How to become a costume designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
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
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College
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
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Apprenticeship
To become a costume designer, you could do the:
- Costume Performance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Fashion Studio Assistant 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
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Work
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.
Volunteering
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
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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: