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Student Union
When you enrol with us, you automatically become a member of the College’s Student Union.
Run by students, the Union exists purely to improve your experience as a student both academically and socially, and make your time with us exciting and memorable.
Get involved in College life
There are many ways you can get yourself involved in College life, meet other students, make your voice heard and gain important experience to put on your CV. When you enrol with us, you automatically become a member of the College’s Student Union which is part of the National Union of Students (NUS). Run by students, the Union exists purely to improve your College experience both academically and socially and make your time with us exciting and memorable. This membership gives you access to advice and information, discounts on parking, shopping, stationery and many other useful benefits to make living on a student budget easier.
TOTUM cards
As you are a student at the College, you are entitled to purchase a Totum (NUSExtra card) for £14.99 for 1 year or £24.99 for 3 years. This is a must for all students who want to get radical discounts in hundreds of outlets. You can purchase your card online.
TOTUM is the UK's number one student discount card and app. It is the new name for the NUS extra student discount card and your TOTUM membership opens up a world of brilliant student discounts, offers and vouchers on your everyday essentials, must-have gear and luxury items.
In store and online, TOTUM puts over 350 UK student discounts and offers right where you want them – in your pocket. And TOTUM is the only student discount platform endorsed by the National Union of Students (NUS).
There are lots of discounts available depending on your type of membership, from a range of famous online and high street brands and local independents.
TOTUM also is available with PASS-accredited proof of age ID, perfect for proving you're over 18 on a night out.
It’s your Student Union…
…and that means you can take an active part in shaping it. You can put yourself forward for to be an Executive Officer in the annual elections. We encourage you to develop clubs and societies, organise trips, parties and various other leisure and sporting activities.
If you are elected as a student union officer you will be entitled to get a Totum card free. As an Executive Officer you will have the opportunity to attend the annual NUS conference at our expense which can be held anywhere in the British Isles. This will give you the chance to interact with over 500 SU officers. The Student Union also runs various charity events and awareness campaigns, so keep your eyes out and get involved.
At the start of the year, each course will elect a Course Representative, who is invited to attend monthly meetings with the various College Departments and Senior Leadership Team to discuss their opinions and suggestions on behalf of your whole course. Remember, it’s your College and we want you to have a voice in how things happen here! Recently, along with the Student Union, the Course Reps have played a major part in securing parking discounts in Southend, improving the College’s WiFi, ensuring that all courses have all of the relevant equipment that is needed and making sure that prices in the canteen are kept low enough for students to afford.
We are proud of our students and encourage you to gain skills that go beyond your qualifications. We offer you the chance to contribute to College life, helping out with internal College events such as Freshers’ Fairs, Open Days and Award ceremonies. As a student union officer you will also get paid an hourly rate for work that you do for the student union.
In short, being a student at South Essex College is your opportunity to play an active role in our community, make friends, learn new things and ensure your voice is heard.
Check out the Student Union's Facebook page.
Success stories
The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times
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.
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
I learned such valuable skills that without, I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today
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!
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
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.
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.
