51

English level for

International

Students

Portfolio

Required? Subjects Taught Campus

IELTS 5.5+ (no

element under 5.5)  Yes

Art and Design | Fashion Design | Fashion Branding and Creative

Communication | Visual Communication (Illustration and

Animation) and Visual Communication (Graphic Design) | Materials

Experimentation | Photography | Research Skills and Critical Thinking

for Art and Design

Cambridge

IELTS 6.5+ (no

element under 5.5) Yes

Conceptual Development | Critical Skills | Art & Design Specialisms

| Research Skills | Curatorial Practice | Photography | Materials

Experimentation | Creative Project Management | Project Delivery

Cambridge

IELTS 6.5+ (no

element under 5.5) Yes

Illustration and Animation Skills & Conceptual Development | Critical

Skills | Research Skills | Critical Visual Communication Practice

| Photography | Materials Experimentation | Creative Project

Management and Project Delivery Management | Project Delivery

Cambridge

IELTS 6.5+ (no

element under 5.5) Yes

Graphic Design Skills & Conceptual Development | Critical Skills |

Research Skills | Critical Visual Communication Practice | Photography

| Materials Experimentation | Creative Project Management and

Project Delivery

Cambridge

IELTS 6.5+ (no

element under 5.5) Yes

Fashion Design Skills and Conceptual Development | Critical skills |

Research Skills | Critical Visual Communication Practice | Photography

| Materials Experimentation | Creative Project Management and

Project Delivery

Cambridge

IELTS 6.5+ (no

element under 5.5) Yes

Fashion Branding and Communication | Skills and Conceptual

Development | Critical Skills | Research Skills | Critical Visual

Communication Practice | Photography | Materials Experimentation |

Creative Project Management and Project Delivery 

Cambridge

*Students who do not meet these entry requirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed.

Pre-Master’s course accredited by CSVPA.

1

in 2023

MA courses

in partnership with OF STUDENTS SAID THEY

100%

FIND THEIR COURSE

INTELLECTUALLY

STIMULATING1

OF STUDENTS SAID OUR

100%

LECTURERS WERE GOOD

AT EXPLAINING THINGS1

52

53

Performing Arts

EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS - ACTING

E XT E N D E D D I P L O M A I N P E R F O R M I N G A R T S - M U S I C

D R A M A F O U N D AT I O N - C L A S S I C A L & C O N T E M P O R A R Y A C T I N G

DRAMA FOUNDATION - MUSICAL THEATRE

MUSIC FOUNDATION “We have all improved enormously since the

beginning of the course because we are now

willing to throw ourselves in and we are less

self-conscious. We have been taught: “don’t

think, just do!” If you want to be an actor,

I could not think of a better place to go than

CSVPA.”

Tom, Drama Foundation student

Tom went on to star in the hit Netflix series The Crown

opposite Academy Award winner Olivia Colman

54 Course name Age Start date Course length Course level Entry Requirements*

Extended Diploma

in Performing Arts -

Acting

16 years + September 2 years

(6 terms)

Level 3 Extended

Diploma

5 x GCSEs at grade 4 or

grade C or equivalent,

preferably in a relevant

creative subject. 

Extended Diploma

in Performing Arts -

Music

16 years + September 2 years

(6 terms)

Level 3 Extended

Diploma

Drama Foundation

- Classical &

Contemporary

Acting 

17 years +  September 1 years

(3 terms)

Level 4 Foundation

Diploma

Completion of High

School is needed or 1 x

A level or an equivalent

Level 3 qualification and

4 x GCSEs at grade 4 or

grade C or equivalent,

preferably in a relevant

creative subject.

Drama Foundation -

Musical Theatre  17 years +  September 1 years

(3 terms)

Level 4 Foundation

Diploma

Music Foundation 17 years +  September 1 years

(3 terms)

Level 4 Foundation

Diploma

Performing Arts

Courses

awarded by

55

English level for

International

Students

Audition

Required? Subjects Taught Campus

IELTS 4.5+ (no

element under 4.0)  Yes Acting | Dance | Singing | Ukulele | Hand Drumming | Voice | Text |

Developmental Play | Physical Theatre  Cambridge

IELTS 4.5+ (no

element under 4.0)  Yes Music Theory | Aural Skills | Recording and Sequencing | Ukulele |

Hand Drumming | Composition | World Music | History  Cambridge

IELTS 5.5+ (no

element under 4.0)  Yes

Acting | Voice | Text | Group Singing | Dance (jazz and ballet) |

Developmental Play | Physical Theatre | Theatre Laboratory | Scene

Study | Audition | Technique | Theatre in Context | Cambridge

IELTS 5.5+ (no

element under 4.0)  Yes

Acting | Singing | Creative Movement | Hip Hop | Song and Dance

| Voice | Jazz | Tap | Ballet | Contemporary Dance | Developmental

Play | Dance Performance Project | Jazz Technique | Contemporary

Dance | Hip Hop | Technical Jazz and Audition Prep | Ballet | Tap

| Fitness | Stretch and Mobility | Body Conditioning | Creative

Movement

Cambridge

IELTS 4.5+ (no

element under 4.0)  Yes

Music Theory | History | Classical Performance | Recording and

Sequencing | Composition | Aural Skills | Jazz Studies | World Music |

Pop Music | History

Cambridge

OF EXTENDED DIPLOMA

86%

IN PERFORMANCE &

PRODUCTION STUDENTS

ACHIEVED A DISTINCTION1

OF DRAMA FOUNDATION

65%

STUDENTS ACHIEVED

DISTINCTION1

*Students who do not meet these entry requirements will still be considered on their own individual potential to succeed.

1

in 2023

56 The right IELTS score and being able to communicate with

confidence is key for studying and working within the arts

industries.

At CSVPA we have a dedicated team of English teachers who can

support you with your English while you study with us. We also

have a dedicated ALS support coordinator, to support students with

specific learning difficulties by providing one-on-one support to

develop time management and study skills.

English Language

Centre

“I enjoyed every class of English. It

is amazing how the teachers can

make learning English so exciting

and find ways to incorporate

different techniques. With the

English Learning Centre’s help, I

achieved my UAL language score

on the 2nd of April and successfully

got an offer from UAL”.

Wesley, UAL Foundation student

57

Improving your communication skills

English classes take place in a variety of locations in the city centre, conveniently close to where you

have your other subjects. English is an essential part of your stay at CSVPA, and students are expected

to speak only English at all times in the college buildings.

Achieving the IELTS grade required for university entry is crucial, so all students whose English is

not at the appropriate level receive at least 5 hours of English tuition a week. Our English tutors are

experienced in preparing students for the IELTS exam. We have worked hard to build an English

programme to meet your needs and allow you to become the creative you want to be.

Throughout your time at CSVPA, we provide the support you need to achieve your learning goals.

We balance a focus on improving your English to help you live, study, integrate and participate in

life in the UK alongside developing the skills you need for academic success. You will improve your

speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and develop your ability to use English in an academic

environment. Your English will become the passport to your future!

58

59

When students apply to any of our courses, we are often asked “what should I include in my portfolio?”

and “how many pieces do you want to see?” For us it is less about the number of pieces and more

about what you put in there. Quality is more important than quantity; show us your best work.

At CSVPA, we are looking for students to demonstrate originality and motivation. You need to show us

that you are interested in the subject area you are applying for. If you are passionate about something,

show it! It is less about the final piece and more about the thought process you have gone through.

Present your research and ideas in sketchbooks or notebooks and let us see a variety of work which

demonstrates the skills and experience you have.

What we look

for in a portfolio

Additional things to think about

Your portfolio is your chance to show us your skills and passion. Use the following points as a guide for

preparing your portfolio: • evidence 10-15 pieces of your very best work: quality is more important than quantity • include both taught and personal work • demonstrate drawing skills from live observation, not from photos or reference materials • express your personal ideas and areas of interest (if you’re passionate about a certain subject, show it!) • experiment with a wide range of media and materials • present your research and ideas in sketchbooks or notebooks • only use work you have made in the last 18 months: nothing older • submit it electronically as a PPT or PDF, or arrange an interview to show your work in person.

Students who are applying for our Foundation programmes at our CSVPA London Studio need to

follow the above guidance but only submit 5-10 pieces of their very best work. This can be both

taught and personal work, including gifs, images, and short videos used for social media platforms

such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.

To find out more please contact our Student Advice team at studentadvice@csvpa.com, or to download

the guide from our website, visit www.csvpa.com/about/downloads.

60 DRAMA FOUNDATION - MUSICAL THEATRE

61

What we look

for in an audition

If you are thinking of applying to any of our performing arts programmes at CSVPA, it is very

important to read the audition requirements for the course you are apply to. Every year we sit

through a huge number of auditions, either in person at our audition days or via video audition online

and the biggest piece of advice that we can give you is read the audition requirements, prepare the

exact number of pieces we ask for and practise, practise, practise!

At CSVPA we want students who demonstrate a real passion, motivation and enthusiasm for the

performing arts. The following guidelines should help you to understand what we are looking for and

will ultimately make you better prepared for your audition. Good luck!

To find out more please contact our Student Advice team at studentadvice@csvpa.com, or to

download the guide from our website, visit: www.csvpa.com/about/downloads

Additional things to think about

In your audition, it is important to demonstrate to us that you are passionate about a career in the

performing arts. If you are attending an audition day or Skype interview we will ask you about why you

want to come and train with us. If you are sending in an audition video to assess, we would recommend

that you video yourself to camera answering the following questions:

• Why do you want to come to CSVPA?

• What do you want to do in life, what is your ambition?

• What piece or performance has inspired you the most and why?

• What performer do you look up to, who do you aspire to be like?

• What performing experiences have you had, either at school or outside of school?

62 Summer School

at CSVPA

At Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts we offer a range

of diverse and creative summer courses.

If you are passionate about the arts and want to explore your

creativity with others young artists then spend the summer with

us. Our summer courses are also an excellent way to prepare for full

time study!

63

Accommodation

Our accommodation is located in safe, beautiful surroundings, about 20-25 minutes’ walk from

the campus. We offer a balance between supervision and independence to make sure that you are

comfortable and happy in your accommodation.

Meals

Meals are included within the fees and include breakfast, lunch and evening meals all served on campus

in the cafeteria.

Evening Activities

Evening activities are compulsory for all students under 18 years old. Activities might include under 18s

club night, the cinema, games or music in the park, bowling, a ghost tour or a quiz night

Excursions

Saturday excursions are compulsory for under 18 year old students. Every week we organise a different trip

giving you the opportunity to explore UK attractions. For example, trips might include visits to the V&A,

Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Science Museum, Natural History Museum or Southwold Beach. Saturday trips

include transport, ticket entry and packed lunches.

SUMMER SCHOOL AT CSVPA

*All prices include accommodation, meals, transfers & registration fee.

There is also an additional fee of £75 will apply for unaccompanied minor services.

NB: the 1 week subjects, course content is generally the same each week.

WEEK COMMENCING (SUNDAY) 25 JUN 2 JUL 9JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 JULY 6 AUG AGE

Portfolio Preparation (3 weeks) 15-18

Fashion (1 - 2 weeks) 14-18

Film Making (1 - 2 weeks) 14-18

Musical Theatre (1 - 2 weeks) 14-18

Acting (1 - 2 weeks) 14-18

Fashion Communication (1 week) 14-18

Fashion Styling (1 week) 14-18

Fashion Make Up (1 week) 14-18

Graphics & Illustration (1 week) 14-18

Painting & Drawing (1 week) 14-18

3D Design (1 week) 14-18

Photography (1 week) 14-18

Animation (1 week) 14-18

Games Design (1 week)

Music Production (1 week) 14-18

To enquire contact

CSVPA

13-14 Round Church Street

Cambridge

CB5 8AD

Email: admissions@csvpa.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 341 300

www.csvpa.com

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