Costume designer

You can do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• costume design
• fashion
• theatre design
• costume construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course to get practical skills that you'll need to find a trainee position. Courses include:

• fashion and textiles
• production arts
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Costume Performance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Bespoke Tailor and Cutter Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could get into costume design by working for a company that provides costumes for stage and screen.

Some of the larger companies offer work experience and internship opportunities.

You might also get a job as a costume assistant, then do more training on the job to move into design work.

Experience in the theatre, film or costume industry is highly valued by employers and volunteering is a great way to improve your skills. It's also a good way to meet people and build up your network of contacts.

You could get relevant experience through:

• student theatre and film productions
• amateur theatre
• working as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on TV or film sets
• casual wardrobe work in theatres
• working for a theatrical costume hire company

Career Tips

It's a good idea to build up a portfolio of your work to showcase your creative ideas, design skills and technical ability to potential employers.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join The Society of British Theatre Designers and The Costume Society for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a costume designer from:

• ScreenSkills
• Get into Theatre

As a costume designer, you would:

• work with the production team to understand costume requirements
• research costume styles, materials, location and time period
• produce designs by hand or using design software
• create costumes and accessories
• hire costumes and fit, alter and repair outfits
• make sure costumes are well maintained and stored properly for future use

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a costume designer to be a green job, you could:

• use recycled materials or update old costumes
• work with natural dyes that are non-toxic and biodegradable
• recycle or donate costumes once they are no longer needed

Find out more about green careers

You could work in a theatre, at a film studio, at a TV studio, on a film set or from home.