Professional Certificate University Accredited ARTS/CMHS/101
Makeup, Hair & SFX
Create the character the camera sees.
Duration
20 Weeks
Teaching Days
Mon, Tue & Thu
Hours
9:00am – 4:00pm
Location
Accra
Next Intake
October 2026
Tuition
GHS 10,000
Production Fee
GHS 1,000
RCA's Professional Certificate in Makeup, Hair & SFX is a 20-week intensive programme designed to develop practical, industry-ready skills in character makeup, hair styling, wig work and basic special effects through hands-on learning and real production experience.
Students learn to think beyond simply making someone look good. For screen production, makeup, hair and special effects help communicate character, age, circumstance, continuity and story.
This Professional Certificate programme is delivered by Revele Creative Academy and accredited by the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB). Students who successfully complete the programme receive a Professional Certificate bearing both RCA and AUCB.
Curriculum
What You Will Learn
The programme develops the practical skills and professional discipline required to create characters for the screen.
Character Makeup
Developing makeup looks appropriate to character and screen production.
Hair Styling
Preparing and styling hair for characters and camera.
Wig Work
Developing foundational skills in wig making and working with wig materials.
Special Effects Makeup
Learning basic SFX techniques including cuts, scars and ageing.
Character Design
Combining makeup, hair and SFX choices to create a coherent character look.
Makeup & Hair for Camera
Understanding how work appears on screen and applying techniques appropriately for filming.
Continuity
Documenting and reproducing character looks accurately across shots, scenes and production days.
Working on Set
Developing the speed, preparation, hygiene, safety and collaborative discipline required under production conditions.
Practice, Not Theory
Learn By Doing
This is a hands-on programme.
Producing a good result when you have unlimited time is different from delivering it correctly, safely and consistently on a working film set.
Work on real actors and character creation
Apply makeup and hair techniques for camera
Design and execute character looks
Participate in live film production
Learn continuity tracking using mobile phones
Develop speed and efficiency under production conditions
20 Weeks
From Foundations to Production
Film analysis is integrated throughout the programme.
Weeks 1–10
Foundations — makeup, hair, wig making and SFX basics
Weeks 11–12
Production — live shoot with RCA departments collaborating
Weeks 13–14
Review and continuity correction
Weeks 15–20
Portfolio development and showcase
25% of Assessment
Work With Actors on a Live Production
Students take their skills from practical exercises into RCA's production environment, working with actors and collaborating with directors and crew.
Students must prepare the performer for camera, execute the required character design, maintain hygiene and safety, work within production time constraints and ensure that the look remains consistent throughout filming. Production performance during Weeks 11–12 accounts for 25% of the course assessment.
Evidence of Your Craft
Build a Makeup, Hair & SFX Portfolio
By the end of the programme, students produce a professional portfolio including:
Character makeup looks
Hair styling and wig work
SFX applications including cuts, scars and ageing
Before-and-after images
Continuity documentation
Final presentation materials
What You Will Work With
Tools & Materials
Makeup Kits
Foundation, powders, brushes and core application materials
Hair Tools & Products
Combs, styling tools and products
Wig Materials
Caps, lace and adhesives
SFX Materials
Latex, wax and simple prosthetics
Smartphones
Continuity photography and visual documentation
AI Tools
Reference and look development where appropriate
Hygiene, Safety & Professional Practice
Students work directly with actors, skin, hair, products, adhesives, tools and SFX materials. RCA therefore expects students to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, handle tools and materials responsibly, and follow safety guidelines on set. Professionalism here is part of the craft.
Assessment
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is weighted towards practical work and production — because that is how the craft is actually judged.
Practical Makeup & Hair Exercises
25%
Production Performance
25%
Final Portfolio & Presentation
20%
SFX Application Exercises
15%
Continuous Assessment & Participation
15%
Outcomes
Where This Course Can Take You
By completion, students should be better equipped to:
Demonstrate strong foundational makeup and hair skills
Understand character design for film and television
Apply basic SFX techniques effectively
Work professionally on set within a production team
Pursue entry-level opportunities or further training
Entry
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suited to people interested in creating characters visually for film and television. This is not simply a beauty makeup course. You might be:
Someone with experience in makeup, hair, beauty, wigs, fashion or theatre
Someone starting without formal training but with clear creative ability
Someone interested in character, storytelling and continuity
Someone prepared for the demands of screen production
RCA welcomes applicants through both academic and creative/professional entry routes.
View Entry RequirementsFees
What It Costs
Instalment payment is available in accordance with RCA's payment structure. A GHS 250 non-refundable Application Fee is payable when submitting an application.
View Fees & Payment OptionsOctober 2026 Intake
Ready to Create Characters for the Screen?
Orientation Friday, 9 October 2026. Classes begin Monday, 12 October 2026.
