Indirect non-Precision approach. Rare in the UK (NDB 114 deg at Gloucestershire is an example) but more common overseas. A VOR, NDB, TACAN or similar approach which does not follow the runway axis / centreline but just points you at the airfield where you then carry out a circling approach to completion.
So - to answer the original question. No, they're not the same thing. The circling approach is what is flown either at the end of an indirect instrument approach, OR if you fly a direct approach (either precision or non-precision) and then break off to circle and land on a different runway than that served by the approach.