Full Breakdown
Edinburgh College of Art to Close Performance Costume Course Amid Student Petition
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Course Closures Announced
Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) will cease accepting new students into its Performance Costume degree from 2027. The decision also includes the termination of two additional programmes—Textiles and Jewellery & Silversmithing. Existing students are permitted to finish their studies, but no further enrolments will be possible for any of the three courses.
Background & Context: Institutional Changes and Programme Reductions
The University of Edinburgh took over ECA fifteen years ago. Since then, the university has begun “teaching out” roughly 90 courses across the campus, a process that involves phasing out programmes deemed unsustainable. The Performance Costume course, credited by many alumni for launching careers in film and television costume design, is among those slated for closure.
Impact on Students and the Creative Sector
Costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins, a graduate of the Performance Costume programme, warned that the loss of the course could alter career pathways for aspiring designers. Current students will be able to complete their degrees, but prospective entrants will need to seek alternatives elsewhere, potentially reducing the pipeline of specialised costume talent for UK productions.
Official Response and Petition Effort
University officials have confirmed the planned closures as part of a broader curriculum review. In reaction, a petition calling for reinstatement of the three degrees has amassed more than 16,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern from students, alumni, and industry professionals.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 90 courses are being “taught out” by the University of Edinburgh.
- The three affected programmes are Performance Costume, Textiles, and Jewellery & Silversmithing.
- The petition to reverse the closures has gathered over 16,000 signatures.
- The closure to new applicants will take effect in 2027.