Costume Design Pathways in the UK

Costume and fashion choices have the ability to transport a production to a certain time period, location or specific setting. Studying for a degree in costume design will allow you to explore the theoretical and practical elements of the discipline. You will come to understand the history of costume and costume design, as well as learning how to apply modern technologies, such as 2D and 3D design software, to the design and construction process.

An undergraduate degree in costume design will give you a foundation of knowledge in the area. You will study modules on the history of costume design, pattern cutting, menswear and women’s wear, performance design and costume construction. These modules will develop your skills, preparing you for a variety of career options.

Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. The costume department at your institution may work alongside other courses such as drama and theatre performance in order to provide opportunities to apply your practical skills to the creation of real costumes. You may also be given the chance to take part in a work placement module or year, allowing you to gain valuable work experience.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can help to influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

• Costume Design for Theatre
• Costume Design for Film and TV
• Period Costume Design
• Contemporary Costume Design
• Garment Technology

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation, submit a final major research project, or take part in a final degree show, this will give you the opportunity to further explore a chosen area of costume design.

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries have different accreditation systems. Typically, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA), with some institutions awarding a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) or a Bachelor of Design (BDes).

Once you have graduated, your career might present you with opportunities to gain further professional or academic qualifications or certifications.

Graduates of a costume design degree will find that there are many different career opportunities available to them. You might choose to work in a role directly related to your degree. This could include a costume maker for theatre, film and television, a costume director, tailor for menswear, a milliner, or a fashion designer.

You will have gained a range of transferable skills throughout your degree. These will be useful in the costume designing industry, as well as being applicable in other creative industries. Skills gained will include idea development, time management, independent working and effective communication.