Historical Costume MA
Arts University Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Historical Costume
Arts University Bournemouth
Historical Costume and Dress History
Program Overview: MA Historical Costume
The MA Historical Costume at Arts University Bournemouth is designed to introduce students with a pre-existing interest in historical clothing to a range of historical costume practices and the fundamentals of research in the field of dress and costume history. It encourages you to develop an individual specialism aligned with your own artistic and professional aspirations, allowing you to demonstrate an advanced level of research and creative output.
At the beginning of the course, you develop a grounding in different approaches to historical costume, including archival research, historical making, and costume design and styling. You are then supported in developing individual research projects that tie together a specific element of costume with detailed research into a specific historical period.
The programme encourages you to develop projects with regard for diverse, ethical, and sustainable practice in the creative industries. Student projects and interests span creative directions including costume for theatre and film, historical costume making, and curation and heritage.
Key Program Highlights
- Specialist MA combining historical dress research with hands-on costume construction, design, and heritage curation
- Interdisciplinary learning within AUB's Graduate School alongside students from a breadth of MA disciplines
- Staff expertise in Historical Costume Construction, Costume Design Skills, Scenography, and Dress History
- Opportunities to integrate live projects into Master's-level research, gaining real-world professional experience
Curriculum and Course Structure
The MA Historical Costume is structured around three consecutive 60-credit units, each representing an equally weighted phase of study. The curriculum progresses from broad exploration of historical costume practices through to individually devised research projects, culminating in a professional-level creative output.
Master's 1: Exploration
60 UK CreditsThis unit exposes you to the sweep of different historical costume directions covered by the course. You receive lectures outlining the basic shape of historical costume across a range of time periods and geographical contexts, alongside workshops in archival research, basic sewing skills, fabric choice, pattern cutting, and design for film.
Master's 2: Development
60 UK CreditsIn this unit, you identify a specific area of interest linked to a historical and geographical costume and develop a research portfolio and creative response. You engage with academic literature and theoretical and contextual reading on costume, facilitated through seminar teaching, using an individualised Learning Agreement.
Master's 3: Progression
60 UK CreditsThis final unit follows the same research area as Master's 2, with more emphasis on creative output and professional development. You are supported in linking projects to future work in industry or research, and you present your work in an appropriate professional context such as an exhibition, website, show, screening, or publication.
Archival Research and Dress History
Integrated across all unitsThroughout the programme, you engage with archival research methods and dress history scholarship. This strand develops your ability to critically reflect on and contextualise your practice within the broader discipline of historical costume studies.
Reflective Practice and Critical Writing
Integrated across all unitsIn each unit, you develop a reflective written component alongside your body of creative work. This aids your evaluation of your learning journey and processes, building the critical and analytical skills expected at postgraduate level.
Professional Development and Live Projects
Integrated across all unitsYou are encouraged to engage with live projects throughout the programme, providing real-world experience that is invaluable to future career aspirations. This strand demonstrates how rigorous research can be integrated into professional practice.
Specialist Creative Directions
Admission Requirements
The MA Historical Costume welcomes students from a variety of creative and academic backgrounds, including costume, fashion, textiles, theatre and performance design, and the broader humanities. To apply, submit your application through Uni4Edu, and our team will guide you through the entire process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationBA (Hons) degree graded at 2:1 or above, or equivalent UK or international qualification in a related discipline
- Relevant BackgroundBackground in costume, fashion, textiles, theatre/performance design, or humanities including arts and performance
- PortfolioA portfolio of creative work demonstrating your interest and ability in historical costume or a related field
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your research interests, creative aspirations, and reasons for pursuing the MA Historical Costume
- Non-Standard EntryApplicants without standard qualifications may be considered if there is sufficient evidence of potential to fulfil course objectives
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0 with no sub-score less than 5.0
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 (scores must be less than two years old at course commencement)
- Pearson PTEEquivalent score accepted; contact Uni4Edu for current requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Arts University Bournemouth offers several funding opportunities for international postgraduate students. These scholarships are designed to recognise and support creative talent within the global student community. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and application procedures.
International Postgraduate Scholarship
Up to GBP 3,000Available to international students classified as overseas fee payers who have been offered a place on a postgraduate course at AUB. The scholarship is awarded for the duration of the programme to support creative talent.
AUB Postgraduate Progression Bursary
GBP 5,000Available to current AUB undergraduate students or recent AUB graduates who progress onto a postgraduate programme. This bursary provides significant fee reduction for continuing students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Historical Costume are equipped with advanced research, design, and making skills that open doors across the creative industries. The programme prepares you as an advanced, skilful, and reflective practitioner in historical costume, ready to proceed to a professional context or further research. AUB's dedicated Careers and Employability Service provides ongoing support through coaching appointments, industry events, and the AUB AdvantageCareer Hub.
Potential Career Roles
Potential Employers and Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist creative arts institution with a strong reputation in the UK. Founded in 1880, it became a full university in 2012 and has been recognised for its specialist education in art, design, media, and performance. AUB was awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023) and continues to climb national league tables.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, Transport, Travel and Heritage Studies | National Rankings | #2 |
| Business and Management | The Guardian | #23 |
| Business, Management and Marketing | Times Good University Guide | #50 |
| Art and Design (Specialist Institution) | Complete University Guide | Top 5 in South West England |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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