My name is Gemma Salter, I am 25-years-old and I studied Costume Construction BA Hons at University Centre South Essex from 2016 until 2020 and this is my story.

Before coming to University Centre South Essex, I had completed my A-levels and unfortunately wasn’t able to get into university straight away. From this point, I did a foundation diploma, which allowed me to gain a broader perspective of what the creative industry includes. Once I finished, I was able to apply to university successfully.

Since finishing my Costume Construction degree during the middle of the pandemic, I have been lucky enough to have completed a Christmas season at LaplandUK which was an amazing experience. I have also been accepted into the Royal Opera House costume pool.

I’m currently waiting to start my first dresser role at the Royal Opera House in a new production starting in March.

I will be helping cast members get changed into their costumes as well as assisting with any quick changes that may occur during the production. I will also be setting the costumes for the next performance as well as many other things.

I chose to study the Costume Construction course at University Centre South Essex because of the amazing connection that it has with the Royal Opera House and for the tutors, who are still working within industry whilst teaching students. 

The course has helped me know what to expect in all the different areas of the costume department, which is a lot more than people realise. I was able to talk to people who are in the industry and ask them questions that my tutors might not have specific answers for. Being able to ask them these questions, I was able to find out how they got to where they are now and what I need to do to get there.

The best thing about higher education, in all honesty is everything. Don’t get me wrong there are hard times but the whole experience was the best thing I have ever done. Gaining my degree and being able to do a job I love is a rare thing.

Throughout my course I was constantly learning new skills such as creative pattern cutting, making a tutu with head costumer from the Royal Opera House, learning how to take measurements correctly and learning how to insert a zip into a range of fabrics and costumes.

All the equipment in both the studios is what you would use in most making studios. It only differs if you were in a wardrobe department as there wouldn’t be any industrial machine, however both studios do have domestic machines that would more than likely be in every wardrobe/costume department. Everything that I used and saw in the studios I have seen in the industry.

I don’t think I have just one favourite memory from my time at university. Looking back on my time now, just being surrounded by my best friends every day and tutors that you can just have a chat with is incredible.

University Centre South Essex has been the biggest and most important part of my life, the whole Costume Construction team are one of a kind. They will support you and give you all the advice in the world and back you every step of the way. Every person that works at University Centre South Essex will always have your best interest at heart (even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time) 

While being here my confidence has grown so much. I have always been a confident person with people, but when it came to talking about my work or having confidence in my work, that was always at the bottom of the scale. Since having my work on show in the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House, I have become a lot more confident with the work I produce and the way I talk about my work to others.

My ambitions for the future is to become a costume supervisor/wardrobe manager on the west end for major shows.

If you were to tell me ten years ago that I would have a degree in Costume Construction and come out of it with a job at the Royal Opera House, I wouldn’t have believed you no matter what you said.

For more information on the Costume Construction course, visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/course/costume-construction-ba-hons 

My name is Carrie-Ann Stein, I am 46-years-old, I studied at Costume Construction BA (Hons) at University Centre South Essex from 2016 until 2019 and this is my story.

I trained in law and then changed my career to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Knit at Central Saint Martins.

Before the pandemic closed the theatre industry, I was working as a set and costume designer but now I am studying fine art at the Royal College of Art. It is a pre-master's course in fine art in preparation for a Master’s degree.

I was able to undertake two internships with the Royal Opera House during my degree and my tutors were instrumental in organising additional placements at Grange Park Opera and the National Theatre.

Learning how to make a garment to a professional standard was the most valuable skill because it not only taught me practical employable skills but also how to collaborate and work with a wide range of people from performers  to production directors.

The equipment in the university studio reflected the industry standard, namely the sewing machines, overlockers, industrial irons, draping  stands, enormous pattern cutting tables and great stock of bolts of fabric and  haberdashery.

I found that during my time, the tutors and students were especially generous with their knowledge, and they were fun and inspiring to be around.

The course set me up very well for a career in the theatre industry because of its remarkable combination of practical training, collaboration and direct theatre experience.

2019 was a very good year for me professionally. I won the Costume Society Award; the Royal Opera House Design Prize; and I was a finalist of the Linbury  Prize for Stage Design which led to a bursary to work on the set design of a production at the Royal Opera House (although this was later cancelled due to  the pandemic.)

My time at the university has been instrumental in building narrative skills and helping to compose a scene of characters in a setting. The practical garment- making component of the course has become a unique part of my fine art methodology influencing how I construct an image.

All of this has led to me to an offer to study a Master's in fine art print at the Royal College of Art, which I will be starting in September 2022.

For more information on the Costume Construction course, visit: www.southessex.ac.uk/course/costume-construction-ba-hons

My name is Deborah Wingfield, I am 40 years old, I studied Costume Construction at University Centre South Essex from 2018 until 2021 and this is my story.

I am a mum of four children and I was taking on the odd alteration job here and there whilst running my family. Sewing is a life-long skill I have had since I was eight years old! 

I did a fashion design course when I left school. I had many jobs before having children but none were what I really wanted to do. Although I had my family to raise and this was a full-time job for a period of my life, I managed to make time to be creative and was inspired by children’s costumes. I made costumes for my children and created a side-line of little tutus. 

I came across the course by chance at a time when I wasn’t even thinking about returning to study. I discovered that the course was located only 12 minutes from my house and was in collaboration with the Royal Opera House. I was immediately excited as I could really see myself doing it but I was so nervous. 

I attended the open day and then applied for the foundation pathway course. The course was a challenge to manage around running my family but as it was so near and lots of the elements were practical, I managed to make it work.

I learned historical pattern design and construction, classical tutu making taught by the Royal Opera House makers, conservation techniques, research skills, drawing skills, how to design professionally - making sure to include all relevant information within a presentation. How to work within a group, time management, improved writing skills, how to invoice for the appropriate industries and I even learned how to build a website for my portfolio of work which proved valuable when applying for work. 

During the course I managed to set up an alterations business. I found this a good way to learn how things are put together by taking them apart and putting them back together again. My aim was to finish the course not just with a qualification but with real first-hand experience. 

Having a business and qualifications really did help with finding jobs in the costume Industry. Being a qualified experienced seamstress people seem to trust your knowledge and skills. Having an eye-catching portfolio and website really helped sell my skills. I have designed for the Digby Fairweather’s Jazz centre in Southend for their ‘How Fashion shaped Jazz’ project whilst being on the course and the project is now a feature on their website. Also for one of our last university projects our costumes were entered in to a design challenge competition with The Royal Opera House. This meant that all work up to a high standard could be entered and would be displayed at the theatre in Covent Garden and would be displayed on the ROH website. 

Since completing my course I have continued to work within my own bridal alterations business.

I have worked for Sevenoaks Panto for just over a month as wardrobe supervisor. I was running costumes for a total cast of 20 people, this included four band members, eight dancers and eight principles. I spent the first week arranging fittings with the cast and adapting/altering their costumes. When the show began I was managing the maintenance and up keep of the costumes. I had also created a costume track/plot and was responsible for overseeing back stage quick change/dressing roles. This was my biggest achievement yet as the show continued to go on during a risky time as covid19 was a big threat and other theatres were closing.

I took on some work experience with Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix (a contact made through the course) on her UK tour. I gained experience in assistant stage management duties as well as learning a dressing track and how to prepare for a show and relevant technical information.

 My current position is one of four designers for a low budget film. I was quite nervous about the interview as I aimed for the highest position. But once I had showcased my previous designs and explained my journey so far – my experience in different areas of costume, how I had managed to run my business between jobs and that now I would really like get my teeth into designing professionally, this really helped with my confidence.

If it wasn’t for this course, I wouldn’t have come so far as I have today and hope to keep growing with experience and gaining work in future productions. I gained so much confidence in my work and developed my skill set with professional industry guidance. In the future I would like to design/make for TV and film.

The best thing about doing further or higher education is reaching the finish line and having a huge sense of achievement and being able to own having completed a degree programme and that is yours forever.

The staff at University Centre South Essex were very supportive especially through the pandemic. It’s a great place to study with everything you need to help you progress through the course. 

My time at the University Centre help me with  professionalism- how to write, email and speak more professionally in presentations and interviews. I suffer with on-going anxiety so these skills are just as highly valuable as my practical skills also built on throughout the course. I have been able to turn a hobby into a successful profession.
 

My name is Georgia Nichols ,I am 23 and in my second year of the Costume Construction BA course, and I am hoping to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Garment Making.

I am currently doing an apprenticeship, working at the Royal Opera House in the ladies costume production workroom. My job requires making costumes for new opera and ballet productions at the Royal Opera House. I applied for the apprenticeship when I saw it online. At my interview, I did some simple sewing tasks and brought in a portfolio of a few things I had made. There's a wide variety of types of costumes that we make, some days we're all working on tutus and some days they are big ballgowns! 
 
Before my apprenticeship, I was working an unrelated administration job and taught myself how to sew for fun during lockdown. The apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to enter into my dream career, which I didn't think would be possible without doing a four-year university degree.
 
I chose to study at South Essex Colleges Group because the Costume Construction BA course is closely tied to the Royal Opera House, which is why it's the course the apprentices are put on so it gives you incredible opportunities you wouldn’t get elsewhere.
 
I've learned a lot of new techniques during my time at college. It's really useful to get as many different types of guidance as possible. It's really important to have multiple different methods of doing things, taught by a wide diversity of different people, both in the workroom and at college. I like to pick and choose which methods I want to use in my work, and it makes me a better maker.

The best thing about doing higher education is the space to experiment and ask questions to further my craft. Taking the time to really understand things is really important for my learning. I've learned a really wide array of technical sewing skills which have proved really valuable every day, both from college and my workplace. Working across both environments has also given me experience in adapting to different work places and styles, my teacher will do something different to my workroom manager, so I get to experience both sides of that and broaden my knowledge.
 
My greatest achievement so far, is when I spent six months in the Royal Opera House men's workroom, and just completed an 11-week tailoring unit in college, and I'm really proud of the advancements I've made in tailoring specifically since I started my apprenticeship. It's a tricky craft, and I really didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I do, but it's my favourite part of costume now!
 
I'm looking forward to freelancing after I graduate in August this year. I want to get as much experience as possible, and I'm excited to branch out into doing some film costume as well as continue my theatre journey.

My name is Charley Finding and I am a Class of 2020 First-Class BA (Hons) Costume Construction graduate.  

What initially drew me to apply for the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course was the idea of bringing together two of my greatest passions: creating cosplay costumes and Musical Theatre. I have always been interested in the performing arts, particularly what happens behind the scenes, so this course felt like the perfect opportunity to turn my creativity into a career.  

The partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera gave me confidence that this course would be an opportunity to learn from an incredible area of the industry.  Ultimately the connection is the reason I was able to break into such an incredible industry, one that keeps me excited and inspired every single day. The course and its partnership opened the door to an amazing future, and I’m incredibly proud of myself for taking that leap.  

During my time on the course, I developed a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills that I now use every day in my professional life. I learned how to communicate effectively within a studio and workshop environment, manage my time efficiently and consistently work to a high standard of finish.   

One of the highlights of my second year was a creative pattern cutting project themed around drag artists. This project stood out to me because, as someone who has always been creative, it was my first opportunity to be fully immersed in the design process and have complete creative freedom over what I produced.  

I feel the course provided us with a wide range of experiences, both in practical costume-making techniques and in developing the interpersonal skills needed within the industry. I also appreciated the honest conversations about the challenges costume makers can face in the creative world. Understanding how the industry works before graduating is so important, and I always felt supported and well prepared by the course leaders.  

After graduating, my first role was as a Costume Revivals Casual at the Royal Ballet and Opera. This came after several months of searching for external work, which at first was disheartening. However, as someone with no prior professional experience in the costume industry, joining the Royal Ballet and Opera gave me the opportunity to learn at the highest standard while developing confidence in a supportive environment.  

In February 2025, I joined WhiteStar Costume, a maker’s studio specialising in theatre, film, TV and entertainment. I am now a core Team Member, focusing on creative and varied construction techniques. In a short period of time, I have developed my skills far beyond what I imagined possible, and I am incredibly grateful to be working in such an encouraging and inspiring environment.  

Since graduating, I’ve really enjoyed using my skills for personal creative projects. A particular highlight has been creating cosplay costumes inspired by Starlight Express, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It has been a real joy to reinterpret the stunning original designs by John Napier, incorporating my own creative additions. These costumes capture everything I love about theatre, they are imaginative, whimsical and fun, while also being technically challenging to construct using a wide range of materials.  

If you’re thinking about applying for the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take that step. Whether you already have experience or are just starting out, it’s an amazing opportunity to grow your skills, build confidence, and create real career prospects for the future.  

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 Ballet and Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD  

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.