Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to support you at every stage of your application. Take a look at our frequently asked questions below to see if your query is covered. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us at admissions@circomedia.com
BTEC: Open to students aged 16–18 at the start of the course.
Degree & Diploma: You must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course.
Your eligibility for government funding to pay your course fees depends on your age and previous qualifications.
16 – 18: The government will pay your fees if you have a minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent). Unfortunately, your place won’t be funded without it. If you are an European student then your equivalent qualifications will need to be checked by NARIC.
Please note that Functional Skills Level 2 is not considered equivalent to GCSE by the funding agency. You must have one of the following: GCSE; IGCSE; Scottish Intermediate 2; Scottish National 5; A or AS Level; International Baccalaureate.
Level 3 students are not eligible for a maintenance loan. Regardless of age, the government do not provide any funding for students on Level 3 courses to cover living costs. If you are moving to Bristol to study on the BTEC, it is really important that you know how you will finance your rent, bills, food and transport.
Circomedia’s partner, City of Bristol College, do offer a discretionary, means-tested bursary which is triggered by enrolment. The maximum available amount is £245 for the year (for a household income of £11,999 or less) or £1,200 a year for learners who meet any of the following criteria:
- In care or Care Leaver
- Receiving Income Support (or Universal Credit) in their own right
- Receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
- An unaccompanied asylum seeker
To avoid financial hardship we strongly recommend that anyone relocating to Bristol for the BTEC course can afford to do so.
As with any university course, students studying on our Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) top-up year may be eligible for a student loan covering course fees and living costs. Students on undergraduate courses apply for tuition fees and maintenance loans separately. The maintenance loan is means-tested so please ensure you give full and accurate information. Please see Student Finance for full details.
To be able to engage with the course at an appropriate level, we recommend that people applying for the Level 3 BTEC course have at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above. It is mandatory for all applicants to have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of grade 4. If you are worried about not having the correct qualifications please contact admissions@circomedia.com.
Applicants for the Foundation Degree need a minimum of three grade Ds at A Level or MPP from a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (or equivalent), as well as some experience in circus, theatre, dance or another physical activity. If you are aged 21+ and you do not have these qualifications please email admissions@circomedia.com to discuss Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Like students all over the UK, most people studying with us live in privately-rented accommodation. House-sharing together in Bristol or the surrounding area provides our students with a great practical and emotional support network. There is plenty of rental accommodation around the Kingswood area which is more affordable than properties closer to Bristol City Centre. We recommend that you start your search early, as many students relocate to study in Bristol.
Whether you’re applying for the Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) top up year or BTEC, your personal statement needs to tell us why you want to study at Circomedia.
We want to get a sense of why you feel passionate about joining us to develop your skills and abilities in circus and physical theatre. We also want to get to know you – so tell us about your relevant experience and what makes you tick.
Check out UCAS‘ advice on how to write a personal statement.
The BTEC, Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) top-up year all involve written work. You cannot pass a Circomedia course without completing the written elements.
On our Foundation Degree, written work accounts for 30% of the course, including an essay on the Historical and Cultural context of Circus and Theatre, a Reflective Practice essay and a written Professional Development Plan.
On our BTEC, you are required to complete written work to complement your practical work. The format of your work is relevant to your learning and professional development and might include an online journal, blog, essay, or research project and the creation of professional self-promotional material.
If you are interested in training with us without undertaking written assessments, the Circomedia Diploma may be of interest to you.
There’s no rule against working part-time while you study, and we understand that many students need to work to financially support themselves. However, all our courses are intensive and physically demanding, so balancing work and training can be challenging. Many students choose to take paid performance work during weekends or holidays, and we share relevant opportunities with students whenever they come our way.
Our BTEC timetable runs four days a week (9am–4.30pm), which gives students slightly more flexibility to fit in part-time work if they feel able to manage it.
Our BTEC course uses a fully virtual application and audition process. You’ll complete three online stages before joining us for an interview on Microsoft Teams. To find out exactly what’s involved, click the link below:
For the Foundation Degree and the BA (Hons) Top-Up year, auditions take place in person over a two-day workshop. You may be invited to attend once your UCAS application has been submitted. Read more about our auditions, and how to prepare, by clicking the link below: