BTEC in Performing Arts Practice (Circus)
Circomedia offers students aged 16-18 the chance to study on our two-year Extended Diploma BTEC in Performing Arts Practice.
If you are 18 or older you might be interested in one of our other courses here.
A BTEC is a Level 3 qualification that follows on from GCSEs. The course features the same academic rigour as A Levels whilst also focusing on more practical learning.
The Circomedia BTEC course gives young people from the age of 16 the chance to learn a range of circus disciplines (aerial, juggling, acrobatics and balance) alongside classes in physical theatre, movement and devising. Underpinning this practical skill development is a rigorous program of academic study in which learners investigate theatre practitioners, plan a community project and explore various employment opportunities within the arts industry. This course is delivered in partnership with City of Bristol College.
Any questions? Take a look at our FAQs or email admissions@circomedia.com.
What will you study?
You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of circus disciplines, including juggling, balancing, aerial and acrobatics. You’ll learn about physical theatre, movement and performance techniques, as well as developing your knowledge of influential practitioners and the business skills vital to working within the performing arts industry. The course is very physically intensive and you will need a good level of fitness. Your learning is supported by academic study and assessments are both practical and written.
“There’s something for everyone here. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done circus before because whatever you do you’ll be supported to explore your creativity.”
– Natasha, BTEC graduate who went on to study at Codarts
What do you need?
To apply for this course, you must:
- Be aged between 16 and 18 (on the 31st August before the September start date of each of the two years of the course)
- Have a GCSE in English and in Maths grade 9-4 or Functional Skills level 2.
- You don’t need to have any previous circus experience, but you will need to demonstrate some ability in a physical or performance-related discipline such as dance, drama, gymnastics, parkour, or martial arts. Applicants will need a good level of fitness as this is a very practical course.
- To ensure they are prepared for the academic level of the course, we recommend that applicants have a minimum of four GCSE passes at grades 9–4, however this isn’t essential.
Successful applicants will have their course fees funded by the government.
Adult funding (19+) has not been granted by the funding agency for our new course specification. This means if you are already aged 18 or over then please consider the Foundation Degree course.
We can accept applications from international students within the EU and EEA, however, we are unable to take anyone requiring a VISA to study.
Please note, unfortunately accommodation funding is not available for our BTEC course.
What about English and Maths?
To be eligible for government funding it is a requirement to have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above. If you are a European student with qualifications equivalent to GCSEs then you may be eligible for a funded place providing your qualifications are confirmed by NARIC.
Technical Requirements
Students are enrolled through City of Bristol College, which gives you access to a Microsoft Office Account for free. This allows you to use Word, Teams, and other software.
All students need to have a basic level of IT Literacy and be able to use Word or Docs (to create, edit and save written work), Microsoft Teams (for organisation), and Microsoft Outlook (for emails).
All students need access to their own IT equipment (not a mobile phone) to complete independent written assignments.
What do you get?
Successful completion of the first year of the course will result in a standalone qualification – Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma (the equivalent of one and a half ‘A’ levels).
To be invited to continue onto the second year and complete the full Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (worth three ‘A’ levels) students must a) successfully pass the first-year modules, b) have achieved regular attendance of over 85% throughout their first year, and c) pass an interview.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your colleagues at Circomedia for providing a fantastic course and such a supportive environment. He described his BTEC as the best year of his life so far.”
– Tina, parent of BTEC graduate
Where will you train?
Most days you’ll have the chance to train in the historic St Paul’s Church in central Bristol, while once a week you’ll train at our campus in Kingswood, also home to the Degree students. Circomedia provides supervised practice sessions outside college hours so you can really hone your skills.
You’ll have the opportunity to perform at St Paul’s Church for our bi-annual BTEC shows, giving you a real taste of what it’s like to work as a professional circus performer.
Where will it take you?
Many of our BTEC in Performing Arts Practice graduates progress to study on Circomedia’s own Foundation Degree course, while others have gone on to develop their skills at schools across Europe including Codarts, DOCH and CNAC. BTEC students have also gone on to join professional companies, set up their own, or taken their careers in a whole other direction.
BTEC graduate Helena Humm left Circomedia in June 2018 and went on to study at CNAC in France. Helena returned to Bristol to star in ‘Seasons’ by Upswing at the Circus City Festival 2021. Here you can watch ‘Fidget‘, her piece from 2018’s end-of-year show entitled ‘In Focus‘.
TERM DATES 2025-2026
Term One
Induction week: Monday 8th September 2025 – Thursday 11th September 2025
Term 1A: Monday 8th September – Thursday 24th October 2025
Half term: Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October 2025
Term 1B: Monday 3rd November – Thursday 11th December 2025
Xmas Break: Monday 15th December – Friday 2nd January 2026
Term Two
Term 2A: Monday 5th January – Thursday 12th February 2026
Half term: Monday 16th February – Friday 20th February 2026
Term 2B: Monday 23rd February – Thursday 2nd April 2026
Easter Break: Friday 3rd April – Friday 10th April 2026
Term Three
Term 3A: Monday 20th April – Thursday 21st May 2026
Half term: Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May 2026
Term 3B: Monday 1st June – Thursday 18th June 2026
End of academic year
In 2020, one of our BTEC students Tove Tozer created this documentary about the their fellow students on the BTEC course. It’s a fascinating look into why our students join our BTEC, where they come from and where they hope to go. We enjoyed it so much that we thought it was a must to add to our YouTube channel. We hope you enjoy it.
