Costume construction alumni, Carrie Ann Stein, shares her story on life after university

My name is Claire Burgoyne, I studied Access to Art and Design followed by a BA (Hons) Fine Art at South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) and University Centre South Essex (UCSE), and I graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Fine Art.

I chose to study at SECG and UCSE because of its convenient location and a recommendation. It proved to be the right decision, offering a supportive environment where I was able to fully develop my creative practice.

Before returning to education, I managed a breakfast club in a primary school and worked in a café. My journey into higher education marked a significant change in direction, allowing me to pursue a long-standing passion for art and creativity.

Since completing my degree, I have been developing my practice as an artist. I was selected as an Artist in Residence at Leigh Community Centre, where I facilitated community art groups and engaged with local audiences. I have also exhibited my work in a number of exhibitions, including The Essex Open at the Beecroft Gallery. I am now working towards further study, with the goal of completing an MA in Fine Art or an equivalent qualification.

During my time at SECG and UCSE I developed confidence in public speaking and learned how to use digital tools and applications that were previously unfamiliar to me. The course also strengthened my writing, presentation, and communication skills, particularly when discussing my own artistic practice. In addition, I gained valuable curation experience and a strong understanding of the language of Fine Art, giving me the confidence to work in gallery environments.

Beyond professional skills, my time at college had a lasting impact on my personal development. It helped me build confidence and resilience, and I formed meaningful connections with others who shared my passion for art.

My favourite memory from my time at UCSE is the overall experience of being part of such a creative and supportive environment. Spending time in the studio, taking part in critiques and presentations, attending artist talks, and visiting galleries all played a role in shaping my development and made the journey very enjoyable.

For me, the best thing about higher education particularly studying Fine Art is the opportunity it gives you to grow and evolve your artistic practice. It encourages exploration, critical thinking, and the development of your own voice as an artist.

I would highly recommend SECG and UCSE, the tutors are incredibly supportive and always make time to help and the smaller class sizes create a more personal and encouraging learning environment. Tutors such as Matthew Chambers, Andrew Graves, and Cherry Sandover were especially knowledgeable and instrumental in my development.

My greatest achievement, aside from my children, is earning a First Class Degree in Fine Art. During my studies, I was also proud to receive the Hannah Miller Award (2024) and the St Mark’s Green Award for Sustainable Ideas in the Arts (2025), which recognised my work and commitment to my practice.

My journey through higher education was not without its challenges. In my final year, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Despite this, I was determined to continue and completed my degree just before undergoing surgery. Although I was unable to attend a satellite exhibition in Walthamstow, my fellow students ensured my work was included, reflecting the strong sense of community and support throughout the course.

Looking ahead, my ambition is to continue developing my artistic practice and complete an MA in Fine Art or an equivalent qualification. I am excited to see how my work evolves and where this journey will take me next.

My name is Lisa Dear, and I graduated in 2024 from the BA (Hons) Costume Construction Degree at the University Centre South Essex (UCSE), delivered in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera and UAL.

After undergoing cancer treatment in 2017, I felt a strong desire to do something purely for myself that would open the door to a possible career change. When I saw an advert for the course, I knew it was worth exploring. The idea of expanding my sewing knowledge while gaining a degree in something I truly loved felt like the perfect opportunity. 

Studying costume, rather than fashion, really spoke to me. After attending an open day at the Purfleet studio and seeing the displayed costumes – including a tutu - I knew I wanted to learn how to create pieces like that. The partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera was a huge draw. Having access to the costume stores of such a world-renowned institution was a huge attraction, and meeting the tutors further confirmed it was the right choice for me. 

Practical considerations were important too. I needed to continue working alongside my studies, and with the Grays and Purfleet studios located on my train line, the course was accessible and manageable around my job. 

Throughout the degree, I developed a wide range of technical skills including pattern cutting, tailoring, tutu construction, fabric dyeing, and interpreting a design into a finished garment. 

One of the highlights of my studies was undertaking a work placement at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Purfleet, where I worked on tutus for Cinderella. Logging my time during projects also gave me valuable insight into time management and how to charge clients appropriately – an essential professional skill in an industry where many costumiers are self-employed. 

My personal project was another standout experience. I collaborated with students from hair and makeup, photography, and other courses, as well as booking space at The Backstage Centre to complete my final shoot. It gave me a real understanding of the teamwork required to bring a creative vision to life. Seeing my work displayed publicly for the Royal Ballet and Opera Prize, and later at the end-of-year show with family, friends, industry professionals and the public in attendance, was incredibly special. 

I quickly realised that university was quite different from what I had expected. It’s very self-directed;, you truly get out what you put in. With the support and encouragement of the tutors, and a personal drive to create beautiful costumes and achieve strong results, I found myself pushed in directions I hadn’t thought possible. That challenge helped build my confidence and expand my abilities far beyond what I imagined at the start of the course.  

My journey wasn’t straightforward. I originally began the course in 2018 but had to postpone my studies due to medical reasons. I restarted in 2022 and completed the degree in 2024, despite undergoing major surgery in my final months, and working 26 hours a week in an office role. There were times I didn’t think finishing would be possible, but every obstacle was overcome. I completed additional English qualifications during my first year, reduced my working hours with the support of my employer, and received financial support through student finance to make it achievable. 

Although I’m not currently working full-time in the costume industry due to ongoing health and financial considerations, I’ve completed several small commissions for friends and family. One of my favourites was creating an Angel Gabriel costume and wings for my friend’s daughter’s nativity – a project I’m especially proud of. 

One of my greatest honours has been having my Costume in Art piece selected to be displayed as part of the course’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden. To know that my work will be seen by the public in such an iconic venue is something I never imagined when I first applied. 

While I may not yet have a costume career, earning a degree in collaboration with the Royal Ballet and Opera and UAL is one of my proudest achievements. It’s the dream I never knew I had. 

If you’re considering applying to the BA (Hons) Costume Construction, I would absolutely encourage you to have it as one of your options. The facilities and tutors are excellent, and the exhibition is a wonderful way to see the range of skills students develop and to hear more about their experiences. 

It’s one of the hardest but best things I’ve ever done and I’m grateful I was able to start, pause, and ultimately finish what I began. 

Former South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) student, Tommy Davis, now a successful freelance director, is hoping to raise enough money to make a new TV series entitled Cash in Hand, based on the working class struggle in Essex, before pitching to major broadcast networks later this year. 

Tommy, from Rayleigh studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in TV and Film Production and achieved the Extended Diploma in 2015. He chose to study at SECG because he wanted to develop his passion for filmmaking and learn the craft in a professional environment with like-minded creative people.

He said: “Before coming to SECG I’d always had an obsession with cameras and making films, from shooting home videos as a kid to creating skateboarding films with my mates throughout my teens.

“SECG gave me the confidence and the skills to become a more intricate filmmaker, with detailed study of all three stages of production;  planning, shooting, and editing. My time there built my confidence and gave me the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others.

“The equipment at SECG was fantastic; from a full blackout TV broadcast studio for multicamera with live vision mixing, to using the studio as a professional film space with overhead lighting rigs.” 

After completing his course Tommy went onto study at London South Bank University, and now works as a freelance film director specialising in music videos and branded content, working with artists, musicians, brands, and record labels around the world.

His job entails directing, producing, and overseeing all aspects of film production; from concept and shot listing to shooting and editing. 

He said: “I progressed to my current position by building up my portfolio step-by-step, starting with small videos, then working with bigger artists and brands and continually developing my craft.”

Tommy said that his favourite memory of being at SECG was: “Knocking about with mates and sneaking into the big red auditorium on lunch breaks to watch music videos and Jackass”

He said that his greatest achievement has been: “Travelling the world directing, working with incredible artists such as Stormzy, high profile brands and being nominated for awards including the UK MVAs, the NME Awards, and the Young Arrows for Best New Director. 

“My ambition is to get my television pilot Cash in Hand commissioned into a full series”. 

A teaser video posted to social media has already gained more than 100,000 views and Tommy has launched a fundraiser to get it off the ground. The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”.

You can support the project by donating here: https://igg.me/at/CASHINHAND/x/18239410#

Take a loook at our updated Film and Television Production course Creative Media Production (Television and Film Production) Level 3 Extended Diploma