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Bachelor of
Creative Arts (Costume Design)
Entry requirements
Key information
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Start dates
March
July
IELTS Overall
6.0
Speaking: 6.0
Writing: 6.0
Pearson Overall
50
CRICOS code
115225E
Duration
3 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
City
Start dates
March
July
Annual fee
$35,500 (2026)
About these fees
*Core topics are taught in the Adelaide CBD at the Adelaide College of Arts , TAFE SA Adelaide city campus and Flinders city campus with some electives offered online or at Bedford Park. View the Study Program for more information.
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.
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world
THE World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
Ranked No.1 in SA
in Creative Arts for full-time employment, student support and teaching quality
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
Five stars in Creative Arts
for full-time employment and student support
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)
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:
Salary
$88K
typical salary in Australia
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.
Salary
$72K
typical salary in Australia
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.
What will you study to start your career in the costume industry?
Study a variety of core topics and electives, and get hands-on with garment production.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
GENERAL
In your first year, you'll study core topics.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Art, culture, and the history of fashion and costume
- Academic and professional communication
GENERAL
In your second year, you'll study core topics and electives.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Introduction to the creative arts
- Costume industry project
- Textile theory and practice
- Digital process for garment design
- Advanced design and garment construction process project
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll study core topics and electives.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Advanced design, pattern making and garment construction project
- Pattern making, design and construction project
- Costume creative and performing arts project
- Design and construction projects
Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Creative Arts.
By pursuing further study in costume design, you’ll put theory into practice by developing a major creative work. Plus, you’ll develop strong research skills by developing a research question related to your creative product.
Ranked No.1 in SA
in Creative Arts for full-time employment, student support and teaching quality.
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate))
Five Stars
in Creative Arts for full-time employment and student support.
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world
The World University Rankings 2023 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities
Get inspired.
Watch our previous parades for graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design).
Visionary Voyage
View the highlights from the 2025 Bachelor of Creative Arts Fashion and Costume Design Graduate Parade, Visionary Voyage.
Bloom
Be inspired by the unique designs of our Fashion and Costume Design students as they present their graduate parade - Bloom.
“Going on a study tour to America was a real highlight of my studies. I was lucky enough to go to New York and Los Angeles as part of the tour and learn about theatre and film costuming. One particularly stand out moment was going to a quick change workshop run by a real Broadway dresser. We were told all about the little costume secrets that help run a show."
Alex Stephens
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design)
Alex Stephens
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design)
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Helen Jansson
After completing her Bachelor of Fashion (Honours), Helen worked in the fashion industry in Melbourne for 15 years. Her final role before moving to SA was the Creative Director of Davenport Industries.
With a portfolio of epic projects such as a fashion parade in a Boeing 747 as it circled Sydney for the launch of Virgin Underwear, Helen began teaching at TAFE SA in 2005 and became the Principal Lecturer in 2011.
She was instrumental to the development of the unique Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design) and the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion).
Connect with industry.
You will benefit from our strong connections to industry that will provide you with practical, real-world industry experience through placements.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
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.
[Answer to go here]
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, 2024. 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 | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| 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) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University