Certificate IV in Circus Arts
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts provides training in preliminary level circus skills and knowledge. This course is suitable for aspiring circus artists seeking a qualification and as a pathway for further learning. The Certificate IV can be used for preparation for the Bachelor of Circus Arts course, and as an entry level qualification in circus arts.
The National Institute of Circus Arts Ltd (NICA) is Australia’s centre of excellence for training, education and performance in contemporary circus. NICA is one of eight national organisations funded by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts, to train Australia’s professional artists, as part of the National Cultural Development Program. The National Cultural program promotes 'access to and excellence in Australia’s cultural activities'. Achievement of excellence as a professional circus artist is possible only through extensive training.
Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Prahran (January) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts provides training in preliminary level circus skills and knowledge. This course is suitable for aspiring circus artists seeking a qualification and as a pathway for further learning. The Certificate IV can be used for preparation for the Bachelor of Circus Arts course, and as an entry level qualification in circus arts.
The National Institute of Circus Arts Ltd (NICA) is Australia’s centre of excellence for training, education and performance in contemporary circus. NICA is one of eight national organisations funded by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts, to train Australia’s professional artists, as part of the National Cultural Development Program. The National Cultural program promotes 'access to and excellence in Australia’s cultural activities'. Achievement of excellence as a professional circus artist is possible only through extensive training.
Course structure
Students are required to complete the following 12 core units.
Units of study
Develop preliminary level body awareness (CIRFIT401A)
Undertake preliminary fitness preparation for circus performers (CIRFIT402A)
Execute circus basics skills to preliminary level (CIRPER401A)
Execute group acts skills to preliminary level (CIRPER402A)
Execute specialty skills to preliminary level (CIRPER403A)
Develop preliminary performance skills for circus and physical theatre (CIRPER404A)
Develop preliminary movement skills for circus and physical theatre (CIRPER405A)
Develop preliminary applied practices for circus performers (CIRPRC401A)
Plan and execute preliminary small group circus arts performance (CIRPRC402A)
Follow occupational health and safety procedures (CUSOHS301A)
Work safely in the construction industry (CPCCOHS1001A)
Explore heritage and traditions of circus for application to practice (CIRCCI401A)
Undertake preliminary fitness preparation for circus performers (CIRFIT402A)
Execute circus basics skills to preliminary level (CIRPER401A)
Execute group acts skills to preliminary level (CIRPER402A)
Execute specialty skills to preliminary level (CIRPER403A)
Develop preliminary performance skills for circus and physical theatre (CIRPER404A)
Develop preliminary movement skills for circus and physical theatre (CIRPER405A)
Develop preliminary applied practices for circus performers (CIRPRC401A)
Plan and execute preliminary small group circus arts performance (CIRPRC402A)
Follow occupational health and safety procedures (CUSOHS301A)
Work safely in the construction industry (CPCCOHS1001A)
Explore heritage and traditions of circus for application to practice (CIRCCI401A)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts can lead to further circus arts study and to work in community and contemporary circus, traditional circus, social circus, stunt work, corporate entertainment, festivals, teaching and other sectors of the international performing arts market. Graduates would be employed to perform in circus and physical theatre acts at a preliminary level.
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts can provide a pathway into vocational areas such as theatre arts, dance, fitness, live production, and rigging. Graduates may also wish to apply for the Bachelor of Circus Arts.
Aims and objectives
The vocational outcomes for graduates of the Certificate IV in Circus Arts are the knowledge and skills required to:
- Perform preliminary level circus and physical theatre acts
- Participate in development of the preliminary level solo, partner, and group acts and physical theatre performances including sequences and ensemble
- Provide directed support for performance plans of an organisation, company or troupe
- Take responsibility for own performance and collaborate with others in circus acts and ensemble
- Take responsibility for own and others’ equipment, props and safety
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate IV in Circus ArtsEstimated course fees for 2019* |
||
|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | |
| You will need to pay this amount | $13,400 | $7,410 |
Skills First
If you’re deemed eligible, you could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
If you’re deemed eligible, you could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Alternative study methods
| 2019 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year (for full-time students) |
|---|---|---|
| Concession | $1,482 | $1,482 |
Indicative nominal course hours: 856.
Please note: Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2019 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted for this course, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Concession
Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Vocational Graduate Certificate/Diploma students are eligible for a concession or exemption of 20% of government subsidised fees if you meet the following criteria:
- Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander students
- Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Find out more about NICA fees.
Entry requirements
The successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent is the minimum required educational qualification.
Entry into NICA is by audition, interview and successful completion of a medical assessment. Applicants must apply to audition. A video link may be provided by applicants unable to access an audition venue.
Applicants are expected to have a background in areas such as performing arts, physical theatre, youth circus, dance, martial arts, acrobatic
sports or gymnastics.
Applicants must be physically able to undertake the training required. Provision of medical evidence of suitability for circus training may be required.
How to apply
Entry into NICA is by audition, interview and medical assessment. Prospective students must apply to audition. Local applicants who cannot travel to audition venues may apply by video.
To find out more information on the audition process, please visit the NICA website.
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
To find out more information on the audition process, please visit the NICA website.
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059