NFTS Launches The Sandy Powell Scholarship For New Courses In Costume Design And Hair & Make-Up
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Carl Roberts 
NFTS expands its screen craft training with new costume design and hair & make-up courses. These are supported by the Oscar-winning Sandy Powell and The Iver Makeup Academy.
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has announced the launch of two brand new specialist courses in Costume Design and Hair and Makeup. This marks a significant expansion of the School’s world-leading training for behind-the-scenes screen craft.
The new courses will launch in the Cubby Broccoli Building, a key development at the School’s Beaconsfield campus. Set to open in January 2027, this building will serve as the focal point of the School’s expansion. It will feature accessible facilities specifically designed to nurture the next generation of creative talent, particularly those working in film, television, and games.
The announcement of the new courses follows this year’s Oscars, which recognised the vital contribution of craft disciplines such as costume design and hair and makeup in shaping cinematic storytelling and world-building on screen.
WORKING WITH SANDY POWELL
To mark the launch of the two-year Costume Design for Film and Television MFA, the NFTS has worked with three-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell, who has closely advised on the development of the new course. In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the craft, the NFTS is also launching The Sandy Powell Scholarship. This scholarship will support future students studying Costume Design. Sandy has designed some of the most visually stunning and iconic films of recent times. For example, she worked on The Aviator, Cinderella, The Favourite, Mary Poppins Returns and The Wolf of Wall Street.
The new one-year Hair and Makeup for Film and Television MA, The NFTS will deliver the course, utilising the specialist expertise from The Iver Makeup Academy. Elizabeth Tagg, the Principal of the academy, will lead the course at the NFTS. The course will combine the NFTS’ internationally recognised screen training with advanced teaching in professional hair, makeup, wigs and prosthetics. This training will draw on The Iver Makeup Academy’s extensive industry experience.
The new courses will attract their first students in January 2027. Responding to the increasing demand across the UK screen industries for skilled specialists in costume, hair, and makeup. These disciplines play a vital role in character creation, visual identity, and historical authenticity in film and high-end TV productions.
JON WARDLE
Jon Wardle, NFTS Director, said:
“Costume Design and hair and makeup are essential to the language of visual storytelling. The launch of these two new courses represents an important step in ensuring the UK continues to nurture world-class talent in these vital disciplines. We are particularly honoured to welcome Sandy Powell as Costume Design ambassador and to launch a scholarship in her name. Sandy’s incredible career and commitment to the craft are an inspiration to the next generation of designers who will emerge from the NFTS. The Hair and Makeup MA benefits from the specialist expertise of The Iver Makeup Academy, ensuring students gain access to best-in-class professional knowledge and industry practice.”
SANDY POWELL
Sandy Powell, Costume Designer, commented:
“Costume Design is the art of creating characters and storytelling, combining the disciplines of craft, psychology, diplomacy and most importantly, collaboration! The opportunity to support emerging talent through the NFTS is incredibly meaningful, particularly at a time when the industry needs skilled designers more than ever. I’m honoured to work with the School on this new course and excited to help support the next generation of costume designers through the funding provided by The Sandy Powell Scholarship.”
ELIZABETH TAGG
Elizabeth Tagg, Course Leader and Principal of The Iver Makeup Academy, added:
“Most hair and makeup training focuses purely on craft and working in junior roles within departments. The step from junior artist to supervising is a very different skill set. Artists must understand budgeting, team leadership and how their department collaborates with production, costume and visual effects teams. This course was created to provide that progression. Through The Iver Makeup Academy’s collaboration with NFTS, students train within a real filmmaking environment while building relationships with other departments and an exceptional alumni network – preparing them for the next generation of supervising and designing roles in film and television.”
Applications for both courses are now open. Aspiring Costume Designers are also encouraged to apply for The Sandy Powell Scholarship, which will provide financial support to an outstanding student for the duration of their two years of training.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
