MA Costume Design for Performance

MA Costume Design for Performance is a course where practice and theory will be taught together in a blend of academic and practical skills to reflect new ideas, methods of expression, diversity of cultural backgrounds and analogue as well as digital technologies in performance design. The aim of the course is to develop confident and experimental practitioners who will push the boundaries of the discipline. Through conceptual development, specialised design realisation, theoretical and practical-based research methods, you will explore the role of costume within contemporary performance and recorded media.

The course encourages thinking and making as intrinsically linked processes and an examination of a diverse range of analytical methods such psychology, anthropology, history and culture, social and political contexts utilising technologies from photography, film, fine art, textile and product design, audio, digital and online platforms, realisation and all aspects of performance to create meaningful narratives for contemporary audiences.

You will explore situations and narratives that raise attention to ethical, social and political issues as well as challenge traditional costume practices. MA Costume Design for Performance articulates the value of costume for performance as an important and distinct area of performance research and practice. You will be encouraged to read widely, attend internal and external lectures, events, exhibitions, performances and symposia, engage with UAL research hubs, collaborate across other LCF postgraduate courses and across the University of the Arts. You will engage with other disciplines such as literature, fine art, film, music/sound, dance and science to explore ways to articulate ideas through costume as conveyor of meaning, You will be encouraged to develop independent innovative responses to, and a critique of current costume and performance practices.

About London College of Fashion
London College of Fashion, UAL is a world leader in fashion education. We take pride in a global reputation for our courses, research and graduates that are shaping the future of the industry, driven by values around sustainability, ethical responsibility and social justice. For over a century we have been shaping the leaders of tomorrow and nurturing creative talent.

Our boundary-pushing research unites design, science, engineering and technology and our network of experts work collaboratively with industry, the public and partners to share knowledge and expertise, making a meaningful impact on the fashion industry.

Our home in East London on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park allows us to present a Cultural Programme of exhibitions, events and digital encounters, enriching the local area and helping us to engage with our community in new ways.