CSVPA Review: Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts
If you’re considering Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), you’re likely looking for a specialised environment that nurtures creativity. CSVPA offers a range of visual and performing arts programmes designed to help students develop their talents and prepare for university or professional careers. This review will give you a clear understanding of what the school provides, from its course offerings to the overall student experience, so you can make an informed decision.
Key Features of CSVPA
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Cambridgeshire
- Pupils: 486
- Gender: Mixed
- Age: 13-24
- Religion: None
- Tuition Fees: ~£12,485 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Boarding Fees: £5,505 – £8,065 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Table of Contents
CSVPA School Fees for 2026/2027
International Fees (Termly Payment):
Diploma and Foundation Courses: £7,205 – £12,485
Undergraduate Courses per Semester: £10,810
Postgraduate Courses per Semester: £9,265 – £10,810
CSVPA Programmes
Here’s the complete list of the available courses at Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA). The programmes span foundation, extended diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, each designed to support students’ creative growth and prepare them for professional careers.
Foundation Courses
- BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Visual Communication, Advertising, Art Direction & Branding
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Film, Moving Image & Animation
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Graphics & Illustration
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Fashion
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – 3D Design
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
- Drama Foundation – Classical & Contemporary Acting
- Music Foundation
- Drama Foundation – Musical Theatre
Extended Diploma Courses
- Extended Diploma in Performing Arts – Drama
- Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
- Extended Diploma in Performing Arts – Music
Undergraduate Courses
- BA (Hons) Creative Intelligence & Innovation
- BA (Hons) Illustration
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Visual Communication
- BA (Hons) Fashion Branding & Creative Communication
- BA (Hons) Fashion
- Graduate Diploma in Art & Design
Postgraduate Courses
- Pre-Master’s in Art & Design
- MA Fashion: Branding & Creative Communication
- MA Fashion: Design
- MA Visual Communication: Illustration & Animation
- MA Visual Communication: Graphic Design
- MA Art & Design
- Graduate Diploma in Art & Design
Student Life at CSVPA
At Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), students experience a highly supportive and creative environment designed to develop both their skills and industry readiness. CSVPA’s strong satisfaction ratings—91% overall in the 2023 National Student Survey—highlight a positive student experience, where teaching quality and intellectually engaging courses stand out.
Students benefit from practical projects and networking within the UK’s thriving creative industries, which enhance their portfolios and open career opportunities. Each student is paired with a Personal Tutor who provides academic guidance and personalised support, fostering both creative and personal growth. Besides that, CSVPA’s multicultural community is a key part of the student experience, bringing together diverse voices and creative minds from around the world.
Graduates have gone on to roles with brands like Vivienne Westwood and Esquire or to further studies at renowned institutions such as Parsons School of Design and Central Saint Martins, reflecting CSVPA’s dedication to preparing students for success in the arts.
Admissions Process: Entering CSVPA
To successfully apply to CSVPA, you’ll need to meet the specific requirements of your chosen course. These are detailed on each course page and typically include submission of academic documents, a portfolio or audition, and possibly a personal statement and interview. International students must also show evidence of English language proficiency.
Applications vary based on your course and residency status:
- Pre-Degree/Foundation (Level 3): Apply directly using the online form.
- Undergraduate Courses: UK students apply through UCAS, while international students can use either UCAS or CSVPA’s direct online form.
- Postgraduate Courses: Apply directly via the online form.
International Students & Visas
International students pursuing a full-time course over six months generally need a Student Route visa. Upon acceptance, you will receive the necessary documents for your visa application.
Receiving an Offer
Once accepted, you’ll receive either:
- Conditional Offer: Specific conditions, such as certain grades or English language requirements, must be met.
- Unconditional Offer: All requirements are met, securing your place at CSVPA.
Acceptance & Enrolment
Accept your offer promptly by the deadline provided. For UCAS applications, acceptance should also be completed through UCAS. Once your offer is confirmed, international students will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for visa application purposes.
Insurance
CSVPA recommends student travel insurance to cover emergencies while studying in the UK. If you opt for CSVPA’s insurance, you’ll be covered for cancellations, medical expenses, personal liability, baggage, and course fees, among others.
CSVPA Accommodation: Where will you live?
London Accommodation
For students studying in London, accommodation is tailored to their age group:
Under 18s Boarding: Located near the school, CSVPA’s boarding house offers a secure and supportive environment for under-18 students. The residence features single and shared rooms with private ensuite bathrooms, communal social spaces, and House Parents on duty 24/7. Meals are served on campus, with a variety of options including halal, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Over 18s Independent Accommodation: CSVPA partners with Casita for students over 18, offering flexible and independent living options close to campus. Casita specialises in student housing, ensuring international students have a smooth, comfortable transition to independent life in London.
Cambridge Accommodation
In Cambridge, CSVPA students enjoy a central location with access to professional-quality studio spaces 7 days a week. Each student has their own dedicated space for designing, rehearsing, or creating. CSVPA covers the cost of essential materials and printing, allowing students to freely experiment and focus on building their portfolios without worrying about extra material costs. The vibrant, historic city of Cambridge provides an inspiring backdrop for creative growth, with all the city’s cultural offerings just a short walk from campus.
CSVPA Testimonials and Reviews
CSVPA provided that technical support and skills which was really important because I have no idea how to do it. They also provide lots of materials and lots of support, small class sizes where we get lots of 1-on-1 tutoring. And Cambridge is such a lovely city that it made sense to come here.
My favourite part of studying at CSVPA was going to class. I am a psychology major and never had the chance to get into the studio where I can touch stuff, create stuff. I started off being really reluctant but my tutors convinced me to look at it from another perspective instead of just drawing and leaving it there. I ended up absolutely loving it!
Everyone has been really really lovely. The tutors, the students, there’s a huge range of culture from the international students and you can share lots of ideas. We have also explored many different avenues.
CSVPA was my choice because the other universities did not have the teachers and student interaction, the equipment wasn’t amazing. CSVPA also have amazing technicians and teachers, it just seemed really easy. I’ve had an amazing time here learning and making great friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about CSVPA
From the principal to the teachers, everyone has a background in arts. For instance, Professors Edward Dimsdale and Holly Fulton are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Students that aspire to enrol into the top arts universities should definitely consider the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts.
There are 6 main areas that CSVPA covers:
- Fine art & 3D design
- Animation and film
- Architecture & interior design
- Fashion design
- Fashion communication
- Graphics & illustration
Graduates from CSVPA progress to top universities and firms. Over the past years, graduates have went on to work in the likes of Chanel, top advertising agencies and design firms.
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!