Costume Design

Costume design is the discipline that clothes the worlds of theatre, film, television, dance, and live performance. A costume is not simply a garment: it is a characterisation, a period marker, a social and psychological statement about the person wearing it and the world they inhabit. Designing costumes requires the ability to research historical and cultural contexts, to interpret a director's or designer's vision, to understand fabrics, construction techniques, and the physical demands of performance, and to work collaboratively within the complex environment of a professional production.

At the University of Salford, this three-year full-time BA equips you with a broad and versatile skill set that spans the full process of costume design, from research and concept development through to practical construction. You will develop expertise in historical and contemporary costume research, design visualisation, pattern cutting, garment construction, and the management of costume departments. The programme is oriented toward the professional realities of the costume industry, preparing you to work across the range of contexts in which costume designers are employed, from fringe theatre and community performance to film and television productions.

Salford's strong industry connections in the creative sector support this professional focus. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates of costume design programmes work as costume designers, costume supervisors, wardrobe managers, costume makers, and buyers across theatre, film, television, opera, dance, and the events and festivals sector. Many build careers that span several of these contexts simultaneously. The skills developed, including historical research, construction, design communication, and project management, are also applicable in related fields such as fashion, costume hire, museum textile curation, and theatrical education.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in costume design, fashion, or theatre production.