BA (Hons) In Circus Arts

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. Those who audition with a good level of competence in a specific discipline may have the option to specialise early.

Big Space discipline options will be invite only.*

All 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 Disciplines 

• 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

*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.

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.

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.