Key information
Start dates
March
July
Bring characters to life through costume design.
Offered in collaboration with TAFE SA*, this is one of only a few Costume Design degrees in Australia. Costumes are a key part of stage and screen productions, but are also used in cosplay, children’s entertainment, dance and competitions. Whatever your passion, you’ll learn how to design and construct costumes to create memorable looks, and gain a highly practical understanding of the costume industry.
*TAFE SA RTO Code: 41026
Gain design skills
Master industry-leading design software such as Clo 3D, and other new technologies that address sustainability.
Showcase your designs
Your designs will be on the catwalk! In your final year, you'll take part in the largest single fashion parade event in South Australia.
Interdisciplinary connections
Connect with other creative artists (including film, performance and dance) to get a taste of real-life collaboration in the industry.
Do you imagine your costume designs on stage or in blockbuster movies?
Our graduates have gained employment around the world, and their designs have featured in films, operas, theatre productions, music videos and TV series, including Heartbreak High. They've also gained employment at places like the Australian Ballet, State Opera and Festival Theatre. You’ll be studying towards an exciting career, like one of these:
Costume technician
A costume technician ensures costumes or clothing are constructed to the highest standards. They translate design sketches into technical patterns, select suitable materials and oversee fittings and adjustments. Their work bridges creative design with practical manufacturing, ensuring garments are functional, durable and visually accurate.
Costume designer
A costume designer creates clothing and accessories that help define characters in film, television, theatre or live performances. They research historical periods, collaborate with directors and actors, and sketch or source garments to reflect the story’s setting, mood and character development.
Sources: Seek Australia, 2025 | Economic Research Institute Australia, 2025
Costume buyer
A costume buyer sources and purchases clothing, fabrics and accessories for film, TV or theatre productions. They work with costume designers to meet creative visions, stay within budget and ensure timely delivery. Their role requires organisation, negotiation skills and a strong eye for detail and historical or stylistic accuracy.
Wardrobe manager
A wardrobe manager oversees all aspects of costume and wardrobe management for a production. They organise fittings, maintain costumes, supervise dressers and ensure continuity and cleanliness. Working closely with designers and performers, they manage costume changes, repairs and storage, ensuring everything runs smoothly during rehearsals and performances or filming.
Costume maker
A costume maker constructs costumes for film, theatre or television based on designs provided by a costume designer. They use sewing, tailoring and pattern-cutting skills to create garments, often working with various fabrics and materials. Attention to detail, craftsmanship and knowledge of historical and contemporary clothing styles are essential.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Connect with industry.
You will benefit from our strong connections to industry that will provide you with practical, real-world industry experience through placements.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
In our Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion), you will gain theoretical knowledge, as well as knowledge about sustainability practices and innovative digital technology, including CLO 3D. You will explore design, illustration, garment construction, manual and CAD patternmaking, plus gain hands-on practical skills that will set you apart in the fashion industry.
Our Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design) is one of only a few Costume Design degrees in Australia. Costumes are a key part of stage and screen productions, but are also used in cosplay, children’s entertainment, dance and competitions. You will learn how to design and construct costumes to create memorable looks, and gain a highly practical understanding of the costume industry.
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Unlike some professions which require an undergraduate (or even postgraduate) degree prior to entry, a degree is not required for aspiring costume designers. However - and this is really important to remember - studying costume design gives you an advantage by introducing you to a network of people you might have never met otherwise.
Our teachers are well-connected to the fashion and costume industry, and your fellow students could be your future collaborators. At Flinders, you'll join a welcoming, creative community.
There are plenty of career opportunities to explore! You could become a costume designer, costume maker, stylist, garment technician, costume buyer, pattern maker, wardrobe manager and more.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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