English 
Deutsch Who is the Costume and Make-up Design course suitable for?
The Bachelor's degree programme is aimed at creative individuals who are enthusiastic about design and artistic processes related to costume and make-up. It particularly appeals to those interested in theatre, film, performance, fashion, or interdisciplinary productions. The course is suitable for you if you want to explore the interfaces between art, craft, and society and work actively in the cultural scene, music business, or event sector.
What formal requirements apply for admission?
To be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Costume and Make-up Design, you must meet the following requirements:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification, or a comparable qualification according to § 10 BerlHG
- Alternatively: university entrance for professionally qualified applicants according to § 11 BerlHG
- Proof of German language skills at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- Submission of digital work samples as proof of your creative abilities (for example, photographs of textile works, drawings, collages)
Furthermore, you should bring personal qualifications that are important for academic success:
- Creativity, curiosity, and the ability to implement your own ideas visually and practically
- Teamwork and communication skills, as projects are often realised collaboratively
- A sensitivity for social, cultural, and historical contexts in relation to fashion and design
- Enjoyment of interdisciplinary work and a willingness to embrace new perspectives in the artistic and design environment
- Independent, reflective work as well as openness to feedback and experimentation
What content and skills are the focus of the Costume and Make-up Design degree?
In the bachelor's degree programme Costume and Make-up Design, you engage intensively with artistic, craft-related and professional aspects of costume design. You become familiar with design tools for various fields of application and explore the complex interrelationships between space, body, society, history, culture and fashion. The skills taught include:
- Analysis of social, historical and cultural contexts for scenic design
- Artistic and craft-related development of costume and make-up concepts
- Visual and graphic representation of ideas (sketches, drafts, collages)
- Implementation and presentation of short designs for theatre, film, performance, music and image staging
- Interdisciplinary and team-oriented collaboration with other creative fields
- Critical reflection and continuous further development of own designs
- Ability for experimental practice and application of design tools
A special feature is the project-based study in the fifth semester: here you implement the professional and artistic skills acquired during your studies in an application-oriented project and deepen practical knowledge together with cooperation partners from the Berlin cultural and creative scene.
How is the course structured and organised?
The programme lasts six semesters in a full-time model with the start of studies on 1 October. Central elements of the course structure are a modular setup and practical study projects from the second semester onwards. The schedule includes:
- Introductory phase with fundamentals of artistic design, pictorial staging and costume history
- Early implementation of short designs as 1:1 experimental fields in theatre, film or performance
- Interdisciplinary projects in cooperation with other degree programmes, such as choreography, directing or stage design
- A strong practical semester (5th semester) for independent project study
- Opportunities for internships and study abroad semesters
- Ongoing study support through close supervision and individual encouragement
The study model places particular emphasis on a close linking of theory and practice and on the development of an individual artistic attitude. The location Berlin with its vibrant theatre, film and art scene can be actively used for study projects and internships.
What professional perspectives does the degree open up for graduates?
With the internationally oriented bachelor’s degree, you are qualified for various creative professional fields – both in the artistic sector and in applied design. Typical fields of work include:
- Costume and make-up design for theatre, opera, dance productions
- Design for film, television and video productions
- Design for performance, the music industry, events and advertising
- Artistic interventions in public spaces and intermedial projects
- Collaboration or management in costume departments of cultural institutions
- Self-employed activity in the areas of fashion, costume design or as a freelance artist
- Further qualification through master’s degree programmes – for example with a focus on scenography or fashion
The study location Berlin offers, due to its established theatre, film and fashion scene, diverse contacts, cooperation projects and networks that facilitate career entry and promote individual career paths.
What costs should you expect and how can you finance your studies?
The tuition fees for the bachelor’s degree programme Costume and Make-up Design amount to 650 euros per month. With a standard period of study of six semesters (36 months), total costs are 23,400 euros. The fees include access to all courses, supervision, use of workshops and participation in cooperation projects. You have the following financing options:
- Application for BAföG (state funding for students)
- Funding through scholarships or private foundations
- Options for instalment payments and individual payment models
- Funding through education funds or loans
- Deduction of study costs as income-related expenses or special expenses in income tax
The provider supports you on request in researching suitable funding opportunities.
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