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Diploma course
We offer a privately funded, unaccredited Diploma designed for you if you want to deepen your contemporary circus or physical theatre practice without needing a formal qualification.
STUDY IN A PROFESSIONAL CIRCUS ENVIROMENT: DEVELOP, INNOVATE, REFLECT, AND GROW.
You can build your own training pathway, choosing from intensive blocks that cover circus, physical theatre, movement, creativity, devising and performance opportunities in a range of settings.
Our Diploma is flexible, you can study for three months, create a full year of training, or return for further blocks as your practice develops. In the past, some students have trained with us for a single term, while others have continued for several years. This means you are able to work alongside this course.
Please reach out to admissions@circomedia.com if you have any questions about how the Diploma course could work for you.
What Will I Study? Each block last three months
Skills classes in aerial, acrobatics or juggling, depending on your chosen pathway. These classes are designed to build on your current level and are tailored to your ability. Whether you want to train in lively group classes with industry-experienced tutors, or choose one-to-one sessions focused on a specific skill area, we’ve got you covered.
Classes in physical theatre and movement technique. Here at Circomedia stagecraft and presentation are important to us. With over thirty years’ experience of blending circus skill with tried and tested tactics to connect with an audience, we encourage you to enhance your stage presence with our intensive theatre and movement training. This part of the course will increase confidence and ability to work with others.
This series of exciting creative projects is supported by mentorship and guidance to help you respond to a range of creative briefs. Led by Dr Jonathan Priest, this part of the course is designed for those who want to develop the essential tools for creating new work.
You can follow our existing creative invitations or receive support in designing your own project in response to an external brief, job, or commission.
The Diploma can be tailored to your interests, time, and career stage. Here are three examples of how students might shape their experience.
Student Example 1: Skills & Creative Experience
This student is taking a year out from their regular career but continues working part-time. Our Diploma course fits around this schedule.
They choose to study with us for three months, selecting two of the three available blocks:
-Block 1: Discipline
-Block 3: Creative Project
Both are taken at beginner level.
During this time they join Aerial classes, take part in core skills training every morning (five days a week), and attend open lectures in conditioning, anatomy, circus history and critical reflection.
This student develops their practical skills while exploring creative projects suited to their level, with additional guidance on how to approach and respond to creative briefs.
Course fee: £2,400
Duration: 3 months (2 blocks)
Student Example 2: Full Diploma Experience
This student chooses full Diploma experience, completing all three course blocks across one academic year:
-Block 1: Discipline
-Block 2: Performance
-Block 3: Creative Project
They train regularly in their chosen discipline through open group classes or one-to-one tuition. They also receive high-level performance training from our experienced team of Physical Theatre and Movement Direction tutors.
Alongside this, they develop work through the Creative Project block, with dedicated mentorship to help shape their ideas, refine their practice, and receive guidance on their future career direction.
Course fee: £9,450
Duration: 9 months (3 blocks)
Student Example 3: Artist Developing a New Show
This student has received funding to create a new show and chooses to spend three months at Circomedia developing the work.
They select two course blocks:
-Block 1: Discipline
-Block 3: Creative Project
Through one-to-one tuition in their chosen discipline, they focus on strengthening their technical skills, while the Creative Project block provides mentorship and guidance to support their artistic research and help them respond to their external commission.
This student receives both technical training and artistic support to develop a new piece of work that meets the outcomes of their funded project.
Course fee: £2,400
Duration: 3 months (2 blocks)
All Diploma students, regardless of the pathway they choose, are welcome to use our training spaces between 8:30am and 5:30pm each day and become part of our diverse and supportive Circomedia community.
If you are unsure which blocks you would choose, or how you would fit this around your existing commitments, please email us at admissions@circomedia.com and we help discuss the options.
For beginners and emerging artists:
If you’re new to circus or performance and want to train in a specific discipline, build strong foundational technique, or start creating work ready for the professional sector, we’re here to guide you.
For professionals, alumni and experienced practitioners:
If you’re an established artist wanting to deepen your skills, develop a new piece of work, or prepare for a funding bid, you can join us for tailored training and one-to-one mentorship with our expert teaching team. Training can take place on site or remotely through regular online sessions.
Email admissions@circomedia.com to explore whether a three-month, one-year, or extended Diploma pathway is the right next step for your practice.
Applying and Getting Started
You can apply directly to Circomedia by clicking the button below. Once you’ve completed the application form, our Admissions Team will be in touch. You are not required to audition for the Diploma.
If you’d like to speak with the Course Leader or a member of the Admissions Team, please email us and we’ll be happy to arrange a phone call. We can talk through the different ways to shape the Diploma to fit your experience, goals and life, as well as discuss fees depending on the pathway you choose.
Diploma Application Form
Our Diploma is designed to fit around your goals, time and budget. You can commit to a full term or year for better value, or book individual blocks if you need more flexibility.
Study by Term (3 months)
-All three blocks (one full term): £3,300
-Single block: £1,300
Study by Year (9 months)
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All three blocks across the year: £9,450
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Single year block: £3,800
Booking a full term or full year offers a saving compared to booking individual blocks.
What’s Included
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be fully immersed in our supportive, creative community, with:
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Access to our bespoke circus training studios
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Teaching and guidance from experienced professional staff
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Ongoing support as you develop your practice and prepare for work in the circus sector
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
We offer flexible pathways and are happy to talk through your plans. Get in touch and we can help you find an option that works around your commitments and finances.
Our teaching team is made up of industry professionals, including performers from Gandini Juggling and a Cirque du Soleil artist ensuring you learn from experts with real-world experience.
We also have established theatre/ circus makers with their own companies, experts in movement direction and sport therapy.
Teachers