Celebrating Success 2022: Aniku-Rehman Gul

My name is Gabriel Buckley, and I am currently studying Creative Media & Promotion at University Centre South Essex (UCSE). 

I chose to study at UCSE after seeing one of my close friends thrive on the same course. At the time, I felt stuck in a rut, but something about the course stood out to me in a way nothing else had before, it gave me a sense of direction and possibility. 

Before coming to the University Centre, I spent a year studying Film Production in Lincoln and worked as a chef for five years. Although I initially thought film was my path, being fully immersed in it made me lose my passion, leaving me feeling uncertain about my future. After returning to Southend, I rediscovered my creativity through photography and videography, initially combining it with my work in the kitchen. This soon evolved into a passion for portrait and fashion work, which ultimately led me to this course. 

My time at college has helped me grow significantly, both professionally and personally. It has given me the confidence to trust my abilities, approach new opportunities, and engage with industry professionals. I’ve learned that failure is part of the process, and it has strengthened my problem-solving skills and resilience. I have also improved my social skills, which has been invaluable when networking and collaborating. 

Beyond preparing me for a career, university centre has helped shape my personal development. What started as a hobby has now become a clear career path. I’ve developed the ability to manage multiple projects at once, improving my workflow and multitasking skills across different creative disciplines. 

Alongside my studies, I work as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing on elevating brand promotion by enhancing portfolios and brand identity. I originally started this journey three years ago as a hobby, but over time I’ve built a growing client base and continue to push my work forward. 

One of my favourite memories at college has been organising and taking part in shoots with other students and creatives. Collaborating with peers, working with models, and arranging test shoots, particularly with Matthew David Andrews, has been a highlight of my experience. 

For me, the best thing about higher education is the sense of freedom it offers. It allows you to explore your interests in depth and shape your learning around your individual goals, creating a more personal and meaningful experience. 

I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group and University Centre South Essex. The lecturers are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely make you feel seen, creating a positive and encouraging environment to learn and grow. 

One of my proudest achievements so far is having my work published in multiple magazines, including Artells, ASBO, and Marikas. I have also submitted work to D&AD with Olivia Woolford, which was a particularly rewarding milestone in my creative journey. 

Looking ahead, my ambition is to establish my own production house not just as a space for my own work, but as a platform to support and elevate other creatives. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others and contributing to a wider creative community. 

My name is Rose Hibbert, and I am a 2024 graduate from BA (Hons) Costume Construction at University Centre South Essex.  

I have been sewing for over 50 years. I initially started my career in fashion but later moved into the technology space. I was drawn to my degree with University Centre South Essex because I wanted to explore the creative side of my brain again. The course’s partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera was a massive selling point for me, as it added real credibility.  

During my time on the degree, I used my costumes to communicate my thoughts on societal problems, such as the environment, mental health challenges exacerbated by Covid and the challenges women face working in male dominated environments.

My Escamilla costume, for which I won the RBO prize of Technical Ability, incorporated elements of recycling and tailoring while exploring the narrative of the battle of women working in a man’s world. Escamilla’s plight being not a battle fought in the bullring (as per Carmen's love match, Escamilo) but in the boardroom. 

This story was of particular interest to me as I had a long career in Cyber Security in the city prior to starting the course and felt I had to battle every day to enable successful communication. My city 'costume' became a kind of battle shield. The costume's main influence was high fashion and designer wear, favoured by many CEOs in the financial sector.

The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times – especially with fittings and when dealing with designers. 

I now have a company that alters bridalwear. The owner of the store invited me for an interview after reading my dissertation on how media has affected bridalwear. I’ve found the patience and persistence I learnt on the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course has served me well in my role, as it can be quite challenging when brides lose a substantial amount of weight prior to their dress completion. 

The course has given me the credentials and confidence to make wedding dress alterations, which is a huge responsibility. I’m continuing to learn and I’m supported by the course tutors until this day. 

I’m honoured to have my costumes on display as part of the 10th Anniversary Exhibition at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden. I loved every minute of the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course and learnt a lot about myself throughout the degree.

For anyone considering applying, I would say that you’re never too old to learn something new or to boost your confidence. Go and visit the exhibition – you might learn something new, not just about sewing, but about the world around you.

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Join us and celebrate 10 years of exceptional craftsmanship at the UCSE BA (Hons) Costume Construction 10th Anniversary Exhibition. 

Open to the public and hosted at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden, this inspiring exhibition showcases outstanding graduate work and achievements from the past decade. 

Tuesday 10 March  -  Sunday 22 March
Linbury Foyer, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD

My name is Poppy Hillman-Crouch and I am a class of 2024 graduate from BA (Hons) Costume Construction at University Centre South Essex. 

I discovered the course because I went on the Royal Ballet and Opera House tour of the state-of-the-art Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop tour at High House Production Park. I just loved seeing all the costumes and finding out how all the different elements and departments come together to make a production. 

I was super excited to go to a University Centre with such vast access to the Royal Ballet and Opera store and archive. I wanted to study a course that allowed me to stay close to home while also getting that invaluable workroom experience. BA (Hons) Costume Construction ticked every box. 

I developed a variety of technical and professional skills on my degree that I now use every day as a freelance costume maker and Wardrobe Assistant at Mercury Theatre in Colchester. The most basic technical skills are vital, from using an industry sewing machine and overlocker accurately – as majority of my work is done on these machines – to fitting etiquette, taking measurements correctly and pattern drafting.  

I loved the tailoring unit we undertook as a part of the degree. In my third year, this led me to make a 1950s RAF uniform and Georgian riding habit to fit my Grandparents. They joined me on campus for fittings and photos. It was really interesting to have the opportunity to tailor for different body types, it developed by making skills and it was of course so special to have the opportunity to make for them. 

My time on the degree prepared me well for the industry. Learning from experienced tutors, we gained a lot of insight into technical skills but also professional skills needed to succeed like: 

• Building a portfolio and website
• How to best market yourself to secure work after graduation
• Potential side hustles between projects 
• career progression. 

We also benefited from a lot of visits and talks from industry professionals which gave us great understanding of the many routes our careers could take following graduation. 

My first role after graduation was a Freelance Costume Maker for the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, a 14-week role which ended up being extended for a further 10 weeks as wardrobe maintenance/assistant for the pantomime The New Adventures of Peter Pan. The BA (Hons) Costume Construction course was instrumental in securing the role, as I had previously completed my work experience at the theatre as a part of the degree. I was then asked back to make for two more pantomimes before graduation. This year will mark my fifth year of making for the Mercury Theatre pantomime and I couldn’t be happier. 

I have continued to work on a variety of theatre shows, freelance makes and film work since graduating. I’ve been making all sorts; from creature headdresses and replicate film costumes to ballet bodices and the sparkles of Panto. Most of my work currently is freelance costume making with a sprinkle a bit of theatre dressing and wardrobe assisting. I love how my career allows me to work on a variety of different projects and meet so many lovely, talented people and companies along the way. I am currently working as a freelance maker and wardrobe assistant at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester on their new production of The Manningtree Witches - in association with Frantic Assembly, supported by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions and Mark Gordon Pictures. 

I’ve worked on so many exciting projects since graduating from University Centre South Essex.  Last summer, I work on film replica costumes for Woodsted Studios exhibition which was incredibly. I also have been making Junior Chorus costumes for Mercury Theatre which are super fun. 

My time on the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course has 100% shaped my career. I learned such valuable skills that without, I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today.  It was such a supportive and close-knit course with very talented lecturers and super supportive peers that I am still close with today. It helped me become a costume maker and get into industry. 

The course’s partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera is incredibly important. It gave me such an insight into my future, and being alumni of a university centre with such strong links gave me an added edge when progressing into the industry. 

For anyone considering applying to the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course, I would say to just do it!  You definitely won’t regret it - it gives you a great package of skills to go out into industry, whilst also allowing you to be creative. You choose the costumes you make and get to focus on the areas you love and enjoy. The lectures are super knowledgeable and supportive. 

Everyone should go see the upcoming Ba (Hons) Costume Construction exhibition to celebrate such an amazing achievement. It’s really exciting that the course is turning 10 years old and the exhibition is a real celebration of all the students that have gone through the course. I can’t wait to see it!

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Join us and celebrate 10 years of exceptional craftsmanship at the UCSE BA (Hons) Costume Construction 10th Anniversary Exhibition. 

Open to the public and hosted at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden, this inspiring exhibition showcases outstanding graduate work and achievements from the past decade. 

Tuesday 10 March  -  Sunday 22 March
Linbury Foyer, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD