BA (Hons) Costume for Performance

The BA Costume for Performance course is situated in the School of Media and Communication, and is for students who are interested in designing and making costume for performance. This includes the broad categories of theatre, film, music and television, as well as more specialised or multi-disciplinary performances where several elements are combined.

The course integrates the intellectual demands of interpretation of the text or other written element within the performance context, with the specialised design and craft skills required for the realisation of original costumes. The cultural and historical context of the subject is explored, to enhance the design and realisation of the practical work. Working in performance is always a collaborative venture, where the success of the production depends upon the joint efforts of a number of creative and specialised designers and makers, who work together with the director and performers.

Students on this course have the advantage of being able to work with students from the related disciplines of 3D effects and hair, make-up and prosthetics. Students have the opportunity to do a short work placement in the industry, and there are several industry-facing projects within the course.

The course currently has a relationship with the Royal Ballet School where students have the opportunity to do work placements in the Costume Department at the Covent Garden and Richmond Park schools. All the subject tutors teaching on the course are practitioners with extensive experience of the industry.

BA Costume for Performance is based at Lime Grove in Shepherd’s Bush, just west of Holland Park and Notting Hill. The area, which is rich in cultural influences from across the world, is home to Shepherd’s Bush Market and the many fabric shops lining the Goldhawk Road, which sell a good variety of fabrics, including silks, at extremely competitive prices.

There are numerous restaurants, cafes, delis and food stores, as well as the market, which reflect the many cultures of the people living there. Nearby is the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, an excellent venue for live bands, and the Westfield Shopping Centre, one of the largest retail complexes in Europe that caters for the luxury market as well as the high street. Holland Park with its Orangery and Leighton House Museum are both worth visiting.

Students on this course might be invited to participate in study trips. This may involve, for example, visits to key areas of capital cities, factories, stores and museums. Attendance on these trips is not compulsory but recommended. Details regarding timings and costs will be issued closer to the relevant trips.

Course Structure

Year One - Stage One - level 4 - 120 credits

• Term One:

Introduction to Design for Performance (20 credits)
The Body: 3D and Costume Construction (20 credits)

• Term Two

Introduction to Cultural and Historical Studies (20 credits)
Modifying the Form (20 credits)

• Term Three

Consolidation and Collaboration (40 credits)

Year Two - Stage Two - level 5 - 120 credits

• Term One

Cultural and Historical Studies (20 credits)
Period and Contemporary Menswear (20 credits)

• Term Two

Situating Your Practice: Performance Placement/Situating Your Practice: International Study Performance/Situating Your Practice: Independent Performance Proposal(40 credits)

• Term Three

Research Methods for Performance (20 credits)
Creative Collaboration (20 credits)

Third Year - Stage Three - level 6 - 120 credits

• Term One

Concept and Design Development (20 credits)

• Terms One and Two

Cultural and Historical Studies Dissertation (40 credits)

• Term Two and Three

Final Major Project (60 credits)
Travelling across London

The renowned London College of Fashion library is at our John Prince’s Street site, and you will need to travel to this site, and possibly others, during your course to use the library, which is open seven days a week in term time, and for tuition and special events.


Course structure

The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.

Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.
In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.