Head of Department - Costume Design

Shape a new department at a school entering its most exciting chapter

First established in 1971, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has evolved into one of the world's leading institutions for film, television and games. Consistently named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top international film schools, the NFTS is the UK's premier training ground for creative talent, and right now, it is in the middle of its most ambitious expansion in its history.

Backed by £10 million in government funding and a growing community of world-class supporters (including Netflix, the Walt Disney Company, Sky, Channel 4, ITV, Prime Video and All3Media) the NFTS is expanding its campus, increasing student capacity by 25%, and launching bold new courses in costume design, hair and make-up, virtual production and advanced animation. Construction is now underway on The Cubby Broccoli Building, a spacious new facility named in honour of the legendary Bond producer and due to open to students in January 2027. The building will be home to the school's new Costume Department and others.

A new department, a defining moment

The new MFA in Costume Design for Film and Television is one of the exciting new courses of this expansion, and a direct response to industry demand for highly skilled costume designers and supervisors. This practice-led, two-year full-time MFA will prepare students for professional work at the highest level of film and high-end television. Working closely with directors, producers, cinematographers and production designers on live NFTS productions, students will develop advanced craft skills, creative authorship, and the leadership required to run costume departments on complex productions. They will graduate with a professional portfolio, two substantial realised garments, structured industry work experience, and a practice-based dissertation.

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding screen costume professional to lead this new department from the ground up. As Head of Department, you will shape the curriculum, build the team, forge industry relationships, and create the culture of a brand new area of provision within one of the world's most respected film schools. This is a rare opportunity to build something genuinely new, in a moment of genuine institutional momentum.

About you

You will be an experienced costume designer with a strong track record in film and/or high-end television, and a passion for developing the next generation of talent.

To apply for this role and for the full job description, please visit our website.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 10th May 2026

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We're an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.