COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Design for Costume and Performance course is structured across three years to develop your skills as a creative and adaptable designer for the performance industries. In the first year, the focus is on building core design skills across three strands: designing for performance, costume creation techniques, and costume design for the screen. You'll engage in life drawing, scale modelmaking, and costume construction, while also developing contextual awareness around costume, dress, and performance. Projects include a realised performance design based on a text, along with full sampled costume designs. Academic research and writing tasks strengthen your critical thinking and understanding of industry roles.In the second year, the emphasis shifts towards developing independent design abilities. You’ll undertake a Historical Design project involving primary research, set models, and costume designs. Industry-standard digital design platforms are introduced, while academic writing is developed in preparation for your final-year dissertation. Industry masterclasses, workshops, and explorations into theatre, film, festivals, and puppetry broaden your creative exposure. Projects like Design-Led Practice and Creative Projects for film help integrate your growing technical, creative, and research skills.Your final year is focused on professional practice and specialisation. Through the Production Practice unit, you’ll choose from projects involving live performances, film, or festival design, including collaborations with acting and film students. You’ll undertake a 5,000-word dissertation or an inclusive assessment aligned with your learning style. The Major Project further enhances your portfolio through real-world work, including the creation of a professional web presence and promotional materials. Industry placements and curated exhibitions in Bournemouth and London boost your visibility and employability. This comprehensive training prepares you for diverse roles in costume design, performance, film, and related industries, giving you both creative freedom and the professional tools required to thrive in competitive environments.