Certificate IV in Circus Arts
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts provides an introductory experience into high performance circus arts training, and will equip students with the knowledge and skills to enter preliminary level circus and physical theatre, and to audition for the Bachelor of Circus Arts.
During this one-year course, students will be taught to see the body as their key instrument, and will study and practice conditioning and training, core circus foundation skills, movement and performance skills, applied practices, professional behaviours, health and safety, and circus history and trends.
Graduates of a Certificate IV of Circus Arts will be able to pursue a career as a core circus performer, an ensemble member, and will be well prepared to go into further study.
Information sessions
Further information can be found via:
- NICA website: https://www.nica.com.au/certificate-iv-in-circus-arts-pm-15.html
- Joining our prospective students mailing list: https://www.nica.com.au/newsletter-subscribe.php?form=inside_track
- Contacting NICA directly via e-mail or phone: info@nica.com.au 039214 6975
This course is currently in transition.
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies. To discuss your study options, please get in touch with us today.
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 an introductory experience into high performance circus arts training and develops the skills and knowledge required to begin the journey into circus arts as a career. This course is suitable for aspiring circus artists seeking a more structured training program, a qualification or a pathway for further learning. Students will learn the skills required to develop their own specific training program for their area of specialisation, improve the required foundation skills for a range of solo and group specialisations and create and perform in an ensemble circus performance. The course provides an excellent focussed experience to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to audition for the Bachelor of Circus Arts.
Course structure
The 10824NAT Certificate IV in Circus Arts comprises 12 compulsory units.
All units are delivered at the purpose built facilities located on the Prahran campus of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. The campus includes two award-winning facilities, the first is the Sidney Myer Circus Studio designed by Bates Smart Architects in 2002 and the second is the NICA National Circus Centre (NCC). Designed by Cox Architects & Planners and launched in 2007, the NCC is a12mt high venue that is transformed into a professional performance space with a 350+ seating capacity.
The program is delivered through a mixed mode including a combination of face-to-face workshops, project and group work, and self-paced learning tasks and projects.
There are no pre-requisite units stipulated in this qualification.
Units of study
Work effectively in the creative arts industry (CUAIND311)
Apply work health and safety practices (CUAWHS302)
Develop preliminary level body awareness (NAT10824001)
Undertake preliminary fitness preparation for circus performers (NAT10824002)
Execute core circus foundation skills to preliminary level (NAT10824003)
Execute group acts skills to preliminary level (NAT10824004)
Execute specialty skills to preliminary level (NAT10824005)
Develop preliminary performance skills for circus and physical theatre (NAT10824006)
Develop preliminary movement skills for circus and physical theatre (NAT10824007)
Develop preliminary applied practices for circus performers (NAT10824008)
Plan and execute preliminary small group circus arts performance (NAT10824009)
Explore traditions and trends of circus for application to practice (NAT10824010)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
The skills and knowledge encompassed in the program have been identified by industry professionals as the essential elementary introductory skills in circus, suitable for anyone wishing to undertake work in community or recreational circus, or in circus-based school activities, such as:
- Core circus foundation skills performer
- Ensemble member
- Assistant in properties and bump in/out
Aims and objectives
Achievement of excellence as a professional circus artist is possible only through extensive training. Over its lifetime, NICA has demonstrated a clear commitment to a coherent and academically sound program with pathways for students progressing from certificate levels through to bachelor study.
The NICA suite of programs has been developed to cater for the preparation and nurturing of the circus artist and their capacity to participate in the circus industry at varying levels. The three levels of preparation are detailed in the NICA Circus Arts Education and Training Benchmarks and comprise of: Preparatory, Emerging and Elite (internationally industry ready).
The Certificate IV in Circus Arts sits at the second stage of the Preparatory phase where the preliminary competencies, including conditioning and training, core circus foundation skills, movement and performance skills, applied circus and physical theatre practices, professional behaviours, work health and safety and circus history and trends, are established. Through this preliminary level training, the emerging circus artist develops the capacity for safe and informed circus and physical theatre performance. Students are taught to see the body as their key instrument of practice and develop the skills of reflection in the contexts of physical training and performance-making.
Graduate skills
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 the development of preliminary level solo, partner, and group circus acts
- Participate in the development of preliminary level sequences, physical theatre and ensemble performances
- Provide support, under direction, for performance plans of an organisation, company or troupe
- Take responsibility for own performance and collaborate with others in solo and ensemble circus acts
- Take responsibility for the safety of own and others’ equipment and props
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 2023* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $15,150 | $8,610 | $1,684 |
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 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Find out if you're eligible for a fee concession here.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 930.
Find out more about NICA fees.
Entry requirements
Applicants for the 10824NAT Certificate IV in Circus Arts are expected to:
Have a demonstrated capacity in learning, reading, writing, oracy and numeracy competencies to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
(We recommend the completion of Year 12; including English Units 3 & 4 and Mathematics Units 1 & 2)
AND
Undertake an audition to demonstrate technical and artistic skills in at least three of the following areas to NICA Circus Arts Education and Training Benchmark Introductory Elementary Level E:
- Fitness and conditioning
- Flexibility
- Handstands / balance
- Tumbling / acrobatics
- Strength
- Manipulation
- Demonstration of body alignment
- Movement and performance skills
In addition to the above requirements:
Participants must be physically able to undertake the qualification. Provision of medical evidence of suitability for circus training may be required.
How to apply
Entry into NICA requires an application via Swinburne University of Technology using the Apply Now button on this page - followed by audition, interview and medical assessment.
If you are interested in this course and would like further information about auditions, please sign up to Inside Track for audition information and application dates.
More information about studying at the National Institute of Circus Arts is available at the NICA website.
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply.
Applications to audition for the Certificate IV in Circus Arts will close 25 August 2023.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059