With extremely high employment outcomes, this costume course will equip you with all you need to become a professional costume maker and manager in the theatre, film, TV and entertainment industries. Immersed in world-class facilities, you will gain a solid background in traditional and digital skills in costume making.
Working in small, dedicated classes of six students, youll practise and develop skills in costume cutting (pattern making), fitting and construction, fabric dyeing, art finishing, corsetry, leatherwork, tailoring and millinery.
From your first semester, youll gain confidence by playing a key role in the Seasons of Student Productions, such as costume makers and dressers, collaborating with leading guest artists and students in a professional standard production.
You will learn how to draft and make patterns/costumes for any size/shape and you will learn from tutors and guest practitioners who are specialists in opera, theatre and film costume in Australia and the world to design and make historical and contemporary costumes. These networks will support your career when you graduate.
Having honed your skills in the professionally equipped costume workshop, you will expand knowledge about the functions of a costume department in theatre and film. By third year youll take responsibility for a team as a costume supervisor on the productions. This includes budget management and collaborating with actors, stage managers and costume designers.
To complete your degree, youll take your skills on a placement with leading theatre, opera and dance companies and major film and television studios. You will graduate with a robust skillset, valuable industry connections and confidence about your future.
Careers
Our graduates are employed by Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company, Cosprop (London), Bangarra Dance Theatre, Ensemble Theatre and have worked in live theatre productions such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen, and on movies such as Aquaman, Peter Rabbit, and TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars.
Potential careers
Costume supervisor
Costume maker
Costume cutter
Costume assistant or standby
Theatrical tailor
Buyer
Stylist
Finisher
Milliner
Wardrobe manager
July 2025
National Institute of Dramatic Art
215 Anzac Parade,
KENSINGTON,
New South Wales,
2033, SYDNEY, Australia
February 2025
National Institute of Dramatic Art
215 Anzac Parade,
KENSINGTON,
New South Wales,
2033, SYDNEY, Australia
For all International Students NIDA's general entry requirements for accredited courses are as follows: