Costume Design BA
Study of costume creation for performance, film, television, and digital media, combining historical research, design theory, and practical garment construction to bring characters and stories to life.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy fashion and design
Are interested in theatre or film
Like creative and practical work
Want to design costumes
Pay attention to detail
Popular Career Fields
Film & Television
Theatre & Performing Arts
Fashion & Textiles
Events & Entertainment
Your Personality Might Be:
Historical researcher
Theatre & Performing Arts
Collaborative creator
Theatrical understanding
What is it?
What is a degree in Costume Design?
Costume Design focuses on the design, creation, and interpretation of clothing for performance and visual storytelling.
You’ll learn how costume communicates character, time period, culture, and emotion, working across theatre, film, television, dance, and sometimes games or digital media.
The degree blends creative design, historical and cultural research, and hands-on making skills, including pattern cutting, sewing, textiles, and fittings.
It is ideal for students who enjoy fashion, storytelling, research, and practical craft skills.
Why study Costume Design?
If you’re interested in fashion with a strong narrative and artistic purpose, Costume Design offers a unique creative pathway.
It helps you understand:
How costume supports storytelling and character development
Historical dress and cultural context
Fabric selection, construction, and surface decoration
Collaboration with directors, performers, and production teams
Professional practices in theatre and screen industries
Costume designers combine artistic vision with technical expertise.
Course Summary
Study of costume creation for performance, film, television, and digital media, combining historical research, design theory, and practical garment construction to bring characters and stories to life.
What you'll study
Most Costume Design degrees include topics such as:
Costume design theory and visual storytelling
Historical dress and contextual research
Drawing, illustration, and design development
Pattern cutting, sewing, and garment construction
Textiles, dyeing, and surface decoration
Professional practice and portfolio development
Skills You'll Gain
A Costume Design degree builds strong creative and practical skills including:
Creative design and visual storytelling – enabling you to translate narrative into costume.
Garment construction and technical skills – including sewing, pattern cutting, and fittings.
Historical and contextual research – supporting accurate and imaginative design decisions.
Collaboration and communication – preparing you to work within creative production teams.
Professional practice and project management – equipping you to meet briefs and deadlines.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Theatre, film, and television costume departments
Costume design and making
Wardrobe supervision and costume continuity
Costume sourcing and styling
Fashion and textile-related roles
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Costume Design degrees strongly encourage professional experience.
Some programmes include industry placements, live briefs, or collaborations with theatres and production companies.
Typical work experience opportunities include:
Theatre costume departments
Film and television productions
Wardrobe and costume hire companies
Opera, dance, and performance companies
Assistant roles with costume designers or makers
Universities often support students in finding placements and encourage freelance or assistant work alongside study.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range but Art, Textiles, Fashion/Textiles, Drama, or Design Technology are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show passion for costume, fashion, theatre, film, or storytelling.
Discuss designers, productions, or historical periods that inspire you.
Highlight practical skills such as sewing, textiles, or making.
Demonstrate creativity, research ability, and collaboration.
What to do Next
Build a portfolio showing design ideas and finished garments.
Gain experience through theatre groups, productions, or wardrobe roles.
Visit exhibitions, theatres, and costume collections.
Research courses with strong industry links and placement opportunities.
Wider Reading
Costume Design 101 – Richard La Motte
A practical introduction to costume design for stage and screen.The Costume Designer’s Handbook – Rosemary Ingham & Liz Covey
An essential guide to professional costume practice.The Cut of Women’s Clothes – Norah Waugh
A classic reference on historical garment construction.The Cut of Men’s Clothes – Norah Waugh
A foundational text for understanding menswear patterns and tailoring.Fashion in Film – Christopher Laverty
An engaging exploration of costume and fashion in cinema.