Bachelor of Arts (Hons)

Costume Design and Making

From film to fashion shows, TV to theatre, all productions depend on great costumes to bring stories to life and capture the imagination of the audience. This degree is largely based on practical work and during your time with us you’ll develop your skills in costume making, as well as showing the process, creativity and innovation behind your designs.

Why study this subject?

The costumes you design and create form a key part of an audience’s appreciation of the drama. With this training you can expect a whirlwind of briefs, from period dresses to futuristic and modern day costumes - immerse yourself in the scripts, and bring performances to life with your creations.

Discover how a costume can help convey a story, as you become part of the team working behind the scenes to create out of this world costumes and designs that engage the audience and help them fall in love with both plot and characters.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

 Dream of crafting incredible costumes for stage, screen or the catwalk? At BNU, they'll help you develop the know-how you need to kickstart your career and bring your ideas alive.

With London on their doorstep, you’ll be near the world’s best cultural centres, such as theatres, museums and galleries. BNU will help connect you with designers in and around the capital, and you’ll have the chance to showcase your work at our exhibitions.

BNU's history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, means Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.

You’ll develop a strong portfolio of work that showcases your creativity to employers, learn from industry experts in top teaching facilities at the iconic Pinewood Studios. With their strong links with the industry, you’ll get direct access to guest lectures and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and plenty of networking opportunities.

They will make sure that you have all the skills you need to start a career in fashion. With our focus on craftsmanship and skills, you graduate with a robust understanding of the sector. You’ll also benefit from our links with the National Theatre and the British Fashion Council.

What facilities can you use?

 BNU has spent a lot of love and care making the Fashion and Textile Studios the perfect creative space and one of the best-equipped workshops in the country.

You'll be working on industry standard equipment, learning latest techniques and future focused methods of fashion craftsmanship. You will master materials, both through traditional methods and using digital software.

Here you will be able to design, create and get inspired with not only your own workspace, but also their range of equipment which can help you craft your garments in almost any medium you like.

In BNU's workshops, you’ll receive one-to-one teaching, working closely with lecturers, specialist technicians and alongside fellow students.

What will you study?

You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry with live briefs and student design competitions. As well as the chance to join workshops run by other courses. Why not try woodwork, fine metalwork, 3D printing, or even ceramics to enhance your practice?

By the time you graduate you will be able to design, create and bring stories to life with your costumes.

How will you be taught and assessed?

Exploring the theory and history of art and design, BNU will look at period fashion, costume design, textiles and more. Alongside this, you will embed yourself in practice through the exploration of materials, processes, design techniques, and digital software.

Working in their lively studios, you'll explore 2D and 3D design, pattern cutting, manufacturing and illustration. Most importantly, you’ll learn what it takes to respond to different character briefs and how costume brings scripts to life. Because you’ll be taught alongside their fashion and textiles students, you’ll gain invaluable insight into the processes that support costume design.

To put your skills to the test, they'll set you an industry brief. At the same time, they will develop your professional skills and support you to go on placement or undertake work-related opportunities. As well as their connection with industry specialists, BNU work with different producers, designers and organisations in the local area and London. For previous projects, they have collaborated with the V&A Museum and the British Fashion Council.

BNU will challenge you to create a contextual report on your practice- as well as consolidate all your subject knowledge towards the creation of your final project and portfolio. Your portfolio of work showcases your best work and impresses employers in the creative industries.

It might even end up in an exhibition or in BNU's fashion show!

What are your career prospects? 

Throughout your time with Buckinghamshier New university they’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. They will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. BNU also help you find employment after graduation. 

The industry is constantly evolving to meet shifting customer values and new technologies. By the time you leave, you’ll feel ready to tackle the challenges employers face.

With an impressive portfolio and sought-after skillset, you’ll be ready to work in a range of roles.

BNU BA (Hons) Costume Design and Making course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:

• Costume designer for the creative industries
• Pattern cutter
• Costume developer
• Garment technologist
• Studio manager or costume design coordinator
• Film/theatre/performance stylist
• Film illustrator
• PR/marketing specialist.

You may also choose to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study a postgraduate programme.