BA (Hons) Costume Construction

University Centre South Essex

RBO Prize
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The BA (Hons) Costume Construction programme at University Centre South Essex places an emphasis on the knowledge and use of both historical and contemporary pattern cutting, construction, textiles and finishing techniques. Students often study costumes in opera, dance, theatre, musical theatre, performance art, film and television.

Since 2015, the degree has been run in collaboration with the Royal Ballet and Opera in order to give access to some of the most beautiful costumes in theatre. The students have access to the RBO Costume Store and Collections Archives in Thurrock.

RBO Prize

The final project for third year students is called the RBO Prize. The RBO Prize is a competition set by the RBO Costume Department for University Centre South Essex students students. The competition enables students to demonstrate their technical and creative costume-making skills, culminating in a final exhibition in the Linbury Foyer at the Royal Opera House. Two winners are announced each year.

Graduates of the programme have gone on to work at the Royal Opera House in a variety of roles as well as across the costume industry.

RBO Prize 2025

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Jack Day awarded for Creativity and Characterisation
Lucy Simpson awarded for Technical Ability

Gallery

Jack Day - Alice, Model: Erin Fortey, Photographer Jack Day

Lucy Simpson - Pink Flower, Model: Kathryn Fewings, Photographer: Grace Pictures

Megan-Grace Darby - White Rabbit, Model: Amelia Kutrowska, Photographer: Megan-Grace/ Ella Roffey

Amelia Kutowska - Cheshire Cat, Model: Klaudia Suder, Photographer: Amelia Kutrowska

Winter Willow - Lantern, Model: Scout Duffin, Photographer: Winter Willow

Libby Rose - Queen of Hearts, Model: Mia Olivia, Photographer Libby Rose

Jade Burnett - White Rabbit, Model: John Marshall, Photographer: Beccy Price

Erin Fortey - Queen of Hearts, Model: Daisy Pearson, Photographer: Jacob Jepps

Clare Rose - Alice, Model: Lucy Manning, Photographer: Clare Rose

Mia Olivia - Absolem, Model: Libby Rose, Photographer: Mia Olivia

Lucy Manning - Alice, Model: Jade Burnett, Photographer: Lucy Manning

RBO Prize 2024

Poppy Hillman-Crouch awarded for Creativity and Characterisation
Rose Hibbert awarded for Technical Ability

Gallery

Carmen by Poppy Hillman-Crouch, Model: Rebecca Gill, Photographer: Terry Crouch

Escamilla by Rose Hibbert, Model: Lily Bowman, Photographer: Rose Hibbert

Frasquita by Corrine Beaumont, Model: Delga Martineau, Photographer: Corrine Beaumont

Escamillo by Delga Martineau, Model: Tomo Gale, Photographer: Delga Martineau

Carmen by Donna Stewart, Model: Poppy Hillman-Crouch, Photographer: Donna Stewart

Don José by Eden Davis-White, Model: Brandon Davis-White, Photographer: Eden Davis-White

Carmen by Kerry-Louise Childs, Model: Sarah Knight, Photographer: Kerry-Louise Childs

Escamillo by Lindi Dodd, Model: Gavin Dodd, Photographer: Lindi Dodd

Dancair by Lisa Dear, Model: Neil Dear, Photographer: Lisa Dear

Don José by Rebecca Gill, Model: Martin Gill, Photographer: Gavin Prior, Sophie Gill

Find out more

For further information on this degree course, please contact programme leader Emma Bowers.

Find out more about the course Email programme leader