Costume Design With Foundation Year
Full-time
Four year
September 2024
In a nutshell
The world of arts and media is changing at a phenomenal rate, and there has never been a better time to explore your creativity and the ways in which you can apply it to the world around you.
The Foundation Year of this four-year programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the subject to allow you to progress on to the BA (Hons) Costume Design course.
This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the key principles of art, design and media. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills, it gives you a chance to build a larger portfolio, and provides a good transition period to familiarise yourself with the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, and life as a student at the University of Salford. You will then be in a strong position to progress onto your chosen degree pathway.
This is a shared Foundation Year across Art, Design and Media disciplines, and will introduce you to a collaborative environment where you can explore ideas, take creative risks and become a confident independent learner. You will be joining a thriving and creative community.
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You can also find helpful FAQs and learn more about student life at Salford by exploring all of our Art and Design courses or, if you have any general questions, please contact course enquiries.
Continue reading to learn more about this BA (Hons) Costume Design with Foundation Year course.
You will:
- develop your creative skills and academic confidence
- familiarise yourself with student life
- prepare to study on one of our degree programmes
This is for you if...
You are enthusiastic and interested in art, design, film, TV and theatre
You are intrigued by the process of designing for production
You have studied art and design and have built up a portfolio of work
All about the course
The Foundation Year will provide you with a dynamic, exciting and collaborative environment in which to become a confident self-learner, with the underpinning skills and knowledge to apply to your studies. You will be taught with students interested in progressing to different art, design and media programmes, and study modules that will help you increase your knowledge and understanding of basic art and design as well as other aspects of creative thinking.
Our strong connections within Greater Manchester’s thriving creative sector mean you will also hear from practitioners working in the industry right now about their journey into the world of art and design.
In the first term you will study modules that introduce the key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design, and help you to develop your study skills such as note-taking and structuring reports. In the second semester, you will further develop your creative practice and be introduced to the creative industries.
The assignments are flexible enough to allow you to interpret and tailor your submissions to your preferred area of study. Tutors will help and support you in creating a portfolio of work to progress onto the BA (Hons) Costume Design here at the University of Salford. You will be integrated slowly into the degree course with opportunities to meet tutors from the BA and by using shared collaborative facilities within our vibrant New Adelphi building.
This Foundation Year prepares you to study on the three-year undergraduate programme here at Salford meaning the duration of your degree is four years in total. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
Following the Foundation Year, you would progress onto BA (Hons) Costume Design.
This course will prepare you to enter the costume industry as a designer and maker across a wide range of professional environments including live theatre, film, television, festivals, dance, and light entertainment and performance. In addition, it will equip you with the skills necessary to work in the areas of costume and wardrobe supervision, costume crafts, music video design and styling, and museums and heritage events.
BA (Hons) Costume Design is built on strong industry links and you will have the opportunity to work on industry-led briefs and collaborate with students from a range of other courses in performance, film production, television, music, and design. The course also includes a 40 credit work placement module in the second year.
The University of Salford has a very hands-on approach to design. Through a series of practical, project-led modules, you will gain a sound understanding of the costume design and production processes and have the opportunity to apply your creativity to a range of situations. You will learn how to analyse and interpret scripts, generate concepts, and present your ideas to industry standard. You will be based at our £55 million purpose-built New Adelphi building which includes extensive design studios, specialist workshops, a 350 seat theatre, rehearsal space, and TV performance and recording studios.
You will develop strong technical and craft skills in workshop practice, including construction techniques, pattern cutting and textile manipulation. This will be supported by a solid understanding of the costume history.
Digital Media Applications
This module helps you to become more familiar and confident with technology. As well as learning creative software and photography skills, it will allow you to explore a creative subject of your choice and give you essential time management and research skills.
Creative Methods
This module will enable you to examine the creative and professional practice of others as a way of reflecting on your own practice. You’ll create a range of outcomes to help you build a dedicated portfolio as well as learning about major influences in art and design.
Creative Risk Taking
This module is all about challenging your creative thought and highlighting the importance of creative risk taking. The briefs allow you to produce a range of outcomes that underpin all of the main art and design disciplines as well as giving you the flexibility to interpret the brief to your area of interest.
Creative Practice Major Project
This module is designed to allow you to bring together all your prior learning from the previous modules. It gives you the opportunity to propose and create your own brief based on a theme, topic, or issue that you are passionate about. Within this module you’ll be supported by tutors who will guide you in creating a meaningful body of work that demonstrates confidence in your chosen area. Your work will be exhibited in the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology's end of year Degree Show.
Introduction to the Creative Industries
This module allows you to explore the creative industries and its career opportunities. You’ll learn about a range of subjects including responsible design and future trends within your chosen area of art and design. It will allow you to build on the technical skills that you gained in the first semester to produce a creative publication.
Design Principles
This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of design and builds your awareness of the vocabulary used within the costume design industry. A design project will allow you to develop your understanding of form, space, colour and materials - the four key elements which make a successful costume.
Production Skills and Processes for Costume
This module aims to introduce you to the skills and techniques relating to costume making and technology, including traditional pattern cutting, draping, garment construction and costume crafts.
Costume Design for Script
This module is designed to introduce you to the framework and working methodologies which costume designers employ when generating concepts for a script. You will gain a valuable understanding of current industry practice as you develop your design from an initial idea through to reality.
Exploring Creative Contexts: Costume Design
This module encourages you to explore, consider and reflect on a range of perspectives in the wider field of creative practice, particularly in the context of your own practice. By introducing key debates in visual culture, this module aims to increase your visual and critical awareness and demonstrate ways in which varied frameworks can inform professional practice in costume design.
Establishing Professional Practice: Costume Design
Developing your understanding of professional practice is a core theme which runs throughout the programme. This module encourages you to start aligning your skills with the identified requirements of the costume design industry and includes an emphasis on communication including traditional and digital skills.
Design Communication and Realisation
Positioned at the end of the first year, this module provides a holistic view of the costume design process and gives you an understanding of the key roles within the costume design, making and wardrobe supervision process. Working in teams, you will work on a simulated live experience or brief to establish and execute wardrobe needs for both the rehearsal and performance of a specific live event.
Costume Design for Film and TV Production
Designing costumes for film and TV brings with it a different set of technical and visual requirements to those of designing for the stage. You will learn about the issues and priorities specific to this medium, and be able to adapt accordingly for any problems that might arise while filming. The module will explore these requirements through a practical design project.
Costume Design for Theatre
Expanding upon the skills acquired in the first year, this module aims to explore the considerations needed when designing and constructing costumes for theatre. Working from a design brief, emphasis will be placed on visualising the script, set and lighting as well as collaborating with a production team, director and the actors.
Developing Professional Practice for Costume Design
Building upon the professional practice skills introduced in the first year, this module looks at business, employability and enterprise issues, encouraging you to reflect upon your own work and ongoing development. This module is also used to identify and pursue placement opportunities for the final module of the year.
Design in Practice
In this module you will have the opportunity to undertake a period of work placement, which enables you to demonstrate and develop your skills while gaining a thorough understanding of working procedures in a professional context.
Responding to Creative Contexts: Costume Design
Further developing your visual and critical awareness of the varied contexts of costume design, this module will enhance your understanding of how cultural, commercial and/or historical issues influence current practice. In addition, you will develop an informed view of the disciplines, the relationships between these disciplines and the wider relationships that can be made to other forms of visual, creative and cultural expression.
Costume for Live Performance
This module requires you to design and make a costume for a specific individual artist/performer within the music, dance or festival arena. Site specific opportunities will also be available. You will be encouraged to develop concepts which effectively communicate and portray key characteristics of the overall theme or message. It will provide you with as close to an industry experience as possible and will encourage you to reflect upon your current skillset, helping you to recognise your strengths and areas of interest, with a view to developing your major project and future career options.
Research Methods for Costume Design
The main purpose of this module is for you to undertake the research and develop a design brief for your major project. You will be required to interpret and breakdown a script, build character analysis, research different approaches and concepts, undertake historical and cultural research and explore visual representation.
Applied Professional Practice for Costume Design
This module supports you in your final year whilst also encouraging you to consider your career options and define your personal objectives. You will take the first critical steps in pursuing your career aspirations by producing a self-directed portfolio of work, which demonstrates your skills, knowledge and understanding via the use of appropriate professional methods and techniques.
Negotiated Major Project
Building upon the work you produced in the Research Methods for Costume Design module, the final self-directed project acts as a conclusion to the course. As such, it enables you to continue in the development of a personalised programme of study, supporting and enhancing your career aspirations. The module also provides a platform for you to initiate engagement with industry over an extended period, providing valuable experience for your potential career direction.
Independent Research Project
The emphasis of this module is on independent research, exploration and investigation. This module provides you with the opportunity to pursue a detailed study of relevant creative, cultural and contextual issues in a subject area that is of particular interest to you. You can choose from one of the four following project options:
- Dissertation
- Original visual work with critical text
- Presentation with extended essay
- Business report
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
BE A PART OF A CREATIVE, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
All our Art, Design and Fashion courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams.
Our Engagement Team coordinates school-wide events such as the Create Student Awards, academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show.
For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service askUS, who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.
Throughout your time at Salford, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it.
Art and Design Facilities
This Costume Design foundation degree course is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.
When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our art and design facilities. These include:
Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.
Maker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.
Photography studios - industry-standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.
Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.
Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.
To see for yourself, take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building.
You’ll also be able to make use of our New Adelphi Theatre. The industry-standard live 350-seat theatre is located in our New Adelphi building. It’s also open to the public, and with its three floors of tiered seating, it’s the largest of our performing spaces.
What about after uni?
This course will prepare you as a professional costume designer and maker, either working for larger organisations or on a freelance/consultancy basis. In addition, the course will provide you with the skills necessary to work in the areas of TV and film production, theatre and performance, including dance, circus and light entertainment. Possible careers include: costume design, costume and wardrobe supervision, costume crafts, music video design and styling, and museums and heritage events.
The nature of the costume design industry means that self-employment is increasingly the norm. As such, you will be equipped with relevant entrepreneurial skills and will be adequately prepared to seek out, secure and undertake work on a freelance basis. In addition, all graduates will have developed the appropriate academic skills to undertake postgraduate study.
Salford has a well-established range of art, design and media courses, all of which boast an outstanding graduate employment record, both in the local design community and recently further afield.
Through strong industry links and a carefully designed visiting lecturer programme, the course will provide you with an opportunity to build a professional network, while your final project will constitute a calling card when seeking employment.
Further study
- MA Media Production: Animation, Children’s TV Production, TV Drama Production, TV Documentary Production, Post–Production for TV
- MA Contemporary Performance Practice
Career Links
The course is supported by the following companies and individuals:
- Jack Thompson (Technical Director for Manchester International Festival)
- Daniella Pearman (Head of costume for ITV’s Coronation Street)
- Alex Saffer (Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor for ITV’s Coronation Street)
- Amy Stokeld (Freelance wardrobe supervisor)
- John Krausa (Freelance costume designer in film and television)
- James Maciver (Freelance costume designer and maker for light entertainment and theatre)
- Rebecca Hodgson (Head of Drama Lime Pictures)
- Emma Dibb (Production Designer)
What You Need To Know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
By applying to this Foundation Year you are applying to a four-year programme - the shared Foundation Year, followed by a three-year art, design or media degree here at University of Salford. The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
APPLICATION PROCESS
In your personal statement (up to 4,000 characters), we would like to know more about why you are interested in Costume Design, what inspires you in the arts and costume design sector, and what you hope to gain from the Foundation Year.
As part of the selection process, you may be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. You may then be invited for an interview with our tutors. If you are called for interview we will send you further guidance well in advance.
GCSE
English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
A Levels
64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification preferred
T Levels
Pass: D or E in core subject.
BTEC National Diploma
MPP including Art & Design
Scottish Highers
64 points including Art & Design
Irish Leaving Certificate
64 points including Art & Design
International Baccalaureate
24 points including Art & Design
European Baccalaureate
Pass Diploma with 60% overall (relevant subject)
Access to HE
Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject)
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How much?
Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £8,505.00 for Foundation Year and £9,535.00 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
Additional costs from £200 (show in final year), £50 (UK optional trip), international optional trips individually costed. You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.