give you the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the course. You will need to bring a portfolio of work with you to the interview.

About the course

The course is delivered by enthusiastic staff with industry experience. It is divided into core units covering all aspects of costume - from research, designing and making costumes, to professional practice and wardrobe management. We have theatre spaces, two dance studios, a significant costume store and a design studio. You will have access to a brand new theatre and excellent new facilities including two dance studios, a significant costume store and a design studio.

You will work as part of a production team preparing for a wide variety of shows within busy performing arts and theatre spaces. We produce dance shows, small scale tours to local community venues, classic theatre productions, musicals and big set-piece events such as specialist makeup, costume and fashion shows.

You will learn:

• How to work with a director, discussing design ideas for set and costume
• How to organise costumes and wardrobe management
• How to collaborate with all members of the production team, including lighting and sound.

Year 1 modules

• Business and professional studies
• Costume design
• Headdresses and masks
• Research and historical studies
• Wardrobe management
• Costume realisation.

Year 2 modules

• Costume in practice
• Design interpretation
• Styling commissioned brief
• Final major project
• Portfolio presentation.

Additional Opportunities

Wherever possible you will be involved in community project work with local theatre companies, setting up and running productions in-house, in the community and on tour. Recent projects have included performances with the Rambert Dance Company and the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, and projects with the Donmar Warehouse and at Osterley House. There are regular trips to performances and exhibitions in London and at local arts centres.

How will I be assessed?

The course is continually assessed through vocationally based assignments, finishing with a major project when we expect you to work on a live brief with an professional client, preferably an external organisation.

Where next?

The college boasts numerous success stories in the performance world, including actors Anne-Marie Duff, Rufus Sewell and Martin Hancock, and musicians Celena Cherry of the Honeyz and Mark and Scott Morris of the Bluetones. Other students have recently secured parts in films and TV productions, while others work in dance companies and the theatre – on stage and behind the scenes. If you wish to continue your studies you may progress to the final year of a degree programme.

How to apply?

Please apply via UCAS.com. Alternatively, please complete our online application form. We will then contact you to make sure you are suitable for the course and help you to apply via UCAS. Please call 020 8326 2032 for further advice.