FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions potential students have about the degree programme
Foundation Degree applicants must be 18 or over on entry and be required to demonstrate a proficiency in both written and verbal English language. For the Foundation Degree in Circus Arts 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. BA Hons applicants should also hold a Foundation Degree from the National Centre for Circus Arts or another school which is a recognised Full member of FEDEC, or have relevant prior experience. Please see further information here in the âentry requirementsâ section.
We look for the potential in circus but having a background in it is not necessary.
For the foundation degree, you do not need to specialise in a specific circus discipline to apply and audition. Successful candidates will go through our specialisation process during the first term of the course.
See more about the specialisation process on the Foundation Degree course page.
BA (Hons) top-up degree applicants will need to be already specialised in their circus discipline.
The National Centre offer the following disciplines:
Aerial Disciplines
- Single point trapeze
- Static 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 and ring juggling
- Hula hoop
- Hats, cigar boxes, ball spinning and ‘gentleman juggling’
Big Space*
- Cyr wheel
- Teeterboard
- Tightwire
- Slack rope
*Invite Only â due to varying factors students will only be assessed in these disciplines by invitation only.
There are two parts to our auditions, an online video audition and an in-person audition at the National Centre for Circus Arts building. The Video is made up of two acrobatics sequences and one flexibility sequence. During the in-person audition, candidates will take part in workshops similar to classes held on the course and will also perform their own presentation. After the presentations, selected candidates will be invited to stay for a discussion with members of the panel and Q&A session. Throughout both parts of the audition, the panel will be looking for candidatesâ potential to study and develop on our course. They will be looking at technical and creative potential, as well as candidatesâ willingness to collaborate and an open approach to learning. See more about the admissions process on our Foundation Degree and BA Hons Degree pages.
For ease and convenience, we would prefer you to use our equipment but if you have your own specialist equipment or feel more comfortable bringing your own, you can do. Our technicians will safety check it on the day and reserve the right to refuse its use. We send out an equipment form prior to auditions so that we can prepare for what you need.
Yes, as we are a degree course there is a strong element of academic work. This constitutes to approximately 30% of the course, the rest being practical assessment. Academic support is available.
Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland studying, or planning to study in the UK may in previous years have qualified for âHomeâ fee status due to arrangements under the EU in place whilst the UK was a member of the EU. However, these citizens should be aware that for courses beginning in autumn 2021 and beyond, if they do not meet the residence requirements to be classed as having âHomeâ fee status (generally this will be by having settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme), they will now be classed as having âOverseasâ fee status and may be required to apply for a student VISA.
Please check the eligibility rules and guidance in the links below:
UKCISA: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Fees-and-Money/England-HE-fee-status
House of Commons Library: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/eligibility-for-home-fee-status-and-student-support-in-england/
You may also find useful information on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website (UKCISA).
All prospective international students coming to study in the UK on or after 1 January 2021, including those from the EU, EEA and Switzerland (who do not have agreements under the EU Settlement Scheme), will need to apply for a Student visa and receive a decision before they arrive.
For further information about Student Visas please visit:
GOV.UK – Student visa
GOV.UK – Points-based system student route
UKCISA – EU, EEA, Swiss students
More information can be found on our Student Support section.
No. For parityâs sake our deadline for applications and auditions cannot be moved.
We welcome applications from D/deaf and disabled people and offers places solely on the basis of potential and suitability for a career in the profession. We encourage you to disclose any impairment or condition (for example, dyslexia, a physical, sensory or mental health condition) at the earliest opportunity so that we can endeavour to meet your needs at audition and during the course. We have a Student Support Manager who works closely with all students and develops individual support plans for them.
If you have any access requirements for your audition please get in touch with Joanna on joanna@nationalcircus.org.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments that can be made for you.
We would not usually but in exceptional circumstances we will consider it.
The National Centre for Circus Arts offers scholarships and bursaries for eligible students from low income backgrounds. We are working to ensure that our courses remain accessible to all students and that we continue to recruit on the basis of talent alone. Further information and eligibility can be found on our Fees and Funding page.
If you are based outside of the UK or are unable to attend one of the scheduled part 2 audition dates, you can apply to audition fully via video. Please email joanna@nationalcircus.org.ukto request a full video audition. Video audition requests will be based on individual circumstance. Our full video audition requirements and criteria can be found below.
