With practical experience at the top of her priority list, Claudia Alibrando decided that the Costume Design and Construction course at QMU was the best choice for her. In this Student Story Claudia shares insights and advice for those considering the course, as well highlights of her time with us, including the support of the teaching staff, and the industry-based experience she benefited from during her studies!
Why did you choose to study at Queen Margaret University?
I decided to study a QMU because when looking at the different options in Edinburgh, QMU’s costume course seemed to be the best option for introducing students into the work environment throughout the four years, ensuring a strong professional preparation.
What interested you about your chosen course?
What attracted me the most about my degree was the opportunity of learning a wide range of skills related to the costume industry; from designing to making, all the way to working backstage with actors. The idea of studying and learning to cover different roles within the costume department, rather than specialising in a single skill, seemed more useful and practical.
Why attracted you to study in Edinburgh?
I came to Edinburgh on holiday with my family while still in high school, and the beauty of the city caught my attention. Later, discovering that the Scottish government, prior to Brexit, covered the tuition fees for European students, made possible my decision to come to the UK and apply to university here.
What have you most enjoyed about your course? What has been the highlight?
I really enjoyed the diversity of the course. As previously mentioned, being able to cover different roles throughout the course of the four years, slowly upgrading level and skills has been captivating and interesting, helping me shape and focus my interests.
"The highlight was probably having had the opportunity to design costumes for a play in 3rd year, and then seeing them being made by a team of students and worn by actors on stage. Considering that my main aim would be to be a costume designer, having had the chance during my studies to experience and learn how to cover the role on smaller scale was exciting and insightful."
Have you participated in a course activity you found especially interesting?
I thought learning to make puppets was particularly interesting. I think it’s such a particular skill to have. When making puppets there is a lot of creativity, engineering, and experimentation involved; it was really interesting exploring and learning about such skills.
How have your lecturers supported your learning?
Lecturers have been amazing throughout the whole duration of my university experience. They always provided excellent support to us students, being understanding and supportive.
Have you taken part in a placement as part of your course and if so, what was your experience?
In the last two years I worked often with EUSOG, the Edinburgh University Opera Society, gaining extracurricular experience.
"Last December I had the great opportunity, thanks to one of my lecturers, to work as wardrobe assistant for an arena touring production."
The production was called Elf the Musical, and throughout the whole month of December we toured arenas in England. It was an amazing professional and personal experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, quite unique in its format and staging.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for this course?
My advice would be make the most of the variety of the course, being open to the different types of experiences you get to do during the four years, not closing yourself to a singular and specific skill. Take it as an opportunity to really explore the world of costume and the different career paths it can lead to.
Have you been a part of any extracurricular programmes (e.g. mentoring or volunteering) during your time as a student at QMU? If so, how has it helped you develop skills and experience?
As previously mentioned, I worked multiple times with EUSOG, covering the role of costume manager/supervisor. Working with smaller university productions which involved big casts and multiple costumes was an incredible experience. It really helped me understand how to be in charge of a team, deal with other production members, meet deadlines, and compromise with directors’ requirements. I have found working for these productions a smaller scale version of what the role of a costume supervisor in more professional environment really is, making me feel prepared and equipped with the skills and knowledge needed.
What QMU student services have you used to support you through your university journey and how have they helped you?
I have often used the Effective Learning Service (ELS), especially when I first started approaching essay writing, but I even used it to get help and advice on some parts of my dissertation. Studiosity is another service I continuously used and loved, being able to send essays at 9 in the evening and get feedback the next morning was extremely convenient.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Probably by curious and willing to explore. This is the moment to experiment covering different roles, learning new skills, and making mistakes. Take the opportunities that come to you and give it a go; even if you are unsure whether it might be something you enjoy or hate, you might be surprised!
What has been the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned at university?
Thanks to my course I have learned to respect and appreciate the professional hierarchies and where my role sits within a specific environment. My tendency is to lead and I often have strong creative ideas; learning to understand when they can come into play or when I need to sit back and let other people lead was probably the most valuable lesson I have learned.
What are you plans after graduation?
After graduation I am planning on travelling for about a year, to take a break and recharge after so many years of studying and working. Afterwards, I will probably be looking for a master’s degree possibly in the UK, as I would love to become a costume professor at university. Alongside my future studies, I will try to gain more work experience in the costume field, starting from wardrobe assistant and/or supervisor, hopefully working my way up to affirming myself as costume designer.
