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General Information

Overview

The Bachelor of Circus Arts degree aims to produce graduates with a broad body of knowledge and skills through immersive and experiential practice-based studies in contemporary circus arts. The program provides preparation for further learning and regular opportunities for performance in diverse contexts, to allow students to develop an understanding of the ecology of the wider performing arts industry and their place within. Units in critical studies together with real world learning experiences ensure that students acquire self-discipline, teamwork, advanced communication skills, critical and evaluative skills, resilience and are industry-ready. The Bachelor of Circus Arts is designed to educate, develop and nurture highly skilled contemporary circus artists who can work as independent artists or as members of an ensemble and pursue careers in the national and global circus industry.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Circus Arts requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Introduction to Anatomy and Biomechanics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10001
Foundation Studies in Circus Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10002
Performance and Movement Studies 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10004
Circus Arts Specialisation and Physiology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10006
Performance and Movement Studies 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10008
Introduction to the Technical Aspects of Circus Production
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10009
The History and Application of Circus Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10010
Ensemble and Foundation Studies in Circus Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA10011
Circus Arts Specialisation Intermediate 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20002
Circus History and Culture - Cultural Theory and Representation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20003
Performance and Movement Studies 3
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20004
Circus Arts Specialisation Intermediate 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20006
Performance and Movement Studies 4
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20008
The Contemporary Circus Industry
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20009
Ensemble and Intermediate Studies in Circus Arts 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20010
Ensemble and Intermediate Studies in Circus Arts 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA20011
Performance Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30004
Capstone Ensemble Show
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30008
Arts Management - The Business of Circus
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30009
Circus Arts Specialisation Advanced
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30021
Ensemble and Advanced Circus Arts
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30022
Circus Studies Industry Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		BCA30025
Circus Specialisation Showcase
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		BCA30026

Outcomes and course rules

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate transferable skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in contemporary and traditional circus arts
  • Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise diverse and interdisciplinary circus performances
  • Present elite performances in contemporary circus arts practice
  • Develop, research, analyse and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes through creative, critical and reflective thinking and practice
  • Work safely, independently and collaboratively in the contemporary circus arts discipline in response to project demands
  • Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences
  • Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in the contemporary circus industry

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Circus Arts is designed to educate and train highly skilled industry-ready circus artists who can work as independent artists or as members of an ensemble and pursue careers in the global circus industry.

Professional recognition

The National Institute of Circus Arts is recognised both nationally and internationally as a centre for excellence in training. NICA is a current member of the Arts8 - The national elite performing arts training organisations.

NICA is accredited as a full member of the Fédération Européenne des Écoles de Cirque Professionnelles (Federation of European Professional Circus Schools). NICA is the South East Asian training partner for Cirque du Soleil and has strategic alliances and training partnerships with: Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe, Shanghai Circus School, Belfast Community Circus and Taiwan National Academy of Performing Arts.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Circus Arts graduates must complete 300 credit points comprising:

  • Twenty Three (23) compulsory units (300 credit points)

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Bachelor of Circus Arts?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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