On this two year course, you’ll get to explore a variety of circus skills, from juggling to aerial and acrobatics. You’ll also dive into physical theatre, movement, and performance techniques, while learning about influential artists and the business side of the performing arts.

You’ll learn through doing, but also through some academic study, with assessments that are both practical and written. It’s a chance for you to develop your skills, creativity, and confidence, all while preparing for a future in the performing arts. 

Explore our term-by-term breakdown by clicking the green button below and discover what you could achieve studying on the BTEC course at Circomedia.

If you’re aged 16–18 and passionate about performance or creativity, this course could be for you. It’s the UK’s only government-funded, two-year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma where you can specialise in circus. You don’t need any previous circus experience, but you should have some physical or performance background, such as dance, drama, gymnastics, parkour, martial arts or a similar activity. Most importantly, you’ll be enthusiastic, ready to challenge yourself, and excited to learn through a practical, hands-on training environment.

A few important things to know:

•  If you’re 19 or older, this course isn’t funded and you might want to look at our Foundation Degree instead

•  We welcome EU or EEA students, but we cannot accept students who need a visa

•  Accommodation funding is not available for our BTEC course

Applications for our BTEC course are now open and made directly through us online. There are three steps to applying, then we hold a virtual interview over Teams. Please click the button below read more about how to apply.

You must have GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9–4) or Functional Skills Level 2.

We recommend at least four GCSE passes at grades 9–4 to help with the academic side, though it’s not essential.

If you’re successful, your course fees are covered by the government.

This course is fully funded by the government for learners under 19 years of age. You must have GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9–4) or Functional Skills Level 2 in order to receive the funding.  

Most days, you’ll train in the historic St Paul’s Church in central Bristol, with one day a week at our Kingswood campus, home to our degree students. This means you train four days a week with us!  We also offer supervised practice sessions outside class, so you can really polish your skills. 

You’ll also get the chance to perform at St Paul’s Church during our bi-annual BTEC shows, giving you a real taste of life as a professional circus performer. 

Our next Open Day is Saturday 5th December 2026.

These days are the perfect chance to see what life at Circomedia is really like. Whether you’re passionate about circus and physical performance or simply looking for an exciting alternative to traditional sixth-form study, this is your opportunity to explore your next step.

This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and gives you the UCAS points you need to apply for university, whether you choose to continue in the performing arts or pursue a completely different subject.

If you successfully complete the first year, you’ll earn a Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma, the equivalent of one and a half A-levels. To continue onto the second year and complete the full Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (worth three A-levels), you’ll need to: 

•  Pass all first-year modules 

•  Attend at least 85% of the year 

•  Pass a short interview 

This approach ensures you’re fully prepared to take your skills and creativity to the next level. 

Over two years, you’ll develop confidence, resilience, creativity and collaboration skills that are valued in higher education and a range of careers. Many of our graduates continue their circus training by progressing to our degree, while others study different subjects at university. Some join professional performance companies, start their own projects or follow an entirely different career paths. Whatever direction you choose, the skills and experience you gain on this course stay with you.

BTEC graduate Helena Humm left Circomedia in 2018 to study at CNAC in France. She later returned to Bristol to star in ‘Seasons’ by Upswing at the Circus City Festival 2021.