Introduction to the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction Program

The BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction program at Queen Margaret University is a highly respected course that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the creative and challenging field of costume design and construction. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and history of costume design, as well as the practical skills necessary to make costumes physically and manage the wardrobe of a live production.

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction program is a four-year full-time course that covers many aspects of costume design and construction, including period costume construction, practical wardrobe supervision, and management. The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, with a focus on hands-on learning experiences and professional practice modules.

Key Features of the Program

• The program teaches costume design, period costume construction, and practical wardrobe supervision and management in parallel.
• Students have the opportunity to work on live projects with partner organizations and companies, gaining valuable industry experience and contacts.
• The program includes a range of elective module options, allowing students to specialize in areas such as creative supervision, masks, puppets, and soft props, or the design of costume for film.
• Students will have access to the university's costume studio, which is equipped with industrial sewing machines, overlockers, cutting tables, and irons, as well as a wide selection of mannequins and a costume store.

Program Structure

The program is structured over four years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in costume design and construction.

Year One

In the first year, students will complete a practical learning module as a wardrobe trainee, where they will work as part of a team delivering costumes for live projects. They will also develop their research and design skills, analytic and writing skills, and cut and construction skills.

Modules

• Introduction to Theatre Production
• The Origins of Theatre
• Introduction to Wardrobe Practice
• Introduction to Costume Construction
• Introduction to Costume Design

Year Two

In the second year, students will complete two practical learning modules as a wardrobe assistant on 'Show work', where they will work as part of a team creating and delivering costumes for live projects. They will also develop their research and design skills, analytic and writing skills, and expand their construction techniques.

Modules

• Advanced Costume Design
• Advanced Costume Construction 1
• Advanced Costume Construction 2
• Professional Practice: Backstage Management
• Professional Practice: Construction
• Ethics and the Costume Industry

Year Three

In the third year, students will begin to specialize by working in greater depth on two or more of the range of pathways that costume practice offers. They will extend their knowledge of these chosen skills in their allocated lead roles as designer, cutter, or supervisor on live projects and in their independent practice and research project.

Modules

• Professional Practice in a Lead Role
• Professional Practice Individual Project: Design or Construction
• Practice Informed Research
• Introduction to Creative Supervision
• Plus one elective option

Year Four

In the final year, students will refine their chosen areas of future practice in the Careers and Costume in Wardrobe module. They will also be provided with practical information for launching a freelance career in the industry through the Creative Enterprise in the Performing Arts module.

Modules

• Honours study
• Creative Enterprise in the Performing Arts
• Careers in Costume and Wardrobe (Work-based Learning)
• Plus one elective option

Entry Requirements and How to Apply

To apply for the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction program, students must meet the entry requirements, which include:

• Scottish Higher: Standard - BBBB, Minimum - BBCC
• A Level: BCC
• 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: At least one discursive subject and one arts subject are required at Higher/A Level or equivalent. English is required and Maths is preferred at National 5/GCSE or equivalent at grade C/4 or above.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction program are available on the university's website. Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland who are subject to Rest of UK fees will be charged for the first three years of study only, with the fourth year being free.

Careers

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction program can pursue a range of careers in the creative industries, including film, TV, opera, theatre, and ballet. They can also find work in museums, heritage organizations, and in making authentic period clothing for re-enactment. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in these careers, as well as the opportunity to build contacts and gain industry experience.

Queen Margaret University

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Overview:

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its person-centered and career-focused approach to education and teaching, with a commitment to shaping a better world. QMU boasts widely recognized expertise in various fields, including business, creative industries, education, health and rehabilitation, and social sciences.

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Services Offered:

QMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Learning Facilities:

Library, IT services, remote access, Canvas, QMU Portal, ePortfolio

Student Support:

Careers and Employability, Students' Union, QMU Sports Centre, Clinics, Accommodation, Finance Office

Campus Life:

Eat and Drink on Campus, QMU Online Shop, Blogs, Ask a Student a Question

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

QMU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:

Community Feel:

An airy and bright campus with a strong sense of community.

Student Services:

Ready access to student services, food outlets, accommodation, sports facilities, and social spaces.

Beautiful Grounds:

A beautiful campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Person-Centered Approach:

QMU focuses on individual student needs and career development.

Career-Focused Education:

The university emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience.

Renowned Expertise:

QMU has a strong reputation for research and innovation in various fields.

Supportive Campus Environment:

Students are provided with a welcoming and supportive community.

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Academic Programs:

QMU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Study:

Various undergraduate degrees across different disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's degrees and postgraduate research opportunities.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

Short courses and online programs for professional development.

Online Learning:

100% online master's courses for flexible learning.

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Other:

• QMU is committed to social justice and nurturing individuals while promoting collective support.
• The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs and events.
• QMU has a strong international presence with a diverse student body and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
• The university is undergoing a transformation of its teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience.