Overview
We're delighted that you've chosen to join our creative community at Arts University Bournemouth. We can't wait to see what you'll create.
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Design for Costume and Performance Welcome Guide
Preparing for your course
We're delighted that you've chosen to join our creative community at Arts University Bournemouth. We can't wait to see what you'll create.
Welcome to BA (Hons) Design for Costume and Performance
This welcome pack is designed to give you an idea of what to expect during the first weeks of your course. Please take the time to read it carefully and take particular note of what's required for pre-course preparation. We hope that you'll enjoy a happy and productive time with us, and we look forward to meeting you.
A message from your Course Leader
Congratulations on achieving your place on BA (Hons) Design for Costume and Performance at AUB!
The course will begin with an induction week, when you'll have the opportunity to meet staff and current students, find your way around the university, discover Bournemouth and learn more about studying at AUB.
The course is delivered over 30 weeks with the usual Christmas and Easter breaks. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you settle in to the community.
– Will Hargreaves and Adele Keeley, Acting Course Leaders
Before you join us
The Library at AUB is extremely well resourced and includes all key texts that you'll need. The list below indicates the key texts that will be useful throughout your studies, all available from the Library at AUB.
You might want to borrow a copy from your local library to look at before you arrive.
You'll receive a comprehensive reading list in the Course Handbook when you arrive and at the start of each unit. The books listed below (digital and hard copy versions available in the AUB Library) are suggested to get you started.
- Cunningham, R. (2009) The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design. Illinois: Waveland Press.
- Huaixiang, T. (2004) Character Costume Figure Drawing: Step by Step Drawing Methods for Theatre Costume Designers. London: Focal Press.
- John, B. (2021) Costume Design for Performance. Ramsbury: The Crowood Press.
- Neat, D (2008). Model-Making: Materials and Methods. Ramsbury: Crowood, 2008.
In addition, we recommend that you watch Abstract: The Art of Design (Netflix) – specifically the episodes on Ruth Carter and Es Devlin.
There's no summer project, but we recommend that you practise your drawing, read around your subject, attend some theatre productions, watch some films, and visit some exhibitions and art galleries.
If you'd like to practise your drawing but don’t know where to start, the book Character Costume Figure Drawing: Step by Step Drawing Methods for Theatre Costume Designers (Huaixiang, T. 2004) is highly recommended to develop your costume and figure drawing.
Current student work
Have a look through some of the work our current students are producing to get an idea of the type of work you may be making on our course.
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Accept to viewWhat to bring on your first day
On your first day, you'll just need to bring
- A notebook, a pencil and pen
- Plenty of enthusiasm
- Your ID and documents for face-to-face registration (see the "Next Steps" tab for more details)
- Your Temporary ID card from your Welcome notebook inside cover if you have one
You'll be given a free course induction kit when you arrive on campus.
- Cutting mat
- Plastic set square (45º)
- Propelling pencil
- 1:25 ruler
- Eraser
- Sharpie pen
- Aluminium cutting ruler
- Pritt stick
- Masking Tape
- A4 Sketch book
- A2 paper pad
- A2 plastic portfolio sleeve
- Pack of charcoal
- Aluminium wire
- Block of Sculpey
- Bobbin and Bobbin case for an Industrial Sewing Machine
- Pins
- Needles
- Chalk
- Tape Measure
- Pair of Snips
- Artway S-Tuff Bag
You may also choose to purchase some of the following suggested items:
- A small workbox to store your items – you'll need to carry this kit to and from campus as there is limited storage space in the studios.
- Old clothes/overall/apron
- Steel-toe work boots
- Laptop (we recommend a Mac if you're buying, but if you already have a PC this is also compatible. Laptops are available to hire for a short period of time from the library). The Adobe suite including Photoshop and Illustrator will be provided by the AUB for free.
- Some students like to invest in a graphic tablet later in the course. (Graphic Tablets are available to hire for short periods of time from the course).
- Reusable water bottle
- Some students find that having a domestic sewing machine helpful but not essential.
Digital capabilities
This course uses Apple and Windows computers.
You're encouraged to bring their own laptop and mobile device to AUB to support online learning, collaboration and communication while at university.
Explore more
Next Steps
Find out the useful dates and contact before you start here.
Arrival and your first week
We’re looking forward to you welcoming you to BA (Hons) Design for Costume and Performance. See you in a few weeks!
