Circomedia BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Circus)

Discover the learning experience and opportunities you can expect from this course:

This course is free for 16-18 year olds, who can demonstrate some ability in physical or performance disciplines such as dance, drama, gymnastics, parkour or martial arts.

You will need a keen interest in a career in the performing arts, but don’t need to have any previous circus experience.

Applicants will need a good level of fitness as this is a very practical course!

View the key features of this course:

You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of circus disciplines, including juggling, balance, 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.

Year 1:
Module E collaborative performance across the disciplines, Module F- Performing Arts Industry

Year 2:
Module G- Duo performance and self-promotion Module H- collaborative performance project

You must have a GCSE in English and in Maths grade 9-4.

We recommend that applicants have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 9–4, however this isn’t essential.

Most days you will have the chance to train in the historic St Paul’s Church in central Bristol, while once a week you will train at Circomedia’s campus in Kingswood, also home to the Degree students.

Circomedia provides supervised practice sessions outside of college hours so you can really hone your skills.

You will have the opportunity to perform at St Paul’s Church for twice-annual BTEC shows, giving you a real taste of what it’s like to be a professional circus performer.

The course is module-based. Assessments are through coursework only, no exams. They will be performance-based, written research and self-reflection.

Many Circomedia BTEC graduates progress to study on Circomedia’s own Foundation Degree course, while others have gone 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 companies, or taken their careers in a whole other direction.

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery.

All equipment is supplied but some students wish to purchase their own circus equipment if they require specialist equipment not supplied by Circomedia.

We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.