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

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

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

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

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of the fine arts
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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

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