Lights, cameras, action! From beauty queens to zombies — it's all here for you. Learn professional techniques of makeup application, wig and hair styling, special effects makeup and the creation of prosthetics to create and transform performers into characters. This course is very hands on, taught by experienced professionals who will share their industry knowledge and insights.
If you dream of working in film, television, advertorial or digital media creating amazing looks and special effects with your makeup skills, this is the course for you! This qualification is the highest in Australia for this field — exactly what you need to get that dream job in this competitive industry as a specialist makeup artist and/or wig and hair stylist.
You'll learn professional techniques of makeup application, wig and hair styling, special effects makeup and the creation of prosthetics to create and transform performers into characters. The brief could be to recreate a look for a particular era; make realistic looking injuries and trauma for a medical drama; create the ultimate glam; transform and/or change gender roles; create a horde of flesh-eating zombies or blood-sucking vampires; age a younger person or take an older person back in years... so many exciting things you could be doing!
Learning is hands on, and this course is taught by experienced professionals who will share their industry knowledge and insights.
Note: This course is best suited for people who already have some background or experience in this field. If you're unsure, please seek advice from the training provider to see whether this course is the right choice for you.
Completion of this nationally recognised and accredited qualification may provide credit towards a relevant higher level qualification or university degree, should you wish to pursue further study in this field.
Training for your screen and media career
In this short video you'll hear from Manuao, an experienced industry professional, who teaches the Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup) at Western Australia's South Metropolitan TAFE. This training may also be available at other TAFEs across WA.
Doing your qualification at a WA TAFE college or accredited private training provider will ensure you're receiving quality, industry standard training to get the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
Find out more about WA TAFEs here
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
Allow your artistic flare to translate into a career you’ve always dreamt of
This 12 month qualification is designed for aspiring makeup artists who would like to specialise in film, television and theatre make-up, special effects, hair and wig styling.
This comprehensive course provides you the opportunity to develop, learn and master the art of character transformation with special effects make-up and prosthetics to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the dynamic world of screen and media makeup services.
You will learn different techniques that suit production briefs for films, television, plays, musicals and opera performances as well as participating in various practical works inside and outside of the training studio.
You will gain hands on experience collaborating with experienced professionals in the field, along with peers who are passionate in this creative industry.
The theatre, film and television industries are developing and growing rapidly with a strong demand for specialist makeup artists. This course will give you the tools of trade required to achieve a successful career path whilst allowing your individual creativity to shine through.
During this course you will be trained by industry specialist Manuao TeAotonga who has worked on Disney Australia’s touring production of Frozen, and designed makeup for famous musicals such as The Addams Family (Zealous Productions), The Little Mermaid (HAMA Productions), Wizard of Oz (HAMA Productions), and more.
Manuao is one of Perth’s leading make-up artists and he also performed on the stage for over 30 years around Australia, with his love of make-up leading him to work behind the scenes transforming the stars.
Become a face and hair beauty expert as you learn professional make-up techniques for catwalk, screen, bridal, as well as hair and wig styling, along with the art of special effects make-up to create the characters you see on the big screen and stage.
This qualification is the highest in Australia for this field – become job ready to begin your career as a professional creative makeup artist.
Hear all about the course from our lecturer, Manuao, by clicking the play button on the video above.
Study in specialised facilities
Gain hands-on experience in our specialised student Hair, Beauty & Massage Student Clinics working on clients and briefs, developing your style, technique and your own creative flair. Follow the clinics on Facebook.
South Metro TAFE students graduate industry ready, with involvement in live events such as theatre productions to build practical on-the-job skills, and in this course you will be offered real-life work experience in the creative industries field, which may include fashion, screen and theatre.
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.