Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre - Top-Up at Bath Spa University - UCAS

Bath Spa University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre - Top-Up

Course summary

Unleash your creativity and elevate your performance artistry with our BA one-year top-up in Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre – where innovation meets expression under the big top of academic excellence.

  • Engage with ideas and concepts of physical performance
  • Immerse yourself in the creative process of devising new and innovative work
  • Explore how to integrate circus disciplines within theatrical contexts
Taught by Circomedia, this BA year works as both a stand-alone year of study and as the drawing together of two years’ worth of learning and exploration for FdA graduates. The team at Circomedia believes in the power of practice. The one-year BA top-up programme is distinguished by its emphasis on hands-on, practical training. Immerse yourself in a state-of-the-art training environment where you'll finesse your physical abilities, from mastering awe-inspiring circus acts to crafting compelling narratives through physical theatre. This immersive approach ensures that you not only grasp the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary performance but also develop the practical skills necessary to captivate audiences and thrive in the ever-evolving world of circus and physical theatre. Taught by Circomedia, Bristol Step into the heart of Bristol's creative scene and connect with like-minded artists at Circomedia. The one-year BA top-up program is more than an academic endeavour; it's a gateway to a thriving creative hub where you'll forge valuable connections with industry professionals and fellow students. Engage in collaborative projects, attend exclusive workshops, and benefit from the mentorship of seasoned practitioners. This unique environment positions you at the intersection of academic rigour and industry relevance, ensuring that you graduate not only with a degree but also with a network and experiences that will propel you forward in your professional journey.

Modules

Performance Compilation In this module, BA students will devise two acts or pieces, each for a different intended audience or market. You might make a slick and skilful act perfect for a corporate event, or perhaps something more experimental and contemporary, ideal for the theatre. Students have also produced installations, interactive street theatre, walkabout routines, and playful work for younger audiences. There are opportunities to work with our MA students during this module, who can provide a valuable ‘outside eye’ and contribute ideas and direction. Professional Touring This module sees the entire BA cohort working together to devise a full-length ensemble production. As well as performing, students take on company roles such as tour managing, costume design, and marketing. This holistic approach ensures the development of valuable employability skills and provides our students with much-needed industry experience. In fact, some of our graduates have gone on to work in such roles as a direct result of their experience on this module. Practice As Research This module is an artistic research assignment that invites students to analyse their own practice, pose questions and carefully examine the skills they’ve spent so long developing. Students share their findings in a presentation to their tutors and peers. Very often, these conclusions and realisations will go on to inform the work made during the Final Major Project module. Final Major Project This is a self-devised solo or group performance of between 20 and 30 minutes in length. The FMP can be the apogee of three years of hard work – a gathering together of every idea, influence, and inspiration – or it can be a snapshot of what an artist is capable of physically and creatively at that moment. Some students have adapted their FMP into full-length productions. Other graduates have chosen not to return to their FMP, but instead to use the lessons learned during its creation to inform the development of other work.

Assessment method

Assessment methods may include:

  • Critical analysis and reflective essays
  • Live showcases and public performances
- Comprehensive performance portfolios


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
H3N2
Institution code:
B20
Campus name:
Circomedia
Campus code:
H

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Entry to the third year of study is normally restricted to applicants who have completed Circomedia’s two year Foundation Degree in full. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references. Applicants with a qualification from a similar institution may also be considered however not all those who have done so will be suitable for this higher level course and therefore there is a selection process.

Additional entry requirements

Audition

If your application is successful we’ll invite you to an audition / workshop day at our Kingswood site. If you are applying from outside of Europe we can accept a video audition.

Interview


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9250 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £9250 Whole course
England £9250 Whole course
Northern Ireland £9250 Whole course
Scotland £9250 Whole course
Wales £9250 Whole course

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre - Top-Up at Bath Spa University - UCAS