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Bachelor of Circus Arts 

CA10     


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time Undergraduate 3 years full-time Prahran (January (NICA))

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is a centre of teaching excellence for professional education and training in contemporary circus arts. NICA is incorporated as an independent not-for-profit subsidiary company of Swinburne University of Technology. The curriculum was developed following extensive consultation with the circus and physical theatre industries.
 
NICA's core program is a three year Bachelor of Circus Arts incorporating a Dipoma of Circus Arts and an Advanced Diploma of Circus Arts. 

The Bachelor of Circus Arts is a vocationally oriented degree aimed at providing talented performing artists with the skills, knowledge and creativity to take their place on a national and world stage in the field of contemporary circus and physical theatre. The degree also prepares artists to manage their own artistic careers in the world arena by providing sound arts business knowledge, leadership skills for the arts arena, research and academic skills and opportunities for innovation and experimentation with style and form.

NICA strives to produce highly employable, skilled and creative artists who will be respected nationally and internationally in the global circus and physical theatre industry. Graduates’ destinations demonstrate that they are employed as professional circus artists.

The current Bachelor of Circus Arts is a specific agreement between the TAFE Division and Higher Education Division of Swinburne University of Technology and the Federal Government through the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA.).

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The key objectives of the Bachelor of Circus Arts are to produce graduates who:
  • are professional artists prepared to take their places at a national and international level in professional circus and physical theatre industry in a range of contexts and become leaders in the next generation of circus professionals
  • have a high level of academic understanding of circus both current and historical
  • are able to integrate modern business plans and strategies into their own work in the circus industry
  • can capitalise on the demand for circus performers locally and internationally

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The contact hours in the Bachelor of Circus Arts are higher than other degrees because of the intensive education process. The acquisition and performance of circus skills require continual repeated practice in order to achieve and maintain the level of fitness, conditioning, strength and technical expertise required to meet international standards of excellence.

The degree is based on vertical integration of skills and methodology. These skills are introduced in the embedded two-year TAFE award then built on in the Bachelor year. Experiential learning is embedded throughout the program. Students must complete all subjects to complete the degree.

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Year 1 – Diploma of Circus Arts (course code N22047VIC)

Semester 3 (whole year)
NVU20072  Apply foundation principles of body awareness to individual fitness, strength and conditioning program for circus performers (100 hours)
NVU20073  Implement foundation level individual fitness, strength and conditioning program for circus performers (300 hours)
NVU20074  Execute circus skills to foundation level (350 hours)
NVU20075  Develop foundation performance and movement skills for circus and physical theatre (220 hours)
NVU20076  Develop foundation applied practices for circus performers (200 hours)
NBOHS509A  Ensure a safe workplace (60 hours)

Semester 1
NVU20077  Participate in circus equipment and rigging practices (60 hours)
NVU20078  Research and apply history and theory to circus arts practice (40 hours)

Year 2 – Advanced Diploma of Circus Arts (course code N22046VIC)

Semester 3 (whole year)
NVU20079  Apply intermediate principles of body awareness to individual fitness, strength and conditioning program for circus performers (100 hours)
NVU20080  Implement intermediate level individual fitness, strength and conditioning program for circus performers (300 hours)
NVU20081  Consolidate circus skills to intermediate level (350 hours)
NVU20082  Consolidate intermediate performance and movement skills for circus and physical theatre (220 hours)
NVU20085  Prepare for technical aspects of circus production (60 hours)

Semester 1
NBSMB401A Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business operations (60 hours)
NBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business (45 hours)
NVU20083 Consolidate intermediate applied practices for circus performers (200 hours)

Semester 2
NVU20084  Research and apply cultural contexts of circus (40 hours)

Year 3 – Bachelor of Circus Arts (course code: CA10)

Semester 1
HNCA301  Circus Technique and Specialisation – Refining the Specialisation (300 hours)
HNCA302  Performance and Dance – The Performer and the Audience (120 hours)
HNCA303  Performance Practice – The Innovative Circus Ensemble (200 hours)
HNCA304  The Business of Circus – Strategic Planning and Entrepreneurship (36 hours)

Semester 2
HNCA305  Circus Technique and Specialisation – Innovation and the Circus Specialty (300 hours)
HNCA306  Performance and Dance – Performance Techniques (120 hours)
HNCA307  Performance Practice – The Professional Circus Act (200 hours)
HNCA308  The Business of Circus – Marketing the Artist and the Act (12 hours)

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Formal training in circus skills opens up exciting opportunities for a future career. Graduates are highly employable, knowledgeable and creative. They have found careers nationally and internationally. NICA training can lead to work in contemporary circus, traditional circus, social circus, stunt work, corporate entertainment, festivals, teaching and other sectors of the arts industry. New companies are emerging as NICA graduates find their place in Australia’s cultural landscape.

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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 Australian Round Table for Arts Training Excellence (ARTATE).

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.

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Swinburne expects that its graduates:
  • Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational and study areas
  • Operate effectively in work and community situations
  • Are adaptable and manage change
  • Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing, and
  • Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
The Bachelor of Circus Arts seeks to produce graduates who:
  • Have a body of knowledge, skills and experience in contemporary performing arts and circus practice
  • Are creative, flexible, innovative, problem-solving, imaginative, spontaneous, analytical and disciplined circus practitioners
  • Have the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Are entrepreneurial
  • Have an integrated, holistic understanding of the circus and physical theatre industry and circus performance, and
  • Have a broad understanding of the circus and entertainment business in the global marketplace

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The successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent is the minimum required educational qualification. Applicants should have a background in performing arts, physical theatre, youth circus, dance, acrobatic sports or gymnastics. 

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Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL is an assessment process that acknowledges the skills and knowledge obtained through learning achieved from work or life experiences that is outside the formal education and training system. See the RPL website for information on applying.

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Details of NICA course fees can be found at www.nica.com.au

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See Scholarships for more information.

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Entry into NICA is by audition, interview and physiotherapy assessment. Prospective students must apply to audition. Local applicants who cannot travel to audition venues should apply by video. Please see the NICA website to download the application form and audition requirements.

 
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply. Contact Swinburne's Senior Indigenous Education Officer for specific advice through the contact details below.

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