BA Costume Design at Wimbledon will introduce you to a full range of professional working practices including some fundamental costume construction techniques for theatre, film and television.

During year one we introduce you to the different aspects of costume design, including technical skills such as sewing, millinery and corset-making. You will also explore working methods and research skills such as the understanding of characters and play texts and theoretical contexts.

In year two you will work on sustained and sophisticated assignments, experimenting through both studio and performance based projects.

In the third year alongside writing your dissertation you will develop your creative practice, usually taking a text or a piece of music as your inspiration. You will also develop a visual language for each project through the design and choice of costumes.

Key Facts

Tutors on the course include professional directors and designers who ensure the development of a realistic working process informed by current practice and debates.

Studying at Wimbledon affords excellent opportunities for work experience.

In the past, students have worked with the Royal Opera House, and freelance professional designers.

The studio projects include costume design for a historical text, basic corset construction, millinery, design for dance and design for fringe theatre.



Year 1

You will be introduced to the different aspects of costume design, including working methods and research such as, understanding of characters and play texts, theoretical contexts and drawing. You will also acquire some technical skills such as sewing, millinery and corset making.

In addition, you will study the historical and social context of the evolution of costume in Western Europe through independent research supported by a 15 week series of lectures.

Alongside your studio practice you will also undertake a Contextual Studies programme coordinated across the School of Theatre.

Year 2

You will work on sustained and sophisticated assignments experimenting through both studio and performance based projects. The Contextual Studies programme continues preparing you for your dissertation. You will take an elective unit, selected from a broad range of options to enhance your core subject of study.

Year 3

You will concentrate on your individual development of creative practice and technical achievement through projects to produce a body of work for your final exhibition. You will usually work from a text or piece of music, analysing the characters and developing a visual language for each project through the choice of costumes. The final year of your Contextual Studies programme will culminate in your dissertation.


Our graduates go on to a range of careers within the theatre, film and television industry, ranging from assistants to supervisors and designers. Others progress to postgraduate study. Recent alumni from Wimbledon include Georgina Chapman, designer for the Marchesa fashion label and Kenny Ho who is currently working with Girls Aloud.

Applicants to the BA (Hons) Theatre course are required to have a strong portfolio of work and be able to meet the following criteria:

• Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and 1 GCE A-level and 3 GCSEs grade C or above
  Or
• BTEC National Diploma or NVQ Level 3, and 3 GCSEs grade C or above
• The College also takes into consideration prior learning and experience, and alternative qualifications.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

Initial Selection Process

All applicants who meet the academic entry requirements / APEL will be invited to submit an electronic mini-portfolio of work consisting of 10 images. You will be provided with further instructions on what is required and in which format, however, the work should provide examples of your costume work, research, development of ideas, finished work and any other relevant material in the subject. Applicants must include costume drawings.

Following examination of the mini-portfolio, you may be shortlisted to go through to the next stage of the application process where you will be invited to an interview with your complete portfolio of original work. This invitation to interview will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track.  

Portfolio Requirements (at interview stage)

• Six costume drawings from a recent design project.
• A good level of drawing abilities (including Life Drawings).
• Demonstrate an ability to understand character in the context of a dramatic situation.
• Show an ability to work with form, colour, texture and space (this should be shown across several projects).
• Show an interest in historical and contemporary clothing.
• Show an interest in collaboration and making performances.
• Feature any previous experience of costume work.
• Include sketchbooks and notebooks.

Costume Design Set Project

Please Note that the Set Project is optional and is a way of producing recent design work, if you wish to.

You should choose one of the following plays (or, alternatively, a play that is equally well known) to design for, completing at least six designs together with supporting work such as costume reference material, character sketches and fabric swatches. You can also include ideas for staging if you wish.

• 'Women of Troy' by Euripides.
• 'Translations' by Brian Friel.
• 'Oh What a Lovely War' by Theatre Workshop.

Please ensure that you work from the play text rather than a video.

Home/EU Applicants

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system.

All Wimbledon College of Art UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our Institution Code is U65.

There is no 'Campus Code' for Wimbledon College of Art.

For further information about the UCAS application procedure, please contact them directly:

Universities & Colleges Application System (UCAS)
T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Wimbledon College of Art Admissions Team.

T: +44 (0)20 7514 9687
E: admissions@wimbledon.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the ccw international apply page for details.

or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk