Program Overview

Costume Design

Overview

The BA (Hons) Costume Design course at the University of Salford prepares students to enter the costume industry as experienced designers and makers. The program focuses on developing practical skills, knowledge, and commercial awareness necessary for a career in film, theatre, or live performance.

Course Details

All About the Course

The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of costume design, from script analysis to costume construction. Students will learn from industry specialists and have access to fully equipped studios and workshops.

Year One

• Design Principles: Introduces students to the fundamental principles of design and the vocabulary used in the costume design industry.
• Production Skills and Processes for Costume: Covers the skills and techniques related to costume making and technology.
• Costume Design for Script: Teaches students how to generate concepts for a script and develop their design from an initial idea to reality.
• Exploring Creative Contexts: Costume Design: Encourages students to explore and reflect on various perspectives in the wider field of creative practice.
• Establishing Professional Practice: Costume Design: Develops students' understanding of professional practice and aligns their skills with industry requirements.
• Design Communication and Realisation: Provides a holistic view of the costume design process and gives students an understanding of key roles within the industry.

Year Two

• Costume Design for Film and TV Production: Explores the technical and visual requirements of designing costumes for film and TV.
• Costume Design for Theatre: Develops students' skills in designing and constructing costumes for theatre.
• Developing Professional Practice for Costume Design: Builds upon professional practice skills and encourages students to reflect on their work and ongoing development.
• Design in Practice: Provides students with the opportunity to undertake a period of work placement and gain industry experience.
• Responding to Creative Contexts: Costume Design: Enhances students' understanding of how cultural, commercial, and historical issues influence current practice.

Year Three

• Costume for Live Performance: Requires students to design and make a costume for a specific individual artist or performer.
• Research Methods for Costume Design: Supports students in developing a design brief for their major project.
• Applied Professional Practice for Costume Design: Encourages students to consider their career options and define their personal objectives.
• Negotiated Major Project: Enables students to continue developing a personalized program of study and pursue their career aspirations.
• Independent Research Project: Provides students with the opportunity to pursue a detailed study of relevant creative, cultural, and contextual issues.

What Will I Be Doing?

• 90%: Design projects
• 10%: Presentations

Teaching

The course is taught using a variety of methods, including lectures, practical workshops, skills sessions, one-to-one tutorials, group seminars, and design studio practice.

Assessment

Assessments include coursework, presentations, essays, and a dissertation.

Employment and Stats

• Employment: Graduates can pursue careers in costume design, costume and wardrobe supervision, costume crafts, music video design and styling, and museums and heritage events.
• Further Study: Graduates can pursue postgraduate study, including the university's Postgraduate programs.

Requirements

• Applicant Profile: Students should have a personal statement and meet the 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
  • UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points
  • A level: 104-112 points
  • T level: Merit
  • BTEC National Diploma: DMM-DDM in a relevant subject
  • Access to HE: 112-128 points to include specific Art & Design or Design & Technology
  • Scottish Highers: 112 - 128 points to include specific subjects: Art & Design or Design & Technology
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 - 128 points to include Art & Design or Design & Technology
  • International Baccalaureate: 31-32 points including Art & Design/ Design & Technology
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma with at least 73% to include specific subjects Art & Design or Design & Technology
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: Distinction = 112 UCAS points
• Alternative Entry Requirements: Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27)
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26), £18,120 per year (2026/27)

Additional Costs

• £200 (show in final year)
• £50 (UK optional trip)
• International optional trips individually costed

Scholarships for International Students

High-achieving international students may be eligible for scholarships.