Head of Department - Costume Design for Film and Television (MFA)

The National Film and Television School (NFTS)

Beaconsfield Region, London

Salary: Salary in the region of £65,000 per annum, depending on experience

NFTS are seeking a Head of Department for Costume Design for Film and Television (MFA) 

NFTS are seeking a Head of Department for Costume Design for Film and Television (MFA)

Shape a new department at a school as it enters its most exciting chapter. Backed by £10 million in government funding and a growing community of world-class supporters, the NFTS is expanding its campus, increasing student capacity by 25%, and launching new courses in costume design, hair and make-up, virtual production and advanced animation. Construction is now underway on a new building, which is due to open to students in January 2027 and will be home to the school’s new Costume Department and others.

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

The NFTS 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.

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.

Role Responsibilities

Leadership and Teaching:

• Lead and teach on the MFA course in Costume Design, delivering sessions across core subject areas and providing one-to-one tutorial support to students.
• Oversee the teaching programme as a whole, including the scheduling and quality of specialist teaching by visiting tutors and other staff.
• Monitor and review each student’s progress, attend review meetings, and provide rigorous, constructive feedback at every stage of their course.
• Support students in developing the judgement, confidence, and authority required to lead costume departments on complex screen productions.
• Play a leading role in preparing students for life after the school, equipping them with the networks, skills, and confidence to achieve their intended career destinations.

Curriculum and Quality:

• Take ownership of ongoing curriculum review and development, ensuring the course remains current, industry-relevant, and intellectually demanding.
• Maintain and develop a roster of visiting tutors, keeping records up to date and planning course schedules and activities to a high standard.
• Contribute to student selection processes, including interviews or application review, to ensure the school attracts talented and motivated participants.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Engage proactively with colleagues across other NFTS departments to develop shared teaching, workshops, and cross-course initiatives that benefit students.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with industry partners, ensuring the department works collaboratively with the screen sector to create opportunities, relevance, and real-world engagement for students.
• Represent the department positively within the school and beyond, fostering a culture of collaboration, ambition, and mutual respect.

Marketing and Profile:

• Work proactively with the school’s Marketing team to promote the course effectively, representing the course at open days, outreach events, taster days, and other recruitment activities.
• Act as an ambassador for the course and the NFTS to prospective students, industry partners, and the wider creative and academic communities.

Budget and Administration:

• Review and manage the departmental budget in collaboration with the school Management Accountant, maintaining responsible budgetary control within agreed limits.
• Carry out associated administrative tasks in a timely and organised manner, consistent with the smooth running of the courses.

Health & Safety:

• Take responsibility for the Health and Safety of all persons engaged in Department activities, including students, staff, tutors, suppliers and volunteers, and report any H&S matters arising in your department to the Management Team and H&S Manager as required/appropriate
• Working with the Curriculum Coordinator, ensure that all persons engaged by the Department are H&S competent as persons who will be working with and may be responsible for students as young persons
• Ensure that a Risk Assessment is carried out, approved, and implemented for any project or workshop. Tasks may be delegated to staff/tutors, however the duty to ensure compliance remains with the Head of Department and it is the Head of Department’s responsibility to approve Risk Assessments

To apply:

Please send a CV, covering letter and a completed Equal Opportunities form to recruitment@nfts.co.uk.

The Equal Opportunities form is available on the NFTS website.

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The closing date for this position is 10/05/2026 at 23:59