FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions potential students have about the degree programme and admissions process
BA (Hons) applicants must be 18 or over on entry and be required to demonstrate a proficiency in both written and verbal English language. This would typically be GCSE English or equivalent International English Language Testing System. Overseas students may be required to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT at B2 Level) prior to entry in order to meet VISA requirements. Candidates applying for direct entry into year 2 of the degree course should also hold a Certificate of Higher Education 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 ‘entry requirements’ section.
We look for the potential in circus but having a background in it is not necessary. Many students come to us from backgrounds such as dance, theatre/drama, martial arts, gymnastics, and other performing arts. This list is not exhaustive, and we take students with many different interests and experiences.
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 BA (Hons) Degree in Circus Arts course page.
Year 2 direct entry applicants will need to be already specialised in their circus discipline.
The National Centre offer the following disciplines:
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 and ring juggling
- Hula hoop
- Hats, cigar boxes, ball spinning and ‘gentleman juggling’
Big Space*
- Cyr wheel
- Teeterboard
*Invite Only – due to varying factors students will only be assessed in these disciplines by invitation only.
What does the audition involve?
Applicants may choose to audition in-person or by video.Â
The in-person audition is a one-day audition held at our building in London. The day will include a meet and greet, theatre and movement workshops, acrobatics and flexibility, a short presentation of your own devising, individual discussions and a group Q&A session.
For the video audition you will need to film the content explained in this guidance and submit it within your application form. You will then be invited to an online discussion with members of our higher education team.
What are you looking for in the audition?
The audition panel will be looking for your suitability to study on our degree course and potential for a career in circus arts. The main areas the panel will be looking at is your:
• Technical potential
• Creative potential
• Willingness to collaborate and an open approach to learning
Please read our audition criteria to see what will be assessed during the audition.
For ease and convenience, we encourage you to use our equipment but if you have your own specialist equipment or feel more comfortable bringing your own, we are happy for you to do so. 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.
As this is a degree course, academic work makes up approximately 30% of the programme, with the remaining 70% assessed through practical work. However, academic support is available, and we are experienced in supporting students with learning differences. We are committed to ensuring no student is disadvantaged and can arrange alternative assessments.
Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland studying, or planning to study in the UK may in previous years have qualified for ‘Home’ fee status due to arrangements under the EU in place whilst the UK was a member of the EU. However, for courses beginning in autumn 2021 and beyond, if you do not meet the residence requirements to be classed as having ‘Home’ fee status you will now be classed as having ‘Overseas’ fee status and may be required to apply for a student VISA. To be eligible for home fee status students will generally need to have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and be ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of the course, and for the three years before that date.
There are some exceptions and so 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/
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 – Student Route: eligibility and requirementsÂ
More information can be found on our Student Support section.
We are committed to making our audition process as accessible and inclusive as possible and welcome applications from Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent applicants, including those with physical, sensory, learning, mental health, and long-term health conditions.
We encourage you to disclose any impairment or 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. Types of support and/or reasonable adjustments may include:
If you require any support, alternative formats, or reasonable adjustments at any stage of the audition process, please contact admissions@nationalcircus.org.uk as early as possible so that we can discuss these in advance.
We believe excellence in circus can be demonstrated in many different ways and requesting adjustments will not disadvantage your application.
We would not usually but in exceptional circumstances we will consider it. Where a deferral is offered, it will be on condition of a physical assessment ahead of the student starting, so we can ensure they are still at a suitable level of strength and fitness to enter the course. Deferred students are encouraged to seek further experience in circus, movement and theatre in the meantime.
The National Centre for Circus Arts offers scholarships and bursaries for eligible students from low-income backgrounds. We are working to ensure that our degree course remains 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 in-person audition dates, you can choose to audition fully by video and you will not be disadvantaged by this option. Further information about the video audition can be found here.
Speak to a student
Want to hear what it’s like to train on the National Centre for Circus Arts’ BA (Hons) Degree programme? Reach out to one of our student representatives and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
Get in touch by messaging on Instagram (click on the links below)
