Costume Interpretation with Design

Renowned for producing industry-ready costumiers, this degree is your
gateway to the entertainment world, including film, television, and theatre.

Located in the thriving filming hub of the North East, with connections to leading industry professionals, the programme combines expert instruction in costume construction and design with a collaborative, studio-based culture.

You’ll work in inspiring sewing and design studios, collaborating across disciplines with students from Acting, Film, TV & Theatre, and Set Design for Stage & Screen. Through exhibitions, industry projects, and networking opportunities, no two days on this programme are the same. With a reputation for excellence and close ties to the creative industries, our graduates are highly sought after. This programme equips you with the skills, creativity, and confidence to bring costumes to life for the stage and screen, making your mark in the global entertainment industry.

As a student of this programme, you will also have access to the Costume Archive, which includes garments and accessories from the 1800’s onwards. The costume and garment collection is a valuable resource to view, handleand learn about traditional construction techniques.

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

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.