| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Costume Design with Foundation Year
Overview
The BA (Hons) Costume Design with Foundation Year is a four-year program that provides students with a comprehensive education in costume design, preparing them for a career in the costume industry.
Attendance and Duration
- Full-time
- Four years
Next Enrolment
- September 2024
Introduction
The Foundation Year of this four-year program aims to provide students with an understanding of the subject to allow them to progress onto the BA (Hons) Costume Design course. This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for students to explore the key principles of art, design, and media.
Course Details
Foundation Year
- Digital Media Applications
- Creative Methods
- Creative Risk Taking
- Creative Practice Major Project
- Introduction to the Creative Industries
Year One
- Design Principles
- Production Skills and Processes for Costume
- Costume Design for Script
- Exploring Creative Contexts: Costume Design
- Establishing Professional Practice: Costume Design
- Design Communication and Realisation
Year Two
- Costume Design for Film and TV Production
- Costume Design for Theatre
- Developing Professional Practice for Costume Design
- Design in Practice
- Responding to Creative Contexts: Costume Design
Year Three
- Costume for Live Performance
- Research Methods for Costume Design
- Applied Professional Practice for Costume Design
- Negotiated Major Project
- Independent Research Project
What Will I be Doing?
- 90% Design Projects
- 10% Presentations
Employment and Stats
- This course will prepare students as professional costume designers and makers, either working for larger organisations or on a freelance/consultancy basis.
- Possible careers include: costume design, costume and wardrobe supervision, costume crafts, music video design and styling, and museums and heritage events.
Requirements
- GCSE English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
- Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
- UCAS tariff points: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred.
Tuition Fees
- Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years (2025/26 and 2026/27).
Additional Costs
- Additional costs from £200 (show in final year), £50 (UK optional trip), international optional trips individually costed.
Application Process
- In your personal statement (up to 4,000 characters), we would like to know more about why you are interested in Costume Design, what inspires you in the arts and costume design sector, and what you hope to gain from the Foundation Year.
- As part of the selection process, you may be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. You may then be invited for an interview with our tutors.
Program Outline
BA (Hons) Costume Design With Foundation Year
Degree Overview:
The BA (Hons) Costume Design with Foundation Year is a four-year program designed to prepare students for a career in the costume industry. The course aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as costume designers and makers in a variety of professional settings, including live theatre, film, television, festivals, dance, light entertainment, and museums. Graduates will also be equipped with the skills to work in costume and wardrobe supervision, costume crafts, music video design and styling, and museums and heritage events. The program is delivered at the University of Salford's £55 million New Adelphi building, which is home to a range of industry-standard facilities, including design studios, specialist workshops, a 350-seat theatre, and rehearsal space. Students will be taught by experienced tutors and demonstrators who have a wealth of experience in the industry.
Outline:
The program is divided into four years, with the first year being a foundation year that provides students with a broad understanding of the key principles of art and design. The following three years are dedicated to the study of costume design, with students undertaking a variety of modules that cover topics such as design principles, production skills, costume design for script, exploring creative contexts, and establishing professional practice.
Years One and Two:
- Design Principles: Introduces the fundamental principles of design and builds awareness of the vocabulary used within the costume design industry.
- Production Skills and Processes for Costume: Introduces the skills and techniques relating to costume making and technology, including traditional pattern cutting, draping, garment construction, and costume crafts.
- Exploring Creative Contexts: Costume Design: Explores, considers, and reflects on a range of perspectives in the wider field of creative practice, particularly in the context of costume design.
- Establishing Professional Practice: Costume Design: Encourages students to start aligning their skills with the identified requirements of the costume design industry and includes an emphasis on communication including traditional and digital skills.
- Design Communication and Realisation: Provides a holistic view of the costume design process and gives an understanding of the key roles within the costume design, making and wardrobe supervision process.
- Developing Professional Practice for Costume Design: Builds upon the professional practice skills introduced in the first year and looks at business, employability, and enterprise issues.
- Design in Practice: Provides students with the opportunity to undertake a period work placement.
Year Three:
- Costume for Live Performance: Requires students to design and make a costume for a specific individual artist/performer within the music, dance, or festival arena.
- Research Methods for Costume Design: Interprets and breaks down a script, builds character analysis, researches different approaches and concepts, undertakes historical and cultural research, and explores visual representation.
- Applied Professional Practice for Costume Design: Supports students in their final year while encouraging them to consider their career options and define their personal objectives.
- Negotiated Major Project: The final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course and enables students to continue the development of a personalized program of study.
- Independent Research Project: The emphasis is on independent research, exploration, and investigation. Students can choose from four project options: dissertation, original visual work with critical text, presentation with extended essay, or business report.
Assessment:
Assessment methods used in the program include:
- Design projects
- Presentations
- Essays
- Research papers
- Portfolio of work
Teaching:
The program is taught by a variety of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Lectures
- Practical workshops
- One-to-one tutorials
- Group seminars
- Design studio practice
- Industry visits
- Guest speakers
Careers:
Graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in the costume industry, including:
- Costume design
- Costume and wardrobe supervision
- Costume crafts
- Music video design and styling
- Museums and heritage events
Other:
The program is delivered in a creative and supportive environment that encourages students to develop their individual skills and talents. Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of industry professionals and gain valuable experience in the real world. The program also provides students with the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and gain valuable experience in self-employment.
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry Requirements:
GCSE:
- English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
- Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
In addition to the GCSE requirements, applicants must fulfill one of the following:
- UCAS tariff points: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
- A Levels: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification preferred
- T Levels: Pass: D or E in core subject.
- BTEC National Diploma: MPP including Art & Design
- Scottish Highers: 64 points including Art & Design
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 points including Art & Design
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points including Art & Design
- European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 60% overall (relevant subject)
- Access to HE: Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject)
Alternative Entry Requirements:
- Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES): The University welcomes applications from students who may not meet the standard entry criteria but can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Assessment will be either through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
- By applying to this Foundation Year, you are applying to a four-year program, including the shared Foundation Year followed by a three-year art, design, or media degree at the University of Salford. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
Additional Costs
- Additional costs from £200 (show in final year), £50 (UK optional trip), international optional trips individually costed.
Conclusion
The BA (Hons) Costume Design with Foundation Year course at the University of Salford offers a comprehensive and intensive program for students interested in pursuing a career in costume design. The course provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry, including design principles, production skills, costume history, and professional practice.
