An Australian university is offering a course in make-up for drag artists which promises to "bring out the beauty queen within".

The demand for perfection has grown

The adult education course at Melbourne's Swinburne University is designed to meet growing demand among the country's gay community, a teacher said on Monday.

"There is definitely more to being a successful drag queen than simply wearing the right clothes," said Michael Schifferle.

According to the prospectus, the successful graduate will "become proficient in concealing eyebrows and beard shadows" as well as acquiring sound technique and product knowledge.

Australia's drag queens are world-famous, bringing a splash of colour each year when they celebrate the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

But the work which goes into the glamour at carnival time may daunt many amateurs, as Mr Schifferle, a makeup artist for 10 years and a teacher for the past four, explained.

"We are offering those interested the opportunity to gain an understanding of high fashion and theatrical make-up to design an individual look," he said.

Students prepared to fork out 245 Australian dollars (US $155) for the three-month course in becoming a "glamorous drag queen" are asked to bring tissues, cotton buds, sponges and make-up remover along to each session.