BA (Hons) Costume Production Bachelor's degree at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
BA (Hons) Costume Production at RBCTP. Rose Brufeld College's Costume Production BA trains you in the production and management of costumes for theatre and film, a hands-on pathway into creative industries work.
About this course
Costume Production BA will train you for a successful career in the production and management of costumes for theatre and film. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Costume Production is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at RBCTP. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For General Studies graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 0% in highly skilled roles. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Introduction to Costume Production
Module details
This module lays the foundation for your training and education and introduces you to the principle costume production methods used throughout the programme. In classes and practical workshops, you will be introduced to a range of pattern cutting and costume construction techniques, as well as different materials and the use of key equipment.
- Costume Silhouette and the Body
Module details
The relationship between costume, the physicality of the performer, and historical and cultural ideas of body shape and silhouette is central to costume design and making. This module introduces you to period foundation garments and the support and body-shape they can create. You will use modern methods of manufacture to produce historical silhouettes that can accommodate modern materials and the modern figure. You will research the costumes of a given period and make a corset and foundation gar
- Maker and Designer in Collaboration
Module details
This module draws together your learning from the previous modules in level 4 and prepares you for realised production work in levels 5 and 6. You will be introduced to the various aspects of the relationship between costume maker and costume designer, and you will work on an individual project in collaboration with a designer.
- The Practitioner in Context
Module details
The module lays the foundation for your studies throughout your programme. You will be introduced to learning, researching, analysing and investigation techniques. You will develop key skills that will enable you to become an increasingly independent learner and practice researcher. You will learn a range of strategies for analysing different kinds of source material (such as live and recorded media and performance, scripts, visual material, on-line sources, and books) and techniques for documen
Year 2 4 modules
- Complex Costume Making Techniques
Module details
You will learn a range of craft skills for fabric dyeing, painting and breaking down, and be introduced to the areas of millinery, wigs and hair styles, both in terms of techniques and as elements within an overall costume design informed by period, fashion, character and narrative. The module also introduces you to costume techniques for dance, and specifically the use of stretch fabrics.
- Production Practice and Preparation
Module details
This module provides you with two opportunities at Level 5 of working in a production team on realised productions, which act as a simulation of professional practice. You will either work as a member of a team under the leadership of a Level 6 student and alongside Level 6 specialist manufacturers, or work as part of a wardrobe team with your level 5 peers. You will be allocated duties within the team, and with tutorial guidance work to meet production deadlines and budget constraints. You will
- Period Costume
Module details
You will make a garment in half-scale, using a pattern drawn from a specified published source. Since the garment is not made to fit an individual, the emphasis of the work is on your research and interpretation of period style, techniques and materials, and achieving accuracy of manufacture.
- Costume for Film and TV
Module details
This module will focus on the role of the Costume Standby in a working TV and Film environment. You will start with pulling the costumes and working to the design brief for the characters and move on to dressing, alterations and working on continuity on set. You will be asked to make considered choices about style and the extent to which you create a period representation or a modern interpretation of the costumes needed for the production. The module also requires you to develop and broaden bot
Year 3 3 modules
- Costume Practice
Module details
The module gives you practical experience of the costume production process from design to post-performance. The module allows you to undertake one or more roles (typically two), as costume maker and/or as wardrobe supervisor, so that you can either broaden your experience or focus on one area, according to your career aspirations. Typically you will be working on College productions, and you will negotiate the roles you undertake with your programme tutors, although the final decision will rest
- Industry Study
Module details
This module focuses on the business, industry and professional environments you are likely to encounter as a practitioner. With tutorial guidance, you will select an employment sector to examine in more detail, interrogating the work methods, processes and employment ecology of the sector. Through your placement activity and other research, you will investigate the business model that operates in your selected industry sector. You will research how your businesses and self-employed professionals
- Professional Preparation
Module details
This module focuses on your professional development and will help you to make the transition from study into work in your chosen field. As a professional practitioner you will need to make use of a range of networks and channels of communication, both formal and informal, to find work. You will need to be adept at managing the professional persona you present in written communications, on-line, and face-to-face. Drawing on your experiences and knowledge of the industry acquired previously on yo
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This programme trains you for production and management roles in costume for theatre and film. You'll usually begin with core concepts in costume design and production, supported by research and practical skills. Year 1 introduces the main strands of the subject side by side, helping you understand how costume functions across different media and performance contexts. As you progress, you'll undertake applied projects on real briefs, develop specialist knowledge in areas such as interdisciplinary practice, placement experience, and professional skills, and choose optional modules to broaden your understanding. In your final year, you'll pursue deeper specialism in your chosen focus areas and complete an independent research project that draws together your learning.
Who it's for
You're drawn to costume as both creative problem-solving and technical craft, someone who understands that what actors wear shapes character, narrative and audience experience. You enjoy collaborative work, meticulous attention to detail, and the practicality of bringing designs to life under deadline. If you're curious about theatre and film production, have strong A-levels or equivalent, and want to develop specialist expertise in a supportive college environment, this course suits you. Expect hands-on studio work, industry-standard practice, and opportunities to contribute to live productions.
Careers & job market
Across General Studies graduates nationally, 85% are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. Among those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically range from £24,000 to £30,000 nationally; after five years, they range from £25,075 to £35,400. Costume production graduates enter roles in theatre companies, film and television studios, heritage organisations, and freelance practice. Exact outcomes depend on your choices, location and industry conditions, so speak with the college about alumni pathways in costume and production.
University & format
Rose Brufeld College of Theatre and Performance is a higher education college founded in 1950. The BA (Hons) Costume Production is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English, leading to a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification. The college holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at RBCTP →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally
National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 65% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 80.9% · in work or study 95% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
Combined and general studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
679 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is General Studies right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RBCTP from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £22,800 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check RBCTP’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with RBCTP and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RBCTP
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
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