Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyNew Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Certificate
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Applications for 2027 are now open. Apply now to audition in September.
This qualification is the only Level 4 performing arts programme in New Zealand.
It will equip you with a repertoire of essential techniques and develop your skills in the areas of singing, dancing, movement, acting and performance. Together, these skills will increase your opportunity to work in the performing arts.
Please note: Auditions are required for this course, so please prepare a song of your choice.
Audition dates:
- Wellington: 13 September, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre
- Auckland: 20 September, Auckland Theatre Company
- Christchurch: 25–27 September, NASDA
- Christchurch: Late Auditions
Entry criteria
Academic Requirements10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to:
Attend an audition to assess:
- vocal skills and ability,
- acting skills,
- dance / movement skills,
- ability and potential to study performing arts.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
- If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
- Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be based on application information and audition demonstrating the ability to sing, dance and/or act competently and perform in front of others
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.