-Five-week introduction to aerial, acrobatics and juggling; you then specialise in two of these skill areas 

-Additional classes: physical theatre, movement, fitness & conditioning, contextual studies and critical thinking 

-Performance opportunities throughout the year, including Spring and Summer Projects (solo and group work) 

-Street Theatre performances at local and national events 

-End of first year: You create and perform an ensemble show at the city centre performance venue 

-You specialise further with intensive teaching in one discipline 

-Explore performance styles: clown, burlesque, stand-up comedy, narrative circus, commercial circus, and circus for camera 

-Develop essential employability skills: teacher training, website creation, CV and showreel production, and learning how to work as a self-employed performer 

-Gain insight from seminars delivered by visiting industry professionals 

-Year concludes with Ensemble shows, you devise and perform contemporary circus pieces for a public audience at the city centre venue 

Foundation Degree graduates can apply for a third top-up year to earn a full BA (Hons) in Contemporary Circus and Physical Theatre.  

You can also choose to join just the final year, the BA (Hons) top-up, if you already have 240 credits from a relevant course.

-You create a repertoire of acts for different audiences in the Performance Compilation 

-Practice as Research project to deepen skills in their chosen discipline 

-Final Major Project — a self-devised solo or group performance 

-Year concludes with the creation and production of a full-length ensemble show which tours UK venues such as Jackson’s Lane (London), Dorchester Arts, and The Old Library (Newbury).

Applying for our Foundation Degree or the one-year BA (Hons) top-up is simple, everything goes through UCAS. 

• Foundation Degree – Course code W900 

• BA (Hons) Top-Up – Course code H3N2 

• Validating University: Bath Spa University (Institution code B20, campus code H) 

If you’re unsure about anything during your UCAS application, just get in touch as we’re always happy to help. 

If you are applying for different universities through UCAS, you are welcome to send us a personalised statement to our admissions team. 

Once you submit your UCAS form, our admissions team will email you with next steps.

We host a two day audition workshop for the next stage of admissions.

Any questions? Contact: admissions@circomedia.com

You’ll need a minimum of C,D,D at A Level or MMP in a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma. You don’t need lots of circus experience either, we welcome people with an interest in dance, drama, comedy, gymnastics, parkour, martial arts and more.  If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need IELTS Level 6 or an equivalent qualification.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, don’t worry, you may still be able to apply through Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Bath Spa University advises that applicants aged 21 or over with at least three years of full-time practical experience can use this in place of formal qualifications. This route is ideal for those without a Level 3 qualification but with substantial industry experience.

Accreditation of Prior Learning Guidance

Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions about the requirements, we are here to help: admissions@circomedia.com

You’ll train at our Kingswood campus five days a week. Which has:

-Three aerial spaces

-Mirrored studio

-Student room with kitchen facility

-Quiet study room

-Classroom & IT suite

-Specialist library

-Shared onsite café

-Occasional summer outdoor aerial rigs

You’ll also have the opportunity to perform at St Paul’s Church, giving you the experience of working in a professional venue with a dedicated technical team.

You have priority access to our Kingswood studios, which are open until 9.30pm every weekday.

“Circomedia is very generous with its training space! The opportunities to train outside of class are amazing!

Emma Saunders, Circomedia graduate

Bristol has so much to show off about; food, art, Clifton Suspension Bridge, circus, theatre, music, festivals. Bristol is also recognised as a city of circus, with the highest concentration of circus performers living anywhere in the UK.

If you successfully complete the course, you’ll earn a Foundation Degree accredited by Bath Spa University. After that, you can choose to stay with us for an additional top-up year to achieve a full BA (Hons) degree.

Where can the this take you?

A career in circus and performance can take many forms. Many graduates build portfolio careers, mixing different roles and projects to create a path that suits them.

You might work as a self-employed artist, performing solo, touring with a company, creating your own work, or collaborating across the wider arts sector.

The course also gives you the business and professional skills you need to succeed from project management to self-promotion.

With our strong industry links, career support, and network introductions, you’ll leave with the connections and confidence to take your next step.

If you’re curious about what’s possible, take a look at our alumni stories they’re a great way to see where Circomedia could take you.

We don’t have our own Student Halls, but there are plenty of housing options for young people studying with us — and we’ll support you every step of the way.

We run an active student housing group where you can connect with other new starters, find housemates, and see available rooms. Once you accept your place, we’ll add you to the group so you can start planning your move.

There are also a small number of onsite rooms at Kingswood offered through Creative Youth Network (CYN). These are ideal for students who want to live close to the studios, and you can apply directly to CYN for one of these spaces.

Wherever you choose to live, we’ll help you navigate the options and find a place that feels right for you.

The Foundation and BA degree are £9,535 per year*. You can apply for tuition fee loan through Student Finance.

To be eligible for funding from Student Finance EU or Student Finance UK, you’ll need to have been living in the EU or UK for a certain amount of time. Please contact Student Finance directly to check eligibility.

At Circomedia, you’re never just a face in the crowd. Our small cohort sizes mean we get to know you, your goals, your challenges, and how best to support you throughout your training.

You’ll receive individual, tailored attention from tutors and support staff who genuinely care about your wellbeing and progress.

We also have two dedicated Student Support Officers on-site, available for practical help, pastoral guidance, and everyday check-ins whenever you need them.

Plus, our library includes a dedicated wellbeing space, offering resources to help you stay balanced, focused, and supported during your studies.

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.

We currently accept students who are UK residents or British citizens. If you have dual citizenship including a UK nationality, you’re eligible to apply.

Although we can accept EU dual nationals, fees and funding may differ. Students not resident in the EU for at least three years before the course may be classed as international and charged accordingly.

EU Citizens: Due to Brexit, EU students are now classed as international, so we can only accept those with settled or pre-settled status in the UK. Students who haven’t been resident in the EU for three years prior to the course may be classed as international for fees and funding purposes. See EU Settlement Scheme for further details.

Irish Citizens: Irish nationals remain exempt from the UK points-based immigration system and can apply as usual.

Any questions? Email us at admissions@circomedia.com