Coming off the back of the 2026 Academy Awards, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced a major expansion of its curriculum to champion the crafts that define cinematic world-building. Two brand-new specialist programmes—a Costume Design MFA and a Hair and Makeup MA—will welcome their first students in January 2027.
The new courses will be the flagship programmes of The Cubby Broccoli Building, a state-of-the-art facility currently under development at the NFTS Beaconsfield campus. This expansion aims to meet the surging demand within the UK’s high-end TV and film industries for highly skilled department leads.
Iconic Mentorship in Costume Design
The two-year Costume Design MFA is launched with the prestigious backing of three-time Oscar winner Sandy Powell (The Favourite, The Aviator). Powell has not only advised on the course’s development but will also serve as its ambassador. To ensure the craft remains accessible, the school has introduced The Sandy Powell Scholarship to support emerging talent.
“Costume Design is the art of creating characters and storytelling, combining the disciplines of craft, psychology, diplomacy and most importantly, collaboration!” says Powell. “The industry needs skilled designers more than ever.”
Advanced Training in Hair and Makeup
The one-year Hair and Makeup MA represents a unique partnership with the world-renowned Iver Makeup Academy. Led by Elizabeth Tagg, the course bridges the gap between technical craft and senior leadership. Students will master high-level skills in prosthetics and wigs while learning the "above-the-line" essentials of budgeting and team management.
NFTS Director Jon Wardle emphasized that these disciplines are "essential to the language of visual storytelling," noting that the collaboration ensures students gain access to best-in-class industry practice.
Applications for both courses are now open. Prospective students for the Costume Design MFA are particularly encouraged to apply for the Sandy Powell Scholarship to receive financial support throughout their residency.
