Overview

Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts is part one of the Education group. Since 1985 Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts has been a specialist foundation school, providing pathways in Art & Design, Drama and Music. Over time we have grown our portfolio to include degree and pre-master's programmes for UK and international students.

In the last 25 years we have given students the opportunities to develop their skills, build their confidence and progress onto some of the most prestigious Art & Design schools, music conservatoires and world-renowned drama schools. Our programmes include partnerships with University of the Arts London, Kingston University and Britain's most famous theatre school – the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Established year: 1985

Location

CSVPA is located in Cambridge, one of the world's greatest cities which has recently celebrated over 800 years of history. The city of Cambridge is a university town and the county town of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies in East Anglia, on the River Cam, about 50 miles (80 km) north of London. According to the United Kingdom Census 2011, its population was 123,867 (including 24,488 students). This makes Cambridge the second largest city in Cambridgeshire after Peterborough, and the 54th largest in the United Kingdom.

There is archaeological evidence of settlement in the area during the Bronze Age and Roman times; under Viking rule Cambridge became an important trading centre. The first town charters were granted in the 12^th century, although city status was not conferred until 1951.

Cambridge has a diverse economy with strength in sectors such as research & development, software consultancy, high value engineering, creative industries, pharmaceuticals and tourism. Described as one of the "most beautiful cities in the world" by Forbes in 2010, tourism generates over £350 million for the city's economy. Over 40% of the workforce have a higher education qualification, more than twice the national average.

Cambridge's two universities, the collegiate University of Cambridge and the local campus of Anglia Ruskin University, serve around 30,000 students, by some estimates.

From London by train: 45 minutes

Address: Bridge House, Bridge St, Cambridge CB2 1UA, United Kingdom

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Learning environment

Open seven days a week, twelve hours a day, providing a state-of-the-art learning environment and individual work space for every student. Built over three floors the Campus includes:

• 14 studios
• Two music rooms
• Drama studio
• Textiles studio
• Sewing machine room
• 3D studio ( architecture and interior design/ product design)
• Graphics and illustration studios
• Craft studio
• Wet room & dye room
• Woodwork and metalwork shops.
• Fine art studios
• Fashion studios
• Photographic studios x 3 (including moving image)
• Sound recording
• Life drawing studio
• Casting studio
• Makeup studio

Highlights/Advantages

Our approach to creative learning is unique, highly personalised and guaranteed to ensure you meet your potential. We treat every student as an individual, not just as 'this year's intake'. Our class sizes are much smaller than most universities, with 5 days a week teaching and personal contact with your lecturer every day. We always encourage our students to come in at any time to work, discuss or simply enjoy the relaxed, creative and multi-cultural environment of the college.

Accommodation

Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Art has a broad range of accommodation options available, including friendly and welcoming homestays and comfortable college residences.

Homestay

This option is only available to students over 18 years of age. It offers the opportunity to live in a friendly Cambridge family setting, and students gain direct experience of daily life and culture in the UK. Half Board Single Rooms (A private room with breakfast and dinner provided by the host family. Lunches are not included) are available.

College Residence

Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Art offers a range of residences for different age groups and prices, ranging from single, single en-suite and twin. The School has 30 different residences for students all within a short walk or bus journey of the College and City Centre. Continuing students who are over 18 also have the option of self-catering accommodation, if certain conditions are met.

Some typical examples of student accommodation:

• Tenison Avenue: fully supervised College Lodge with 18 bedrooms, 10 single and 4 twin rooms. All rooms share bathrooms. Situated 25 minutes' walk from the College and the city centre, the house is located close to Cambridge railway station, shops and local amenities.
• Varsity House: fully supervised student accommodation. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Ideally situated just 15-20 minutes' walk from the College and city centre, the residence is very close to a large shopping centre – the Grafton Centre and local amenities such as a cinema, restaurants and cafes.