Overview

The Costume Studies programme at New York University offers a comprehensive academic exploration of fashion as a vital cultural and aesthetic product. Students engage in rigorous research and analysis, examining the history of dress and textiles within a broad global context. This curriculum was the first in the United States dedicated to educating specialists in this expanding field of visual arts.

The academic experience focuses on fashion as a significant material culture, extending beyond simple garments to encompass all aspects of human appearance. By bridging historical developments with contemporary trends, the programme encourages students to produce original scholarship. Learning is supported by a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on object study, and professional fieldwork.

Why Costume Studies at New York University?

Students benefit from New York University’s location in a global cultural hub, providing unparalleled access to world-class research facilities and institutions. The programme maintains strong links with leading organisations, including the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York. These partnerships allow for direct engagement with renowned collections and expert curators.

The faculty consists of active professionals associated with major galleries and museums, offering expertise in textile history, conservation, and decorative arts. Students participate in field trips and working sessions at prestigious auction houses and historical societies. This immersive environment ensures that academic study is constantly informed by professional practice and high-level industry standards.

Careers with Costume Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the arts, heritage, and media sectors. The programme provides the necessary skills for managing collections, conducting historical research, and interpreting material culture for public audiences. Common career paths for alumni include:

Curators and exhibition consultants
Museum administrators and collection managers
Auction house specialists and appraisers
Archivists and historical researchers
Journalists, critics, and fashion educators
Private dealers and gallery consultants

The mandatory internship component is essential for building professional networks and gaining practical experience in the field. Many students secure positions in cultural institutions or fashion houses following their placements, leveraging the industry connections made during their studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Literature & Methodology of Costume Studies

History of Costume

History of Textiles: The Material of Fashion

History of Fashion Photography

History of Textiles: The Modern Era

Dress in World Cultures

Costume Conservation and Display

History of Costume: Contemporary Dress

Contemporary Design Culture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods View 73 other Masters in Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

Résumé/CV

Statement of Purpose

Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

Proficiency in English

Personal Interview - A personal interview is required for qualifying students living in or close to New York City. For qualifying students living outside the metropolitan area, a telephone interview is required. The program office will notify you if you are a qualifying student and an interview is required.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42534 USD / year

≈ 42534 USD / year
Out-of-State

42534 USD / year

≈ 42534 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

42534 USD / year

≈ 42534 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Costume Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Why Costume Studies at New York University?

Careers with Costume Studies

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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