With an interest in textiles, design and costume, Keira Dunnett knew that QMU's versatile and well-rounded BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction course would be the perfect fit for her. Not only did she benefit from the hands on nature of the course, but by obtaining the Student and Vice-Chancellor Development Fund, Keira was able to attend an external 8-week Haute Couture Embroidery course! In this Student Story, she tells us about some of the highlights of the course, the professional experience she gained and how the University supported her through her four years with us.
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
I chose QMU after my college tutor enlightened me to the course opportunities available to me following my Higher National Diploma (HND). I completed a HND in textiles, but I always had a keen focus for design and costume, so this course felt like a perfect fit moving forward. The course has such a wide range of teachings, from design and making to practical experience and research, so I felt confident that I would be receiving a well-rounded education.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
The yearly design projects were my favourite part of the course. I also had the privilege of designing a show in my third year. ‘The Winters Tale’, directed by Kate Nelson, was an intense, exciting and educational experience that taught me so much about working in the industry.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
Working on active shows was a really interesting aspect of the course. During my 2nd year, I worked on ‘The Hollow’ and The Brunton theatre’s pantomime ‘Hansel and Gretel’. They were so vastly different and were such contrasting experiences of working in theatre. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn about the historical background of costume through the ages and the history of theatre and staging.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
"The lecturers I encountered during my time at university were all very hands on and made themselves accessible for me to receive support. A few in particular were also extremely supportive and encouraging over my time in the course."
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
I have always struggled with academic writing and research and the university helped me get a diagnosis for dyslexia at the end of my 3rd year of study. Prior to getting a diagnosis, the Disability Team at QMU helped me massively with accessing support for my wellbeing and learning. Having so much support through this time in my life has been transformational, and I cannot express my gratitude enough for the disability team at QMU and the individuals that have helped me.
Did you take part in a placement as part of your course and if so, can you tell me a little about that experience?
"During our 4th year, we took part in a module called ‘Creating Your Career’. This module is designed to get students out into the world of work and experiencing new roles and career possibilities. For this module, I completed a 6-month training course with the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy and Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, to become a qualified hand-made kiltmaker."
I had such an amazing time learning the endangered craft of kiltmaking and I am so grateful for this experience as I was able to re-connect to my culture and heritage as well as learn a new skill.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
I would definitely recommend this course to anybody who wants a well-rounded and practical education of costume design and construction. The course gives you a good balance of educational boundaries and independent learning: you have a lot of creative freedom with some modules, whilst others are more structured. I would also encourage those who need extra support to go after it. It took a few avenues for me to the meet the right people who helped set up support and I’m so glad I kept pushing to get help as it has changed my experience for the better.
Can you tell us about your experience receiving the Student and Vice-Chancellor Development Fund? What did you use it for? How did this enhance your learning and student experience?
"I applied for the Student and Vice-Chancellor Development Fund to request support in completing my dissertation. My dissertation was the research of ‘How embellishment, such as embroidery and beading, be applied to enhance haute couture and bespoke garments’. This involved attending an 8-week Haute Couture Embroidery course ran by Hand and Lock."
The classes were online and offered teaching of tambour embroidery and hand sewing techniques used in the haute couture industry. The support received from the fund allowed me to complete the course, furthering my research for my dissertation. This is something I have been keen to learn since my time in college and I am so grateful for the support in funding the course and my required materials.
If applicable, which University services did you use to support you through your university journey and how did they help you?
I used the disability service throughout my time at QMU and they helped me put support systems into place for my wellbeing. The help they’ve given me over my time at university definitely improved my QMU experience and has set me up with tools, to better take care of myself, moving forward.
Did you attend an online or in person Open Day/Offer Holder day before coming to QMU?
As it was during the first lockdown, I didn’t get the opportunity to attend any in-person events but I did take part in the online offer holder day. This allowed offer holders to get a better understanding of the course and meet the course leaders and it really helped cement my decision about joining QMU.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Don’t be shy to try new things, because even if they don’t work out, it can still be a learning experience.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
I learned an amazing variety of skills during my time on the course but completing this course has also taught me a lot about myself. The most valuable lesson that university has taught me is that I can’t control everything, only myself, and as long as I do my best, that’s enough. This isn’t a belief I had before university. During my time in high school and two years of college, my wellbeing and self-worth was very tied up in grades or how quickly I could do the work. My university experience has taught me that doing my best is enough on its own, being here is already an achievement.
Can you tell us about your life after finishing the course? Or what you are hoping to do in the future?
To further my learning and career development, I would like to take more learning courses, similar to what I’ve completed for my dissertation. Hand and Lock are currently developing extended and more complex courses that I would be interested in after my positive experiences with them through the fund.
Similarly, I also hope to continue working with Gordon Nicolson Kiltmaking in the future, as my completed course offers the opportunity to do so. This could give me future opportunities to continue my love of handcrafting and make good connections within this side of the industry. Long term, my ultimate goal is to develop a business in the fashion sector, that specialises in the hand crafting specialties that I have learned as a result of the funding. I’d love to continue working with QMU and utilising the graduate support to help me achieve this in the future. Something university has taught me is that this goal may change, and that’s okay. Leaving university, I feel I have the wealth of time to try new things and experience different jobs within these industries. Things will come in time; as long as I am positive and try my best, that’s enough for me.
