Course Overview
Prepare for a career in the performing arts with this two-year, A-Level equivalent programme. You will have the opportunity to specialise in Acting, Dance, or Musical Theatre, while further developing your technical proficiency, creativity, and stage presence.
Through structured workshops, rehearsals, and live performances, you will refine your skills in your chosen discipline and collaborate with peers to create original and innovative productions. You will also gain valuable experience in performance planning, production management, and professional practice, providing a thorough understanding of how the performing arts industry operates.
The programme encourages the development of your individual artistic voice, confidence, and professional discipline, ensuring you are prepared for the demands of higher-level study or a career in the industry. With strong industry links and clear progression routes to university, drama school, or professional employment, this programme offers a comprehensive foundation for ambitious performers seeking to establish themselves in the performing arts.
Entry Requirements:
4 x GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths and English
Course Highlights
Course Units
Unit 1 – Principles of performance
Unit 2 – Engaging with an audience
Unit 3 – Introduction to professional practice
Unit 4 – Critical and contextual awareness
Unit 5 – Production skills and context
Unit 6 – Performance skills and context
Unit 7 – Preparation for specialist study
Unit 8 – Collaborative performance project
Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts
Students must complete Units 1–8 of the Diploma in addition to Units 9–12:
Unit 9 – Developing performance and production skills
Unit 10 – Preparing for progression
Unit 11 – Exploration of specialist study and context
Unit 12 – Extended project
Course Breakdown
Course Structure
This programme combines on-stage training with academic and professional development to give you a comprehensive foundation in the performing arts. Practical sessions are at the heart of the course, providing regular opportunities to develop your skills in acting, dance, and movement through rehearsals, workshops, and live performances.
You will also develop research skills to support your creative decision-making, exploring practitioners, styles, and performance contexts. Reflective practice is an ongoing part of the programme, helping you evaluate rehearsals, performances, and your own progress to foster artistic growth.
Assessment is largely coursework-based and includes performance projects, written evaluations, and creative portfolios.
Your achievements are assessed through a combination of internal evaluation by your tutors and external assessment, ensuring the programme meets national standards and prepares you for progression within the performing arts industry or onto higher level study.
Progression & Next Steps
Successful completion of the Level 3 Performing Arts course provides a range of progression opportunities;
• Higher Education – university degrees or foundation courses in subjects such as acting, dance, musical theatre, or performance studies.
• Specialist stage schools or conservatoires – receive intensive professional training and develop industry-specific skills.
• Employment – this course equips students with transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and performance experience that are valuable in roles within the performing arts industry and related creative sectors.