Certificate IV in Circus Arts
Overview
Visualise yourself performing twists, flips and other acrobatic manoeuvres? The Certificate IV in Circus Arts gives you an introduction to high-performance training and develops the skills and knowledge required to begin a career as a circus artist. Learn to develop a specialised training program for your area of expertise and create a routine for an ensemble circus performance. Graduate with advanced skills for solo and group specialisations.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course 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.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Skills you’ll learn
- Conditioning and training
- Movement and performance skills
- Applied circus and physical theatre practices
- Collaboration with others
- Providing support for performance plans
Your career opportunities
- Core circus foundation skills performer
- Ensemble member
- Assistant in properties and bump in/out
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
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
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.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
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.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 5.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 5.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 4 Upper Intermediate level) with overall 65%, all skills 60%
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 65 with no band less than 15
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 42 (no communicative skills less than 36)
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Diploma of Visual Arts
-
Diploma of Sport / Diploma of Leadership and Management
-
Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Course structure
The 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.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work effectively in the creative arts industry
Core unit |
CUAIND311 |
|
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit |
CUAWHS312 |
|
Develop preliminary level body awareness
Core unit |
NAT10824001 |
|
Undertake preliminary fitness preparation for circus performers
Core unit |
NAT10824002 |
|
Execute core circus foundation skills to preliminary level
Core unit |
NAT10824003 |
|
Execute group acts skills to preliminary level
Core unit |
NAT10824004 |
|
Execute specialty skills to preliminary level
Core unit |
NAT10824005 |
|
Develop preliminary performance skills for circus and physical theatre
Core unit |
NAT10824006 |
|
Develop preliminary movement skills for circus and physical theatre
Core unit |
NAT10824007 |
|
Develop preliminary applied practices for circus performers
Core unit |
NAT10824008 |
|
Plan and execute preliminary small group circus arts performance
Core unit |
NAT10824009 |
|
Explore traditions and trends of circus for application to practice
Core unit |
NAT10824010 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$15,760
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$8,960
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$21,940.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$21,940.00
Fees are estimates only
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 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply directly
Entry into NICA requires an application via Swinburne University of Technology followed by an 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.
Applications to audition for the Certificate IV in Circus Arts will close Friday 23 August 2024.
Applications to audition for the Certificate IV in Circus Arts will close Friday 23 August 2024.