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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. 

My name is Danny Burns, and I studied with the South Essex College Group. This is my story.

I studied the Warehouse and Storage Skills Bootcamp at Thurrock College, a free, hands-on, employer-led programme designed to give learners the skills employers in the logistics sector are looking for.

I really enjoyed my time on the course. I made new friends and gained the skills and certifications I needed to move into the industry, including an RTITB Forklift Licence and my CSCS card.

Before starting the Warehouse and Storage Skills Bootcamp, I had some difficulty finding a job. However, after successfully completing the programme, Darren and the Logistics team were incredibly supportive and helped me secure an apprenticeship.

I am now an apprentice at Rayleigh Cold Store on their Warehouse to Wheels apprenticeship scheme. This will allow me to gain further industry experience in warehousing before studying for my LGV licence in my second year.

The Skills Bootcamp has given me the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship and take the first steps towards becoming an LGV driver, something I have always wanted to do.

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