Performance: Acting/Performing Arts - Level 4 Professional Diploma (UAL)

This course is accredited by UAL.

Our one-year UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma is a FREE course for those aged 18+ and provides a professionally focused, industry-based qualification for moving into Acting/Performing Arts work or onto further study.

The course specialises in providing actor, theatre and screen acting training that is diverse, relevant, and current. The teaching staff have strong links with the film and theatre industry. 

You will develop physical and vocal performance and creative skills as well as explore a range of acting and performance techniques. Making creative work as part of a company will be an integral part of the programme, as will regular input from external practitioners and experts, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this industry.

You will also take performance work out on tour to different communities and will perform work that is responsive to current local, national and global issues. You will be supported to enhance your characteristics and develop your talents so that you are fully prepared to present yourself to the professional industry.

For information on our Higher Education policies including admissions, fees, and student contracts, please see the links below:

• Admissions Policy
• Complaints Policy 
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Fees Policy
• HE Student Contract
• Student Protection Plan

For our full list of policies, governance and fees please see our website Capital City College Group (capitalccg.ac.uk).

The course is project-based.

You will do several creative and performance projects over the one-year course. The Skills Projects will focus on developing voice, movement/dance, presentation and screen acting skills. The two larger Production Projects will focus on devising your work for different audiences and a full-scale professional performance in our N7 Theatre venue.

Core Modules:

• Unit 1: Applied Professional Practice - Internally assessed and internally verified
• Unit 2: Specialist Performance Practice - Internally assessed and internally verified
• Unit 3: Specialist Performance Project - Internally assessed, internally verified and externally moderated

You will need:

• Pass at Level 3 / A Level qualifications in Performing Arts and/or related arts qualification.

We also consider applicants with no formal qualifications.

Applicants also need to attend an audition.

As this is a project-based course, the assessment will be in the form of coursework presented in practical performances and through creative portfolios.

You will receive feedback on all your assessments. The feedback presented is individualised to ensure that each student progresses to the best of their potential.

Adults - Level 4

If you will be aged 19+ before the start date of your course and plan to study a Further Education course at Level 4, and you are out of work or on a low income, your study with us may be free. Otherwise, you may have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses are free of charge as they are funded by the Greater London Authority (Mayor of London). Please contact us to confirm if you are eligible.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

The course is FREE for most students, but this is dependent on employment status and eligibility.

The course prepares you for work in the performing arts industry in areas such as musical theatre, theatre, TV and film.

Students can also progress on to a drama school or university degree programme.

Tim is the Curriculum Leader of Music and Performing Arts and is a highly experienced Performing Arts teacher, director, and vocal coach. He studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in Drama and Education with a focus on directing theatre and music with young people. 

In the industry, he was Co-Director of Pinoy Theatre, the first British-Filipino Theatre Company and worked with a variety of successful young people theatre companies. Highlights of his work with young people theatre companies include directing a research project in New York (out of which came Candid Theatre Company) and as vocal coach for See&Eye Theatre, which culminated in performances on the Olivier and Cottesloe Stages at the National Theatre. 

Tim’s experiences have enabled him to develop high-level skills in Directing (especially young people’s theatre), Devised Theatre, Musical Theatre, Cultural and Global Theatre and Voice Coaching. He also has further skills in wellbeing as a teacher of meditation which he incorporates into his classes. He completed his Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), gaining a Distinction overall and specialising in Meditation for young creatives from diverse backgrounds.

Tim has recently been appointed as a Performing Arts External Examiner for Pearson. Tim is passionate about creating amazing live performances with creative young people, which inspire the students to be the best that they can be both onstage and offstage.

Blanka is a Performing Arts acting teacher, teaching Level 2, 3 and 4 students. She joined City and Islington College in 2019. Blanka studied (BA) Applied Theatre and (MA) Actor Training and Coaching at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the artistic director of HubArt Theatre company; she specialises in actor coaching and psycho-physical acting. Blanka is a Hungarian theatre practitioner and director who is passionate about teaching various acting techniques and coaching to students.

Despina joined City and Islington College in February 2020. She began her teaching career in 2008 and has worked in several inner London colleges.

As well as teaching dance and performing arts, Despina has held senior/lead tutor positions and has been the tutor for the Home Education Hub at City and Islington since 2020.

Despina holds a Masters degree in Choreography and has worked as a dance artist alongside her teaching practice. Despina is a passionate believer in fostering creativity and providing a safe space for students to grow.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.