The Foundation and BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts

Course Overview | Course Aims | Entry Requirements | Further Info | Student Biographies | Student Performances | Alumni

Course Overview

The Foundation Degree in Circus Arts is a 2 year vocational degree course which aims to equip students to find employment with existing performing arts companies or to establish new companies of their own. Students undertake an intensive training regime of 38 weeks per year.

Upon finishing the programme, students may then audition for a place on a final one year programme which will then lead to a BA (Hons) qualification.

Both Degree prorammes are validated by the University of Kent.

This unique degree will appeal to those with some experience in circus, gymnastics, performance or dance who would relish the opportunity to experiment, cross-fertilise and create new work with other talented performers.

The Circus Space and its Degree programme is an affiliate member of The Conservatoire for Dance and Drama and the European Federation of Professional Circus Schools (FEDEC).

Watch "A Step up" a short film about life at the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama

 

Course Aims

The course aims to enable students to gain an understanding of, and experience in, the broad range of skills needed to create innovative and excellent circus, while achieving a high level of individual expertise and performing ability in a particular circus discipline such as trapeze, tightwire or juggling.

However, the course also encourages the exploration of new ideas and the creation of a new skill type or discipline would also be considered. Common to all students will be practical classes in physical conditioning, theatre, circus and movement, leading to solo and ensemble performance projects. Alongside the physical skills development there is a strong focus on artistic exploration and creativity, as well as the historical, critical and business aspects of circus. The course will be based at purpose-built facilities at The Circus Space.

Click here to view The Circus Space facilities, including studios and our main spaces.

The course involves continuous assessment but as you develop your skills there are also key assessment ‘stages’ which will be mainly within a practical context (i.e. in performance or showings). Progression is subject to successful completion of each assessment stage.

Entry Requirements

Foundation Degree in Circus Arts:
Admission is by audition and interview. Applicants should be 18 or over on entry. Indicative normal requirements would be a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts or 5 GCSE's at grade C or above, including English or 3 GCSE's and 2 A Level passes or equivalent. Candidates who are able to demonstrate their potential to successfully complete a degree programme will also be considered on the basis of previous professional experience.

Applicants will also have to show clearly their vocational intent and potential for professional employment in the field of contemporary circus performance. The Circus Space welcomes applications from disabled people and offers places solely on the basis of potential and suitability for a career in circus.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries should be able to evidence a good command of the English language. If your first language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate a proficiency in written and spoken English relevant to the demands of your programme of study.
For the Foundation Course in Circus Arts this would normally be:
> GCSE English or equivalent
> International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at 6.0 pass level or higher

BA (Hons) in Circus Arts:
Application for the one-year BA (Hons) top-up course is currently accepted only from students who have already completed the two year Foundation Degree in Circus Arts at The Circus Space.

Futher Information

Application deadline for 2010 entry has now passed. This section is currently being updated for 2011 entry. If you have any specific enquires please contact degreeadmissions

Student Biographies

> 1st years > 2nd years > 3rd years

Student Performances

		When We Were Here Together July 2009 The Circus Space - London 3rd year student devised performance - click here for movie

		Still Moving 17th July 2008 The Riverside Studios- London 3rd year student ensemble performance - click here for movie

		Premieres 10th July 2008 The Circus Space - London 2nd year student devised performance - click here for movie

		On The Brink 26-29 March 2008 The Circus Space - London 3rd year student devised performance - click here for movie

		Off The Wall - Stan won't dance 20 - 21st July 2007 - South Bank Centre Square- London 3rd year ensemble performance - click here for movie

		Gratuitous Arts of Circus 4 - 7 July 2007 - The Circus Space - London 2nd Year student devised performance - click here for movie

		Sequins & Sawdust 16 - 21 April 2007 - The South Bank- London 2nd Year student devised performance - click here for movie

		Dark Nights & a Kinda Jazz Cabaret 21 - 24 March 2007 - The Circus Space - London 3rd Year student devised performance - click here for movie
		Circus With Intent 12 - 15 July 2006 - Bassline Circus Tent - Shoreditch Park 2nd Year student devised performance- click here for slideshow
		Difficult Loves And Other Death-Defying Feats 4-8 April 2006 - Laban Centre - Deptford 2nd year ensemble performance -  click here for slideshow
		The Handsomest Drowned Man 29 March-1 April 2006 - Albany Theatre - Deptford 3rd Year Degree Ensemble Performance - Click here for slideshow

		Circus With Intent 26 - 29 July 2006 - Bassline Circus Tent - Shoreditch Park 3rd Year student devised performance - click here for slideshow