The Royal Ballet and Opera 10 year partnership

Marking 10 years of partnership

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BA (Hons) Costume Construction degree, delivered by South Essex Colleges Group in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera

Over the past decade, 71 students have graduated from the programme with many progressing into successful careers across British theatre, film and television. Their work reflects the creativity, technical excellence and industry-focused training that sits at the heart of the course. 

As part of the partnership, this includes opportunities to observe costumes from the Royal Ballet and Opera’s extensive archive collections, as well as access to the RBO Costume Store and Collections Archives in Thurrock, where hands on access to costumes for research purposes further underpins the fundamentals of the programme. 

The RBO Prize 

A highlight of the final year is the prestigious RBO Prize, a competition set by the Royal Ballet and Opera Costume Department exclusively for University Centre South Essex students. 

Each year, the RBO costume department pick a theme and final year students on the course then choose a character that aligns with the chosen theme and create a costume for them. In addition to the RBO Prizes, students get the opportunity to demonstrate their technical precision, creativity and professional practice  through an independently researched and realised costume based upon a theme, genre and discipline of their choosing.  

Many of the costumes on display have never previously been exhibited at the Royal Ballet and Opera, offering a unique opportunity for students to share their exceptional work with new audiences and to spotlight the artistry and innovation involved in professional costume construction. 

Some graduates from the programme have gone on to secure roles at the Royal Ballet and Opera as well as across the wider costume and performance industries, reflecting the strength of our partnership and the industry relevance of the course. 

About the Course 

The BA (Hons) Costume Construction programme at University Centre South Essex (validated by the University of the Arts London) focuses on developing advanced skills in both historical and contemporary pattern cutting, garment construction, textiles and finishing techniques. Students explore costume drafting, construction and design across opera, dance, theatre, musical theatre, performance art, and film and television, gaining practical experience aligned with industry practice. 

The degree is delivered across High House Production Park and our Thurrock Campus, so students are placed right at the centre of a thriving creative and production environment. 

Find out more about the BA (Hons) Costume Construction programme