The Role of the Theatre Designer
Sophie Jump on working with the National Theatre and Google Arts to make the Jocelyn Herbert archive more accessible.
BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen
College
WIMBLEDON
Start date
September 2019
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W453
Course summary
BA Costume for Theatre and Screen at Wimbledon College of Arts introduces you to professional costume for theatre, film, television and live performance.
The course offers 2 specialist disciplines; costume design and costume interpretation.
Student work
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Alessio O'Driscoll - Costume Interpretation -
Rafael Jakimiuk - Costume Design -
Olivia Hayward - Costume Design -
Rebecca Jempson - Costume Design -
Aileen Faller - Costume Interpretation -
Victoria Conte - Costume Design -
Emily-Rose Burt - Costume Interpretation -
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BA Costume for Theatre and Screen -
BA Costume for Theatre and Screen -
BA Costume for Theatre and Screen -
BA Costume for Theatre and Screen -
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Costume Show
BA Costume for Theatre and Screen Stories
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Wimbledon Costume student Jenny Kan on designing for the National Gallery’s Lorenzo Lotto exhibition
Wimbledon’s Costume students brought the subjects of Italian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto’s portraits to life in a special event at the National Gallery on Friday 7 December. In this blog […]
Course details
This course is subject to re-validation. Re-validation is a process that makes sure students get a high quality academic experience. During re-validation there maybe be some changes to course content and structure. Please contact us if you have any questions about this course.
What you can expect
- To gain an understanding of the essential elements of costume
- To work on studio and performance based live projects. These might be costume design for historical or contemporary texts and opera. Or they could be for site-specific production, dance, film or theatre
- To explore colour and texture through mixed media experimentation for 2D design and textile work
- To take a creative approach to problem solving during construction
- Teaching from industry professionals. They will ensure you develop a realistic working process, that’s informed by current practices and debates
- An introduction to a broad range of skills and technical areas. These include analysing texts and characters, corsetry, developing a visual language, drawing, millinery, pattern cutting, research, textile manipulation, garment construction and fabrication
- To study historical and social contexts of Western Europe’s evolution in costume. You will do this through a series of lectures and independent research
- A contextual studies programme. This builds your knowledge and understanding of film, television and the arts
- To have access to Wimbledon's shared workshops. View the Wimbledon facilities
The 2 disciplines of Costume Design and Costume Interpretation are very different, but for part of both the first and second years, students work on the same projects.
Costume Design
Costume Design is concerned with visual storytelling.
- Students should have an interest in people, history and geography
- Students will use a range of sources, including text, images, music, and choreography to analyse and create characters
- There is a focus on drawing and communicating ideas in 2D, but 3D construction skills are explored
- All projects are for live or recorded performance. Students are encouraged to fully understand these contexts within their concept and development work
Costume Interpretation
Costume Interpretation is the process of making costumes from a visual reference and developing skills to a very high level.
- It requires imagination, sensitivity, an understanding of context, and excellent interpersonal skills
- At Wimbledon we use men’s and women’s period clothing, cut and construction as a template for understanding the complex challenges of the discipline
- You will have the opportunity to learn specialist traditional skills, such as tailoring and millinery
- Students may also go on to make contemporary work that utilises techniques such as moulding, casting, textile experimentation, metal and leatherwork
Course units
Year 1
- Unit 1: Introduction to study in theatre and screen
- Unit 2: Designing and making - the principles of practice
- Unit 3: Designing and making - extending the skill set
- Unit 4: Looking at ideas - debates in the discipline
- Unit 5: Who are you? Establishing a specialism
Year 2
- Unit 6: Collaboration and its’ connections
- Unit 7: Practice as a laboratory
- Unit 8: You think what? How to research and review work
- Unit 9: Where in the world? My specialism in context
- Unit 10: Where in the world? Extending skills
Year 3
- Unit 11: Finding your voice - portfolio design, crafting research skills and career planning
- Unit 12: Show your work - independent practice
Work experience and opportunities
As a result of the college's London location and industry links students have the chance to undertake professional work placements during their studies.
Former students have worked for the Royal Opera House, The Globe, Hampton Court Palace, the Rose Theatre and Secret Cinema. They have also worked on the London Olympic ceremonies, the Warner Bros film ‘The Huntsman’ and Netflix productions ’Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Crown’. Others have worked with highly respected freelance designers and film directors.
Students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus scheme to study abroad for a term in the second year of their degree.
Staff
- Kevin Freeman - Course Leader
Visiting Staff
- Lea Anderson - Choreographer
- Nicoline Bailey - Corset maker
- Linda Cooley - Wig maker
- Onyinye Egenti - Film Director / writer
- Javier de Frutos - Choreographer
- Jacqueline Gunn - Designer
- Geraldine Pilgrim - Director
- Clare Strickland - Milliner
- Emily Stuart - Designer
- Simon Vincezi - Artist
- Holly Waddington - Designer
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are one or a combination of the following qualifications:
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
- 2 A Levels at grade C or above
- Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
- Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
- And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)
Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.
APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional reference
- A combination of these factors
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
English language requirements
All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:
- IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements)
Portfolio advice
Portfolios should show the following:
- A range of visual recording, such as drawing, life drawing and photography
- Experimentation, which demonstrates idea generation and development
- Visual work which uses form, colour, texture, structure and space
- Design development showing how problems are solved
- Any costume designs or costumes
- An interest in contemporary and historical clothing
- Include your sketchbooks and notebooks
Please remember:
- The quality of the work is more important than the quantity
- Where possible, large or 3D work should be photographed and scanned
- To organise your work by project, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes
Selection criteria
We look for:
- An interest, commitment and motivation for studying the subject
- An ability to work imaginatively and creatively in 2D and 3D visual media, materials and processes
- An ability to create and develop new ideas
- A desire to learn and an ability to investigate and develop ideas independently
- An ability to communicate your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
- Potential for creative problem solving
- An ability to self-direct and evaluate your own work
- An ability to engage with the idea of character in the context of a dramatic situation
- Visual awareness and an understanding of the creative process
- Cultural and historical awareness of costume
- Motivation for working in costume industry
- A desire to succeed
Making your application
You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:
- University code - U65
- UCAS course code - W453
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application deadline is 15 January.
Following your UCAS application to this course all home / EU applicants will be invited to choose a date for a selection event.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.
However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
This course will give consideration to:
- Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
- Deferred entry application
What happens next
Communicating with you
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.
Initial application check
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.
Interview selection event
You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event. Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.
The event will also give you a chance to meet current students, take a tour of the college and see the facilities.
More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.
Selection for Home/EU applicants happens in a variety of different ways:
- In person at Wimbledon College of Arts
- By phone or Skype
If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.
How we notify you of the outcome of your application
You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.
Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.
There are 3 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Wimbledon College of Arts:
- Through one of our official representatives in your country
- Through UCAS
- By direct application
If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:
- University code - U65
- UCAS course code - W453
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.
However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
This course will give consideration to:
- Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
- Deferred entry application
What happens next
Communicating with you
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.
Immigration history check
Whether you’re applying online via UCAS, through a UAL representative or by direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you don’t complete the check we won’t be able to proceed with your application.
Initial application check
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.
Interview selection event
You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event. Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.
More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.
Selection for international applicants happens in a variety of different ways:
- By phone or Skype
- In your country, if your application was made through one of our official representatives
- In person at our international office based at Chelsea College of Arts
If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.
How we notify you of the outcome of your application
- If you applied through UCAS you will receive the final outcome of of your application through UCAS track
- If you applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal
Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.
Study Abroad
Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.
For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.
Fees & Funding
Home / EU fee
£9,250 (2019/20).
Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.
International fee
£19,930 (2019/20).
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
Scholarships and awards
Use our search tool to find out more about the scholarships and awards available to students.
Careers and alumni
Our graduates have gone on to a range of careers within theatre, film and television. Some have found work as costume makers, designers, wardrobe supervisors and assistants, while others choose to carry on their studies at postgraduate level.
Alumni
Costume Design
- Tasha Bailey, Olivia Cooper, Saffron Cullane, Charlotte Sewell, Sammie Sheldon - Costume Supervisors
- Sean Barratt - Freelance milliner
- Trisha Biggar - Costume Designer
- Georgina Chapman - Director and designer, Marchesa. Company designs red carpet dresses
- Matthew Chapman - Production Manager, Rainbow Productions Ltd. Company designed the 2012 Olympic mascots
- Phoebe de Gaye - Costume Designer, ‘Musketeers’
- Amanda Hall - Workroom Manager, Royal Opera House
- Kenny Ho - Fashion designer and stylist
- Ellan Parry - Freelance Theatre Designer and previous winner of the Jocelyn Herbert Award and a Linbury Prize finalist
- Martina Trottman - Works for Secret Cinema
Costume Interpretation
- Linda Cooley - Wig specialist, Shepperton Wig Company
- Lara Flecker and Keira Miller - Costume Mounting Specialists in the Textile Conservation Department of the V&A museum
- Naomi Isaacs - Costume Interpreter. Commissions include the West End production of Wicked, Matthew Bournes’s dance productions and Anna Boleyna for the Metropolitan Opera, New York
- Caroline McCall - Costume Emmy Award Winner for Downton Abbey, 2011
- Rachael Pashley - Freelance tailor
- Jane Petrie - Costume Supervisor for Bel Ami, Costume Assistant on Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Costume Designer on the Suffragette
- Mark Wallis - Co founder, Past Pleasures - costume for Historic Royal Palaces
Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.