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Costume with Textiles BA(Hons)

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    Overview

    Do you light up while watching period dramas and other costume-heavy films and TV shows? Perhaps you’re at the edge of your seat, marvelling at the intricacies of the gowns and outfits? If so, this course is for you.

    On our Costume with Textiles BA(Hons) degree, you’ll learn to design and create costumes for film, TV, theatre, and games. You’ll gain real-world experience via placement opportunities in theatre, film, and TV, with previous students having undertaken placements at Royal Shakespeare Company, BBC, and Open Australia.

    You’ll hone your skills via a range of briefs to establish a personal identity, undertaking independent research, analysing scripts, and developing costume concepts and designs.

    The course offers a professional approach to costume design and construction and you’ll investigate textiles techniques to give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of this subject area.

    You’ll be taught by tutors who have professional costume-making experience, learning in our state-of-the-art, £30-million Barbara Hepworth Building.

    Why study Costume with Textiles BA(Hons)

    The course is accredited by The Textile Institute – the professional body for people and organisations in textile, clothing, and footwear industries.

    Enrol onto this course and you’ll explore experimentation in costume design and illustration, textile design, advanced pattern cutting and construction techniques, bespoke garment fitting and costume realisation.

    You’ll also have opportunity to develop professional costumes, and hone skills such as text/music/character analysis, visual and contextual research methods, and presentation practice. You’ll be encouraged to apply reflection and evaluation to your work and consider sustainable principles in the costume industry. An impressive 100% of graduates from this course are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduating (Unistats 20/21 data, UK domiciled graduates).

    Our design, construction, and textiles studios are home to facilities that help bring your ideas to life, including:

    • Computer-aided design (CAD)
    • Traditional and contemporary embroidery
    • Printing techniques, including handcrafting, laser cutting 3D Printing and digital printing
    • Traditional and contemporary knit and weave workshops, that host a variety of machinery and yarns for students to experiment with.

    Our textiles and construction workrooms provide specialist equipment, too, allowing you to work on surface textile techniques and sophisticated costume construction methods.

    If you’re keen to make your mark within costume, fashion, decorative arts, theatre crafts, textiles or more, this course is designed to provide the foundations for a fruitful, post-university career within the costume and textile industry.

    Entry requirements

    BBB-BCC at A Level or equivalent.

    120-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

    Merit in T Level .

    DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

    • Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC qualifications, to total an equivalent of 120-104 UCAS tariff points.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
    • 120-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    Offers will be subject to a digital portfolio review, after which you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to discuss and be given feedback on your portfolio. Read more about the portfolio review process on our Interviews, auditions and portfolio pages.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Materials Processes and Practices

    This module is designed to build your core knowledge in materials and processes used in a wide range of both bespoke and industrial applications. You will have the opportunity to explore how materials for the fashion, costume and fashion marketing industries continually evolve through technological developments and innovation.

    Costume Design 1

    This module will focus on an introduction to a variety of techniques and processes which are involved in the creation of costume design concepts. The module introduces script analysis, character interpretation and visual methods of design for costume. Methods of script analysis and character analysis will be introduced to inform the design development process. Students will research cultural and historical influences in order to develop a personal approach to costume design and illustration. This will be supported by exploration of a variety of visual methods and media techniques for the development of costume design and illustration.

    Introduction to Costume Construction

    This module will provide students with the fundamentals of pattern cutting for costume. Students will be introduced to the skills of seaming, stitch types and appropriate sewing methods for toile and costume construction including an introduction to basic techniques for prop making and accessories Using bespoke measurements students will learn the basic principles of flat pattern cutting, methods of basic block manipulation, experimentation with cut and the making of costume related patterns.

    Textile Practices

    Students will be able to apply fundamental design application skills using the Textile workshops through the specialism areas of print, knit, weave or embroidery. The syllabus is designed to develop the ability to conceptualise and produce textiles samples for a specific end use, with an emphasis on aesthetic and technical excellence.

    Sustainable Principles

    This module introduces the theory underpinning how textiles and its associated industries are responding to sustainability targets and concerns. Students will develop knowledge, understanding and critical thinking whilst exploring key principles of sustainability such as environmental and social impact, sustainable practices related to manufacturing, recycling/reuse of materials, and circular business models.

    Core modules:

    Brand Me

    This module aims to develop a transferable set of skills applicable to a wide range of employment positions within the fashion industry. Professional Development Planning (PDP) is embedded within the module, with a focus on you identifying academic and professional goals and developing the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfil them. The module will allow you to contextualise your future role and identity within the fashion, textiles or costume industry and you will be supported in developing skills and knowledge for you to substantiate this in practice.

    Textiles for the Body

    This module will enable you to apply advanced design application skills using the Textile workshops. The syllabus is designed to develop your ability to design and produce textiles samples for ‘the body’, with an emphasis on aesthetic innovation.

    Advanced Costume Construction

    Your knowledge will be extended by introducing more advanced pattern cutting and costume construction methods. This will be achieved through the drafting of more complex and specialised design specific blocks, alongside further experimentation with cut & and methods of modelling on the stand. This will be achieved through the construction and textiles methods, including specialised design specific, experimentation with cut and methods of modelling on the stand and embellish and constructed textiles techniques. You will consider the use of materials and application of textiles. Techniques will include embellishment, motif generation and constructed textiles relevant to the design and performance mode. Through the development of made to measure toiles, fittings, and experimentation with fabrics and techniques you will produce an interpretation of your design to fit a chosen performer and in consideration of the performance area.

    Costume Design 2

    You will further develop your ability to independently research and express personal interpretations of script analysis to, develop design concepts and costume illustration, providing you with the opportunity to creatively combine knowledge and skills gained in Year One (TFD1117 Costume Design 1). You will further explore a range of costume design methods and techniques to develop your own practice to offer solutions to briefs, and to establish a personal identity. You will appraise and evaluate the results of your research and design development work, as an on-going process throughout the module, to clearly identify and establish your specialism within a design context.

    Sustainable Practices

    This module will further develop your theoretical understanding and critical engagement with sustainability, as contextualised within your specialism (textiles, fashion, costume, marketing). Building on your foundation knowledge and maintaining a clear focus on the practical aspects of sustainability, you will work within the context of global consumers, audiences, manufacturers, retailers, marketers and other collaborative organisations and individuals in textiles and its associated industries. This module aims to specifically generate a multifaceted understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, socio-political, economic, ethical, and environmental dimensions of textile, fashion, costume & marketing practices. The module encourages debate surrounding sustainability, ethics and resources, alongside appropriate primary methods of research and investigation. Lectures, seminars, and collaborative workshops will explore a relevant range of theories that stimulate discussion, develop your capacity for independent enquiry, creative concept development and to enable you to identify and assess implications for your own practice. You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding though reflective responses that will prepare you for honours level study.

    Arts and Humanities Placement

    The placement year is your chance to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills you’ve developed in your first two years of study. You’ll spend up to 48 weeks (minimum 36 weeks) in a graduate-level role, sharpening your professional skills, exploring career options, and boosting your future job prospects. During your placement, you'll reflect on your performance, develop real-world skills, and learn to approach your role with a critical eye. Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, setting you up for success in your final year and beyond.

    Core modules:

    Research and Context

    This module complements your major project through the production of an in-depth written report. You will extend and apply your knowledge of fashion design, costume and production, textile design, textile crafts, or surface design by demonstrating a critical analysis and evaluation of topic of contemporary relevance, and significant to your practice by reflecting appropriate theoretical, technical, and professional issues.

    Costume : Research and Development

    This module aims to establish and inform your major project by identifying a theme / subject / issue relevant to your practice. Focusing on research and development work to inform your final major project, this module is about testing ideas and taking innovative risks connected to the performance costumes for your chosen characters. In this module, you will be evidencing the process of visually researching your character themes through a portfolio of work, including images, samples, design ideas, research and drawings. This project re-emphasises the importance of in-depth research and its relationship to the development of original concepts for costume design and textiles. You will demonstrate the selection of relevant processes and techniques to explore and test out your ideas, enabling you to develop and document your design and textile approaches.

    Professional Practice

    The module reflects theoretical, technical, and professional issues appropriate to your practice and is specifically designed to unfold throughout the final year The module is intended to be a critical and diagnostic tool with which to examine your work. It is made up of a series of outputs and will help you to determine and contextualise the direction of your practice-based modules. The process of reflection, research and critical analysis is vital to the module. It will help you to identify connections between concept, method, realisation, and mediation of your portfolio. It will allow you to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and insight into your practice, enabling you to make informed decisions/judgements related to your practical outputs.

    Costume : Major Project

    Focusing your creative and intellectual skills, you will create an innovative, original and highly professional body of work, realising the full potential of your major project in a form appropriate to your pathway. During this Honours level module, you will be expected to evidence technical / creative accomplishment and critical awareness in the execution of your outcomes.

    On average, 23.9%* of the study time on this course is spent in tutorials, practical demonstrations, lectures etc.

    *based on 23/24 programme specifications.

    You will encounter studio based tutorials and practical demonstrations taught by specialist staff and designers, who will monitor your progress throughout the course. Your assessment will include design-work portfolios, written assignments and seminar presentations, individually and in groups.

    Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Inspirational field trips to destinations of educational and cultural significance are a compulsory component of the course and will be funded by the University. Trips may include visits to museums, exhibitions and trade shows.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    The course offers an optional one-year (36 week minimum) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insight into your chosen career and open up your graduate employment prospects. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have excellent industry links and can support you in applying for and finding your placement(s), as well as during your placement year.

    Students within the area of Costume with Textiles have previously taken up placement opportunities in theatre, film and television with companies including: Opera North – Leeds; The National Theatre – London; The Royal Exchange – Manchester; Birmingham Royal Ballet - Birmingham; Scottish Ballet – Glasgow; Northern Ballet - Leeds; Royal Shakespeare Company - Stratford; BBC Wales - Cardiff; Opera Australia (based in the Sydney Opera House) - Australia; Cabasa Carnival Arts - Oldham; Central Youth Theatre - Wolverhampton; Hat Therapy - Hebden Bridge; Souraya – Australia; Zandra Rhodes – London; The Crucible Theatre – Sheffield and Bayerische Staatsoper – Germany and Timorous Beasties - Glasgow. You can tailor your placement year to suit you, depending on what specific industry experience you wish to gain.

    You can find out more information on placements here.

    Taking a placement year has allowed me to experience a variety of working routines and costume environments; some of which have pushed me out of my comfort zone, giving me an insight into non-traditional materials and techniques.

    Profile photo of Alice Cobbin

    Alice Cobbin, Costume with Textiles BA(Hons), graduated 2020 Costume with Textiles BA(Hons)

    A gallery of work from our Costume with Textiles students and graduate shows. Click on each image to find out more.

    Fashion and Costume Studio
    Canalside view of the Barbara Hepworth Building
    Print room
    Embroidery studio

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

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    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

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