
Performance Costume BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Performance Costume BA (Hons)
The Edinburgh College of Art Performance Costume Programme is renowned for its holistic approach to costume design and making.
We encourage you to make individual and innovative creative responses, grounded in strong craft practice and practical expertise.
This programme will make sure you are well prepared for a successful career in the stage and screen industries.
The curriculum also provides you with core costume cut and construction skills and techniques, both historical and contemporary.
Visual and analytics research practice is developed tog...
The Edinburgh College of Art Performance Costume Programme is renowned for its holistic approach to costume design and making.<br/><br/>We encourage you to make individual and innovative creative responses, grounded in strong craft practice and practical expertise.<br/><br/>This programme will make sure you are well prepared for a successful career in the stage and screen industries.<br/><br/>The curriculum also provides you with core costume cut and construction skills and techniques, both historical and contemporary.<br/><br/>Visual and analytics research practice is developed together with:<br/><br/><br/>* costume making<br/><br/><br/>* historical pattern cutting<br/><br/><br/>* puppetry<br/><br/><br/>* character and text analysis<br/><br/><br/>* life drawing<br/><br/><br/>* textiles<br/><br/><br/>* millinery<br/><br/><br/>* set design<br/><br/><br/>* model making<br/><br/><br/>* computer skills<br/><br/><br/>Through concept, colour, cut and texture, performance costume designers ideas can respond to:<br/><br/><br/>* the written and spoken word<br/><br/><br/>* music<br/><br/><br/>* movement<br/><br/><br/>* location<br/><br/><br/>* historic period<br/><br/><br/>You will learn to become skilled at producing accurate recreations of costumes as well as expressing imaginative flair.<br/><br/>The courses provide an opportunity for a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of costume design for a range of performance media, providing you with excellent training across all relevant art forms, such as:<br/><br/><br/>* theatre<br/><br/><br/>* dance<br/><br/><br/>* opera<br/><br/><br/>* television<br/><br/><br/>* film<br/><br/><br/>* performance art<br/><br/><br/>* music video<br/><br/><br/>* installation<br/><br/><br/>The highlight of the academic year is our renowned performance costume shows where students work with professionals and performers to showcase their costumes to the public and industry.<br/><br/>Our graduates are highly sought after due to the flexibility and balance of skills gained, with impressive graduate employment rates and international profile of our alumnis work.<br/><br/><strong>Programme benefits</strong><br/><br/><br/>* You will be encouraged to be an innovative, individual and adaptable designer and maker. Our programme is highly respected by the industry, demonstrated by our impressive graduate employment rates and the international profile of alumni work.<br/><br/><br/>* We have excellent facilities and resources. You will have your own studio space and access to specialist workrooms for pattern cutting, sewing, digital printers, textiles, laser cutters, 3D printers, CAD embroidery machines, casting, wood and metal workshops.<br/><br/><br/>* You will engage with academics and industry practitioners from a range of costume backgrounds who will enhance your learning experience with a wide range of skills and perspectives.<br/><br/><br/>* We have many links with the film and stage industry. These provide invaluable work experience opportunities while you study, giving you the best chance of employment on graduation.<br/><br/><br/>* You will benefit from talks and workshops with professional practitioners and take part in exhibitions, competitions and live projects that help you prepare for professional practice.<br/><br/><br/>* Our graduates qualify ready for industry, with the confidence to establish themselves as independent and adaptable designers with a range of transferable skills.<br/>
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Central area campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
W451
Institution Code
E56
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,B,B,B
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
A level
A,B,B
ABB. Required subjects: A levels: no specific A level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
Search Undergraduate Courses at University of Edinburgh
Find more courses from University of Edinburgh with our undergraduate course search.
Fees and funding
Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Scotland | £1,820 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £38,900 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |