ABOUT
This course will equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the performing arts and/or production arts. We offer pathways in dance, theatre and production and also, where possible, combinations of all disciplines.
The curriculum is rich in diversity and we create dynamic and innovative productions which are performed at various venues and community settings. Work experience is an intrinsic component of the course and you will have the opportunity to work with industry artists.
Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-credit Diploma. Following the successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.
Theatre
Develop your skills in all aspects of theatre, including musical theatre, physical theatre, acting, theatre in education, directing and producing. This course provides you with the opportunity to perform in a range of styles and techniques. You will participate in workshops in devising, script writing & analysis, physical theatre, movement and singing. You will have the chance to develop industry links and participate in workshops with professional actors and theatre companies. Many of our students progress to Guildhall, Birmingham School of Acting, Drama Centre, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, East 15, Middlesex and Manchester.
Dance
In your training, you will study a range of dance techniques including contemporary, ballet, jazz and urban, and you will work with guest artists to develop your skills in the diverse range of dance styles. Performance skills, choreography, physical theatre, singing, and the performing arts industry are areas covered in the training. The course also covers the theoretical aspects of dance and the performing arts industry. The dance performance is a major part of the course, with the chance to perform in the College theatre and at a range of external venues. Many of our students progress to a range of universities and colleges, including Trinity Laban, LIPA, Northern Contemporary Dance School, Urdang, London Studio Centre, Kingston and Middlesex.
Production
Technical theatre is an intrinsic component of the course. You will develop knowledge and skills in set design, costume, lighting design and operation, sound operation and stage management. These skills will be developed whilst working as a company on a diverse range of productions. Many of our students progress on to study technical theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, apprenticeships at Sadler’s Wells and the Roundhouse and study at the University of Derby.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need:
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language
or
- Maths and a Music/Performing Arts subject or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above
All applicants must have an interview and audition to confirm that the course is suitable for them.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.
FEES
AGED 16 - 18
If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.
Please see here for the documents you need to show us.
Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.
Adults - Level 3
This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:
- If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
- If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
- Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
- There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.
Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.
If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.
If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.
PROGRESSION
This course will help you to move on to higher-level courses, such as a Bachelor of Arts, an apprenticeship or other employment.
WHERE STUDENTS PROGRESS TO AFTER THIS COURSE
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of people went into Education, not Higher Education, after completing the course
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of people went into Higher Education after completing the course
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of people went into Employment after completing the course
