ObjectivesThe course is centred in the practice and the research of costume design for time based media. The aim is to develop confident and experimental practitioners who will push the boundaries of the subject. The course aims to give the necessary experience, confidence and knowledge to allow graduates to pursue a career in costume design. What is it? Through conceptual development, design realisation and theoretical approaches, students explore the role of costume within performance, mainly in theatre, film and television.
Entry requirementsSelf-motivated individuals looking to develop their intellectual and creative potential through the study and practice of costume design.
Academic titleMA Costume Design for Performance
Course descriptionCourse content
Beyond the understanding of performance and the role of character creation through costume, the study of Costume Design at MA level allows the students to locate their practice within the wider realms of contemporary culture and art, as well as within the relevant dramatic, social and philological contexts.
The relationship between drawing and practical realisation is central to the way design is approached: ideas are developed on paper as well as through pattern cutting, textile printing, dyeing and surface manipulation. Practical experimentation is also achieved through access to the extensive technical facilities available within the college, expanding knowledge of the uses of CAD, tailoring, print, embroidery, millinery and leather within costume.
Structure
All units will include contact with professionals and practitioners, such as performers, writers, directors, designers, costumiers and costume supervisors. Collaborative projects with external and international partners are facilitated whenever appropriate.
The Performer in Time and Space, enables students to explore in depth specific areas of live performance, including theatre, dance and opera, through a speculative and developmental investigation of worlds of characters and moments of performance. Costume on Film, focuses on costume for performance viewed through the camera lens, contextualising the practice of costume design for film and television within a broad cultural and artistic perspective. The presentation of character on the screen is explored in depth through both conceptual development and final realised design images. Creative and Technical Exploration allows practical experimentation and development of ideas through specialist workshops.
The course culminates with the Masters Project, which offers students an opportunity to create collaborative work either with UK or international partners, is proposed and negotiated by the student.
Time Required - work/study balance
Postgraduate study is based on a balance between taught contact in seminars, lectures and tutorials and time spent on independent research and study. Full time students are expected to devote four days per week to study, part time students two days per week. In the first stage of the course, course units are held on two to three days and one evening per week (full time) or one day and one evening per week (part time).
Career Prospects
Master’s graduates have an acknowledged advantage in the employment market, obtaining work in a wide range of vocational and academic fields related to fashion. Graduates will be in a position to gain employment as innovators within the fields of costume design. The MA also provides an excellent preparation for higher level research degrees (MPhil or PhD), with an increasing number of graduates undertaking research in fashion related subjects, in practice or theory or entering into education as lecturers.
What are we looking for?
Prospective students should:
-Have a good Honours degree in a related discipline (2:1 or above)
-Or equivalent professional practice
-A portfolio of work relevant to costume and/or related areas
-have IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent if English is not the first language