Head light failure

Ford escort 1.4L 1992 226k
while driving all of a sudden my headlights went out with a loud click and the battery light on the instrument panel came on. I turned every thing off then went to start it up and the oil and battery lights did not come on the instrument panel but started fine. The side lights and indicators are also fine but I dont have dipped or main beams from the headlights. I have checked the fuses which are all fine. I think this problem could be down to a number of things such as possibly the altinator, headlight relay or even the battery. I dont have much mechanical experience or the tools to do much with the car and it would be greatly appriecated if someone could help point me in the right direction as to the possible cause of the headlight failure and if possible list some costs for me please.
thankyou very much in advance