MA Historical Costume

Program Overview

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The MA Historical Costume program fosters advanced practitioners who explore the relationship between historical artifacts and contemporary costume design. Through interdisciplinary study, students develop critical theoretical contexts for their work and pursue research interests in historical costume construction or performance design. The program emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and engagement with industry professionals, preparing graduates for careers in theatre, film, museums, and academia.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview: MA Historical Costume

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Overview:

• The MA Historical Costume program supports and develops advanced practitioners who explore, challenge, and redefine the relationship between historical artifacts and redesigned and interpreted costumes in a contemporary context.
• Students can study full-time from September or January or part-time beginning in September.
• The program encourages students to investigate individual practice within an interdisciplinary framework while developing a critical theoretical context for their work.
• The unique course delivery, through shared lectures, seminars, critiques, and tutorials, fosters a "freewheeling" atmosphere and intense immersion in creative practice.

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Objectives:

• Enable students to follow their research interests at the postgraduate level in historical costume construction or performance design.
• Enrich the wider postgraduate dynamic with individual experience and graduate expertise.
• Allow students to investigate a specific area of study through research in the area of costume history.
• Connect students with a theme and exploit its interpretation and potential to inform their Master's Project 1 and 2.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Historical Costume Construction
• Costume Design Skills
• Scenography
• Dress History

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Program Structure:

• The program consists of two units of study:
• Strategies for Practice: Identification

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Individual Modules:

• Strategies for Practice: Identification: This unit allows students to investigate a specific area of study through research in the area of costume history.
Students will choose and connect with a theme and exploit its interpretation and potential to inform their Master's Project 1 and 2.
• Master's Project 1 and 2: These units allow students to pursue their research interests in historical costume construction or performance design.
Students will develop their projects under the guidance of experienced faculty and present their final projects in an exhibition or performance.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to investigate individual practice within a broader framework.
• The program fosters a collaborative learning environment through shared lectures, seminars, critiques, and tutorials.
• The program provides opportunities for students to engage with external professionals in the field.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Costume Designer
• Historical Costume Maker
• Scenographer
• Museum Curator
• Academic Researcher

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for careers in various sectors, including theatre, film, television, museums, and academia.
• Graduates may also pursue freelance careers or establish their own businesses.

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Career Outcomes:

• The program has a strong track record of graduates securing employment in their chosen field.
• Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in costume design, historical costume making, scenography, and museum curation.

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Other:

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Course Philosophy:

• The program encourages students to develop their own creative voice and challenge conventional approaches to historical costume.
• It emphasizes the importance of research, experimentation, and collaboration in the development of innovative and meaningful work.

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Course Gallery:

• The program features a gallery showcasing student work from previous cohorts.

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Industry Liaison Group (ILG):

• The program includes an ILG, which provides opportunities for students to engage with professionals from the theatre and film industries.

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Course Team:

• The course team includes experienced faculty members with expertise in historical costume construction, costume design skills, scenography, and dress history.
• The team also includes associate professors and senior technicians who provide students with support and guidance throughout their studies.

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External Engagement:

• The program collaborates with leading practitioners and organizations in the field, providing students with access to industry insights and networking opportunities.
• The program also hosts guest lectures and workshops by renowned experts in the field.