BA (Hons) In Circus Arts
Challenge perceptions of what circus is and explore multiple ways of approaching creative work. As well as building on what you know, develop a curiosity to bring to all areas of your practice.
Course Overview
This three-year course aims to develop a broad range of the skills required as a professional circus artist
The training is intensive; weeks are 35 hours long with a mix of taught sessions and scheduled independent learning. Each year is 33 weeks in length in order to sustain physical progression. As well as physical skill development there is a strong focus on artistic exploration and creativity, contextual studies and Industry skills.
The degree is delivered at the National Centre for Circus Arts and is awarded by the University of Kent.
The course will focus on continuous assessment of each student’s individual progress, as well as performance related assessment both as an individual and as part of an ensemble. Students analytical and critical skills are also assessed through research projects and presentations.
Module Map
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. You must take modules worth a total of 120 credits at each level of the course.
Our teaching is informed by research, and active performers and directors who are already working in the professional industry. Modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.
You can always find the most up-to-date information about your modules and who is teaching them on MS Teams, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), once you have registered for the course.
As part of our Quality Assurance Processes, this course undergoes a periodic review. The next periodic review will take place during 24/25 with any amendments implemented in 25/26.
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AWARD
BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts
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UCAS CODE
We do not go through UCAS
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LOCATION
National Centre for Circus Arts – London
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AWARDING BODY
University of Kent
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DURATION
3 year (full-time), 35 hours a week, 33 weeks per year
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ACADEMIC YEAR
September – July
BA1 (Level 4)
During the first year of the BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts students can expect to spend an important amount of the autumn term being inducted into the workings of the National Centre for Circus Arts, preparing their time as a student here and getting to know their year group. Students will gradually be inducted into the use of spaces and equipment and will access these resources when we are sure that they are safe and secure in their use. Throughout the year they will undertake intensive physical classes in a range of circus-related activities, as well as sessions in performance, movement and contextual studies, which allow students to gain an understanding of circus in a wider performance context.
The Specialisation Process
Specialisation happens over the course of the autumn term as part of module NCA101 – Circus Discipline. It is a collaborative process between the student and staff, leading to a decision about which circus discipline is suited both physically and creatively to that person.
Big Space discipline options will be invite only.*
Discipline choices will be based on:
- Availability of teachers
- Space restrictions
- Ability
Our goal is to help the circus performer to establish the foundation for a long and fruitful career. We aim for all students in this first year to have completed this process by the Autumn Term. Please see below list of disciplines that the National Centre offers:
Aerial DisciplinesÂ
- Single Point Trapeze
- Doubles Trapeze
- Hoop
- Rope
- Silks
- Straps
- Multi cord (Basic level of rope and silks required)
- Net/Loop (Basic level of rope and silks required)
- Aerial Pole (Basic level of Chinese pole required)
Acrobatic Disciplines
- Hand to Hand
- Chinese Pole
- Acro Dance
- Hand Balancing
- Banquine
Juggling and Manipulation
- Ball, Club & Ring Juggling
- Hula Hoop
- Hats, cigar boxes, ball spinning and “Gentleman juggling”
Big Space*
- CYR Wheel
- Teeter Board
- Tight Wire
- Slack Rope
*Invite Only – due to varying factors students will only be assessed in these disciplines by invitation only.
By the final term we create a timetable that prepares students for continued development in the 2nd Year of the BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts.
BA2 (Level 5)
The second year of the course is devoted to the development of a student’s technical abilities in their circus discipline and other technical skills as well as increasing their understanding of creating, devising and performance contexts. Students will have a tailor made timetable that is specifically designed to support them in the development of their circus discipline, as well as scheduled independent learning sessions to allow students to work towards becoming an autonomous learner.
A typical week during year two will include classes in your specific discipline, other physical supplementary classes, acrobatics, performance, movement and contextual studies, as well as time for research and independent practice.
BA3 (Level 6)
The emphasis of the 3rd year of the course is to consolidate the technical level of each student’s specific circus discipline, continue to develop their personal artistic approach, advance their analytical and reflective skills and build upon their experience of performance contexts.
A typical week includes classes in and to support their specific circus discipline, sessions in direction and movement, contextual studies, time for research and academic study, and a higher expected level of autonomy and independent practice than the first 2 years of the degree.
In detail
BA Degree course specification
BA Hons Degree Course Specification BA Hons Degree Course Summary 2024-25Attend an open day
Experience what it is to be a National Centre for Circus Arts student
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More information, with all your degree questions answered
Download our prospectusEntry Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 or over on entry.
- Applicants will be able to demonstrate their intent to pursue professional employment in circus arts.
- Applicants will be required to demonstrate a proficiency in both written and verbal English language. Â This would normally be GCSE English or equivalent International English Language Testing System. Overseas students may be required to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) prior to entry in order to meet VISA requirements.
- Applicants must fulfil parts 1 and 2 of the admissions process. If the applicant is from outside the UK or they are unable to attend an audition day they may request to submit a full video audition (instead of attending part 2).
Any candidate applying for direct entry to years 2 or 3 of the BA (Hons) course should hold a Cetificate of Higher Education or Foundation Degree from the National Centre for Circus Arts or another school which is a recognised Full member of FEDEC. If candidates are applying from any of these institutions they must provide evidence that they have successfully completed two years of training on a relevant course, equivalent to a Foundation Degree, along with details of their previous study (for example a student handbook or module guide).
If you do not hold a Foundation Degree from a recognised FEDEC school but believe you have enough prior experience in Circus Arts, we may be able to consider you for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). Please contact joanna@nationalcircus.org.uk for more information.
Direct entry applicants will be interviewed at audition and will be expected to provide a reference and their transcript to date.
We define BA level in this context as someone who can formulate and communicate his or her technical and artistic needs at a level consistent with a view to entering the profession as a young practitioner. We also expect candidates to be capable of working at a level of autonomy not necessarily present, or acquired at, Foundation Degree level.
Apply
Applications for our BA (Hons) Degree course are now closed for 24/25.
Application for the BA (Hons) Degree course for 25/26 will open in October 2024, please keep an eye on the website for updates.
Admissions process
The admissions process is made up of two parts.
Part 1: Apply and submit video
*Or a full video audition depending on circumstances.
Part 2: Attend an in-person audition or submit full video
Part 2 Auditions will be held in April at the National Centre for Circus Arts building, London. Find out more about in-person and full video auditions.
