Costume Production (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA? Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Why Choose BA (Hons) Costume Production? Our BA (Hons) Costume Production program offers a fresh approach to the study of design, realisation, and construction for costume. Working from classic and contemporary texts, music, and storytelling, students will become skilled at producing bespoke costumes for a range of performance genres, whether for stage, screen, or live action events.

Join us to master the sought-after skills in costume craft, from precise pattern-cutting to expert construction techniques for both garments and accessories. Dive into sustainable practices, gaining a deep understanding of eco-conscious costume design and making. Get hands-on with live projects, constructing costumes and crafting costume props.

In our dedicated workshops, you'll find a wealth of resources and expert guidance from technicians, empowering you to explore everything from computer-aided design (CAD) to laser cutting, moulding, casting, and digital fabric printing. Meanwhile, our specialised studio workshops will hone your skills in costume design interpretation, pattern cutting, wearable props, and tailoring. You will also benefit from masterclasses led by industry experts in areas like millinery and costume enhancement.

Throughout this course, you'll discover a vibrant learning environment that blends academic rigour with creative inspiration. Our costume course offers a rich range of processes and media, providing a stimulating journey into costume production. Interdisciplinary collaboration is actively encouraged, particularly amongst your peers in film and other media productions and as a student at Arts University Plymouth you’ll gain unrivalled access to a range of digital processes, textile printing and 3D-making. Plus, tap into our extensive professional network within the performance industries for valuable connections and future opportunities.

On successful completion of your Extended Degree year, you will be guaranteed a place on one of our full undergraduate BA (Hons) programmes. Many of our past students have gone on to achieve high grades in their degrees, including a large number with First Class Honours.