MA Historical Costume at Arts University Bournemouth

Programme overview

MA Historical Costume introduces students with an interest in historical clothing to historical costume practices and the fundamentals of research in dress and costume history, then supports an individual specialism. Projects fall into costume for theatre and film, historical costume making, and curation and heritage.

Faculty: Art, Design and Architecture | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September | Location: Poole, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The course is structured around three consecutive 60-credit units (180 credits). Master's 1 Exploration covers lectures on historical costume across periods and workshops in archival research, sewing, fabric choice, pattern cutting and design for film; Master's 2 Development builds a research portfolio and creative response; Master's 3 Progression emphasises creative output, live projects and professional development.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared to proceed to a professional context in costume or to further research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Usually a BA (Hons) degree graded 2:1 or above, or an equivalent UK or international qualification, in the chosen subject or a related discipline. Applicants without the usual academic qualifications are considered where there is sufficient evidence of potential to achieve the standard of the final award; relevant work experience is welcomed. A portfolio is requested and applicants showing potential are interviewed. Applicants educated abroad or international students may be asked for proof of English language proficiency.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2026/27). Full-time home tuition fee for 2026/27 applicants; registration fee not included Source

International applicants: GBP 19,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time international/EU tuition fee for 2027/28 applicants; separate non-refundable GBP 500 registration fee not included Source

Intake: September

Apply through the official page: https://aub.ac.uk/graduate-courses/ma-historical-costume/how-to-apply

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