Costume for Stage and Screen HND

Course overview

Costume for Stage and Screen is a dynamic two-year programme offering intensive, industry-focused training. Designed for aspiring costume professionals, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in both construction and design, using current industry practices.

Students will develop core competencies in:

• Costume design and construction
• Pattern cutting and theatrical tailoring
• Embellishment and millinery techniques

This qualification equips graduates with the skills and experience required to progress to university-level study. It offers a direct pathway into the third year of the BA (Hons) Costume and Performance Design programme at Bournemouth University.

A key feature of the course is a practical work placement, facilitated through PASS’s established industry partnerships. This hands-on experience allows students to work within professional environments, gaining valuable insight into the role of costume in live and screen productions.

Throughout the programme, students collaborate with industry professionals, and many former costume graduates have successfully transitioned into careers within the costume sector. The course fosters a deep understanding of the costume department’s impact on production and cultivates highly sought-after professional skills.

At Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), we have amazing spaces to help you learn and create. These include the modern PASS Studio Theatre, eight dance and rehearsal studios, special classrooms, and a high-tech library and learning centre. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

PASS is in the heart of Edinburgh, known as the world’s Festival City. We work closely with top theatres, companies, and artists. These partnerships give you excellent chances to perform, join creative projects, and learn from real industry professionals.

For More Information, please follow us on:

Instagram: @passcostume

Email: Pass@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Core Skills:

• Practical Skills in Pattern Cutting and Costume Construction
• Decorative Techniques Used to Embellish Costume
• Introduction to the Art of Corsetry
• Millinery/Headwear Sculptural Costume Elements
• Professional Practice Design
• History of Costume

Essential Skills:

• Communication - verbally and digitally
• Collaborative skills - working in groups, pairs and with students from other courses
• Working Independently - class tasks, homework, assessments
• Confidence - presentations in groups and independently
• Creativity and Empathy – group and project-based learning and working
• Critical and Creative Thinking – problem solving and innovation
• Initiative and self-motivation – contribution, leadership, responsibility, being proactive

Placement information

Students are placed with professional organisations for work experience at least once during the course and will also be involved in practical assignments for performance.

This may include:

• In house simulated tasks
• Supporting inhouse productions
• Working Cross collaboratively with the larger Performing Arts Department

How the course is assessed

• Practical Assignments 
• Collaboration work
• Research skills 
• Fittings
• Evaluation
• Observation

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week with additional self-directed study in college workshop rooms and at home is expected.

Entry requirements

Due to the level and practical application required on this course, applicants will be expected to have basic sewing machine skills and at least 1 of the below qualifications:

Essential for entry:

• BTEC National Diploma in Production Arts

• National Diplomas in Fashion Clothing and Textiles

• Two Highers at C or above (subject specific or english preferred)

•  NC Foundation Course in Art and Design

•  Mature students are welcome to apply and will be granted an interview to discuss entry requirements, APL offered based on personal statement and previous experiences.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

To apply for our HND programme please complete the online application form and include the following information, to be considered for an interview. 

Stage 1: Application and Portfolio

• Complete all information asked for in your application including a personal statement and an up-to-date list of your most recent qualifications with evidence.
• Please collate the following information for your Portfolio, this can be produced and brought to the interview as a hard copy or on USB if you have difficulty linking to your application.

Please evidence the following where possible: 

• Your sewing skills – machine and hand. (This could be a garment; an item of costume made for an amateur production or a compilation of sewing techniques)
• Portfolio of drawings (specifically figure drawings and life studies)

Interview Dates: Granton Campus

• Tue 16th December (9.30 - 12.30)
• Wed 14th January 2026 (9.30 - 12.30)

Further dates to be added in the New Year for 2026 Entry

Please email pass@edinburghcollege for more information

Privacy Notice for Performing Arts and Photography Selection

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Courses in Costume Design and Production at various universities
• BA Hons Costume and Performance Design course at Bournemouth University (articulated route)
• Entry route into Queen Margaret University

Career options

Our past students work all over Scotland and the UK in wardrobe departments for both film and theatre. The roles covered vary depending on the establishments, but some examples are; 

• Costume supervisors 
• Costume cutters 
• Wardrobe assistants 
• Dressers 
• Maintenance workers 
• Costume hire assistants  

Some of our alumni work on cruise ships, (looking after costumes for a wide range of entertainments), and others have specialised in costume production. Not all students follow a theatrical path, and the course provides transitional skills which will allow you to venture into;  

• Bridal wear 
• Haute couture 
• Fashion 
• Millinery 
• Corsetry 
• Steampunk 
• Sculptural costume 
• Wigs and cosplay