BA / BA ( Hons ) Costume Design and Construction
On this highly respected vocational course you will learn how to research , design and construct costumes for performers of many kinds . You will work on live projects with renowned creative companies .
On this course you will :
• Complete a number of professional practice modules in each year where you will work as part of a team delivering the costumes for a series of live projects working in collaboration with partner organisations and companies , taking responsible lead roles in Years Three and Four .
• Design and construct up to three individual period costumes , which are your personal property .
• Learn to create designs for three or more theoretical productions ranging from Shakespeare to TV crime drama .
• Pursue a personal costume interest as research .
Think of a dramatic performance that you loved and you can probably picture the characters ’ costumes . Costume design and construction are vital when it comes to creating successful theatre , film and TV productions . It is a creative and challenging career : you need to know the theory and history of costume design , how to make costumes physically and how to manage the wardrobe of a live production .
You can opt to study for an honours degree over four years or an ordinary degree over three years .
Why QMU ?
• This course teaches costume design , period costume construction and practical wardrobe supervision and management in parallel .
• We have very close links with employers in the theatre industry .
• Discover your vocation through working on live , audience-facing projects .
• See your work celebrated in our students ’ annual runway show .
Modules
Year One : Introduction to Theatre Production / The Origins of Theatre / Introduction to Wardrobe Practice ( including Professional Practice )/ Introduction to Costume Design
Year Two : Advanced Costume Design / Advanced Costume Techniques / Professional Practice as a Wardrobe Assistant
Year Three : Professional Practice in a Lead Role-Designer , Supervisor or Cutter / Practice Informed Research Project / Creating in Context / Theatre of Ideas / plus one elective *
Year Four : Honours study / Creative Enterprise in the Performing Arts / Creating your Career , Work-based Learning / plus one elective *
* Elective modules may include : Experiential Learning / Student Initiated Module / Directing / Designing and Performance / Advanced Theatre Production / The Only Way is Ethics / Photography / Site Specific Performance / Cultural and Arts Funding / Theatre Archiving / Staging the 20th Century
The modules listed here are correct at time of print ( March 2022 ) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2023 . Please check the website for any updates .
Careers
You will graduate with the competence , understanding and experience that employers in this creative field are looking for . Our graduates have gone on to perform fantastically well in theatre , opera , ballet , film and television . You could use the skills you will learn in museum work , corporate entertainment , advertising , arts and crafts , and online multi-media .
Placements
In Year Three , you will complete a three-week wardrobe placement with a professional creative organisation , such as a theatre , film company or specialist costume designer . If you have difficulty in finding a suitable position , we will assist you . In Year Four , half of your credits will be earned through one six-week OR two three-week independent practice placements . This is a fantastic way to extend your experience and build contacts in the costume area of your choice .
Entry requirements Scottish Higher :
A Level : BCC
UCAS code : W451 Duration : 3 / 4 years full-time
Placement : Yes
Standard : BBBB Minimum : BBCC
Irish Leaving Certificate : H2 H2 H3 H3 International Baccalaureate : 28 points
International : IELTS of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5 .
Required subjects : Two subjects from Eng / Hist / Drama required and Art / Design or Textiles preferred at Higher / A Level / or equivalent . English required and Maths preferred at Nat 5 / GCSE / or equivalent .
Mature / Access : Applications welcomed from mature students with relevant qualifications / experience .
Direct Entry : Year Two , Relevant HND with CB in the graded units see : www . qmu . ac . uk / college-qualifications
Other requirements : You must submit an e-portfolio containing a minimum of 14 images including any completed garments that you may have constructed photographed on a model . Candidates will be asked to complete a short design exercise and invited to take part in a 20 minute phone interview where the candidate will be able to discuss their design and portfolio .
View the full course entry on our website : www . qmu . ac . uk / Costume-Design-and-Construction
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