UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Costume Design
Offered in partnership with Capital City College Group and delivers across our base at Pinewood Studios and Capital City's London campus in Finsbury Park, this Level 4 diploma combines hands-on learning with industry insight to prepare you for a creative, technical, and fulfilling career in film and TV costume.
Our Costume Design course is your backstage pass to one of the most exciting, in-demand roles in film and television. You’ll explore the creative and technical processes behind the clothes on screen — from script breakdown and fabric sourcing to costume construction and on-set supervision.
Delivered in partnership with Capital City College
ABOUT THE COURSE
Important Eligibility Notice:
For September 2026 entry, this course is only available to students aged 18 or 19 on 31st August 2026.
The course is fully funded and free of charge for eligible learners.
Taught by industry professionals currently working on high-profile productions, the course is split between Creative Media Skills’ facilities at Pinewood Studios (approx. 50% of your time) and Capital City College’s Finsbury Park Campus (approx. 50%). You’ll benefit from the best of both worlds: high-spec creative classrooms and proximity to London’s thriving arts scene, plus direct access to the UK’s most iconic working studio.
Our tutors are designers, makers, and supervisors with real credits on productions for Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and more — offering you insider access to the industry’s highest level of practice.
Key Facts
1 Year
£350 Kit Fee
Finsbury Park/Pinewood
Free for those under 19
What will I learn?
Throughout the course, you’ll build a wide-ranging skillset covering both creative design and technical production processes. You’ll learn how to interpret a brief and translate character or narrative into costume — all while working to the demands of a busy set.
Key topics include:
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Garment construction
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Pattern cutting
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Fabric sourcing
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Textile manipulation
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Costume breakdown
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On-set protocols
You’ll also develop essential industry skills like time management, budgeting, and collaboration with other departments — preparing you for a career in screen costume.
Example Modules & Assessment
This qualification is assessed through:
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two internally assessed and verified units (Units 1 & 2)
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one internally assessed and verified unit (Unit 3)
Units 1 and 2 are graded Pass only. The overall qualification is graded based on Unit 3 and is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
You will receive interim feedback as your projects progress and final overall assessment at the end of each submission. The feedback presented is individualised to ensure that each student progresses to the best of their potential.
Entry Requirements & Career Progression
This course is currently only available to those aged 18 and 19.
Requirements:
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5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (including English and Maths)
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1 A-Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification, preferably in a creative subject
All applicants will be invited for an interview to assess their potential and enthusiasm for costume.
Career Pathways: After completing this course, you’ll be equipped for a range of opportunities to start in the industry. Possible roles include
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Costume Assistants
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Makers & Breakdown Artists
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Wardrobe Trainees
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Set Costumers
Many also use the diploma as a pathway to further study at BA level.
“Over the years, the support and opportunities provided by CMS have been immensely rewarding. Patience is key. Careers are a lifelong journey with highs and lows, but it’s all worth it when you’re pursuing your passion.”
Rebecca Jo Lesley
Costume Breakdown Tutor and CMS short course graduate 2016
Funding
This course is run in conjunction with our partner Capital City College, the course will be split between Pinewood and Finsbury Park. This course is funded for students who are 18 or 19 years of age on the date of enrolment.
There is an additional Material Fee of £350 which can be paid through the Online Store.
Please see here for more information on funding from our partner, Capital City College.