'Crazy Waste of Taxpayers' Money'

When you think about it, at least these students a learning a skill. Better than wasting time, money and braincells pursuing womyn's studies or some other such absurd curriculum.

A university has launched Britain's first undergraduate degree - in juggling.

The two-year Street Arts Performance course also includes mime art and fire-eating at City College in Brighton, East Sussex.

The course is the first of its kind in Britain and leads to a foundation degree qualification - but has been slammed by education campaigners as a "crazy waste of taxpayers' money".

Students taking part will have to take out taxpayer-funded loans to pay the £6,290 tuition fees - which represent only a proportion of the total cost of staging the course. The rest of the sum is picked up by rate-payers.

Anyone wanting a place on the course needs two Cs at A-level before being accepted.

A college spokesman said today: "Students will be developing their skills through working with practicioners in events such as Brighton Festival and Fringe Festival in a range of different capacities.

"As well as the creative aspects of the work, students will also gain skills in relation to business and legal affairs and how to find a sustain employment opportunities."