UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMACOSTUME DESIGN
AWARD
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
DURATION
2 Years (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
Bring characters to life through fabric, fashion and storytelling. This course is perfect for creative minds who love design, detail and drama.
On this unique two-year course, you’ll explore the art of costume design for theatre, film and TV. Whether you’re sketching ideas, constructing garments, or researching historical styles, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to express your creativity through costume and theatre design.
You will learn about costume construction, sewing techniques, fabric manipulation, pattern cutting and millinery. You’ll also explore how costume supports character and narrative - designing looks that reflect period, personality and performance needs.
Working on live performance projects and collaborative productions, you’ll gain valuable real-world experience by designing and making for student actors or film projects across the School. You’ll use industry-standard tools and materials in our specialist studios, guided by expert tutors who are also active in the creative industries.
By the end of the course, you’ll have built an impressive portfolio that showcases your design ideas, technical skills and finished work — ideal for applying to university, apprenticeships or junior roles in costume and fashion.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Costume Designer or Maker
Theatre or TV Costume Technician
Fashion Designer
Stylist (TV, Film, Theatre, Editorial)
Fashion or Costume Illustrator
Historical Interpreter (Costume and Heritage)
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Specialise in costume design for stage, screen and performance
- Learn practical skills like sewing, pattern cutting and millinery
- Work on live briefs with actors and performers at the School
- Explore fashion history and creative design processes
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C) – (if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
- 1 portfolio of artwork
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern College of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
What’s your favourite thing about The Northern College of Art?
The staff and their support because they want the best for every student, their expert advice has been crucial towards my growth as a designer especially when I had the opportunity to design a denim jacket for Darlington Operatic rendition of 'Everybodys Talking About Jamie' and their advice helped me create something spectacular for the stage.
Tori Pattinson
Level 3 Costume Design
IMAGE GALLERY
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.
LATEST NEWS
July 31, 2026
The Gary Pearson Award (For Breaking Boundaries) – BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design: Sophie Ridsdale
BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design student Sophie Risdale is the recipient of this year's The Gary Pearson Award (For […]
July 30, 2026
Staff Spotlight on Mothlight Studio Co-founder and new Games Art Lecturer Renwar Othman!
Staff spotlight on our newest addition to our BA (Hons) Games Art degree programme, Lecturer Renwar Othman. Joining us from years of […]
July 29, 2026
Illustration Achievement Award Winner Amelie Smith!
BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application student Amelie Smith is the recipient of this year's Illustration Achievement Award. This award […]
July 28, 2026
UAL Extended Diploma in Costume Design students embark on live brief with Raby Castle for 2026 Exhibition!
This year, UAL Extended Diploma in Costume Design students embarked on a live brief with cultural heritage site Raby Castle, […]
July 28, 2026
The extraordinary life of the James Bond designer behind a lasting legacy for future set design degree students
The recently announced six-figure bequest from the estate of legendary production designer Sir Ken Adam and his wife Lady Letizia […]
July 27, 2026
New Graduate joint Award Winner Leoni Dingwall!
BA (Hons) Fine Art student Leoni Dingwall shares this year's prestigious New Graduate Award with fellow student Eva Grinvalde. The […]
July 23, 2026
A-level students celebrate the love story of Ruth and Jim Pennyman in an exciting new exhibition with Ormesby Hall & the National Trust!
A-level students collaborated with the National Trust and Ormesby Hall on an exciting new historical exhibition that explores and celebrates […]
July 22, 2026
Phoebe Lynch Awarded Gold for The Norman Austick Award for Outstanding commitment to BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen!
BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen student Phoebe Lynch is the first gold-prize recipient of a new award […]
July 21, 2026
Costume degree student Ella Taylor works with Preston Park Costume Archive and exhibits at Ormesby Hall
BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design student Ella Taylor is exhibiting her work at Ormesby Hall as part of their […]