Performing Arts - Fast Track to Degree

Summary

Unlock your creative potential and take the next step in your performing arts journey with our intensive, adult-focused Level 3 Fast-Track in Performing Arts. This programme is designed for adults who are returning to education, changing careers or looking to accelerate their ambitions in the performing arts sector.

You’ll experience a dynamic curriculum that blends practical performance skills with creative exploration and academic development. Through focused evening sessions, you’ll work alongside other motivated adult learners, developing your confidence in acting, movement and voice, while also building the academic and reflective skills needed for progression to Higher Education or a career in the creative industries.

Our expert tutors will support you every step of the way, providing personalised feedback and guidance in a supportive, inclusive environment. You’ll have access to professional-standard studios and technology, and you’ll collaborate on projects that mirror industry practice.

Whether you’re aiming to progress to university, retrain for a new career, or simply reignite your passion for performance, this course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve your goals.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
08 Jan 2027	University Centre	20 Weeks	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Successful completion of this intensive, adult-focused Level 3 Certificate in Performing Arts will enable you to progress directly to one of Blackpool School of Arts’ exciting Level 4 programmes - such as the HNC in Acting or Musical Theatre - starting September 2026.

This pathway opens doors to a wide range of creative careers, including theatre, performance, arts education, community arts and creative production. Throughout the course, you’ll build on your foundational performance skills, deepen your creative practice, and gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

Next steps at B&FC

Graduates from this programme will be well-prepared to:

Progress to a BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) or degree-level study in performing arts or related creative disciplines.
Enter the creative industries with a strong foundation in performance, stagecraft, and collaborative practice.
Continue developing their skills in specialist areas such as acting, dance, musical theatre, community arts, or arts education.

Other study options

Completion of this programme will also prepare you to apply for study at other institutions or pursue a career in the industry. Advice and support will be offered during the programme on the best next-step for you.

Employment Opportunities

While this fast-track Level 3 Certificate is designed to support progression into Higher Education, some learners may choose to enter the creative industries directly upon completion. The performing arts sector offers a range of exciting and flexible career paths, including:

Freelance Performer
Launch your own career as a freelance actor or theatre-maker.

Community Practitioner
Use your performance skills to lead workshops, support youth theatre, or deliver creative sessions in schools, care settings, or community organisations.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Applicants to this programme will have the following qualifications

A L2 qualification in a relevant discipline, or
Industry experience in a relevant discipline

As well asGrade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent, along with the following:

A successful interview with a tutor
The ability to study independently
A genuine interest in the subject
Good communication skills
Hardworking approach towards the industry

Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

Qualification obtained

BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

All resources such as rehearsal space and library facilities are included in the programme cost itself.

As a performance course that specialises in performance we do recommend – but do not require – that you have the following items available to wear when necessary:

A set of loose-fitting black casual clothing suitable for movement work

At least one pair of soft dark shoes

At least one formal or semi-formal shirt

At least one pair of formal dark shoes

If anticipating playing female roles, character shoes

A vocal steamer

A yoga mat

We are keen to support all our students and recognise that in this current climate you may need extra financial support to enable you to achieve to your potential. Please see the links in the Fees and Funding section for more information.

What will I learn?

On this fast-track Performing Arts course, you’ll develop essential performance skills, explore a range of acting, movement, and vocal techniques, and create your own performance projects from concept to stage. You’ll build a portfolio of skills, experiment with industry-standard rehearsal and production methods, and gain a solid grounding in creative collaboration, problem-solving, and storytelling for live and digital audiences.

The curriculum is designed to give you the confidence and practical skills needed for higher education, with a focus on creative briefs and performance challenges that reflect current industry practice. You’ll work alongside other adult learners in a supportive environment, guided by experienced tutors, as you prepare for your next step in the performing arts.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

As a fast-track evening class, this programme does not include a formal work placement. However, you’ll benefit from the strong industry connections that Blackpool School of Arts and its staff maintain, broadening your perspective and inspiring your practice. Live performance briefs and visiting professionals will provide valuable industry insights, helping you understand the realities of working in the performing arts sector and supporting your career progression.

These experiences are designed to build your professional network, expose you to current industry standards, and prepare you for your next step in the creative industries - whether that’s further study or direct entry into employment.

How will I learn?

Learning on this fast-track Performing Arts programme is hands-on, collaborative, and designed specifically for adult learners. You’ll work on practical performance projects in our specialist studios, engaging with acting, movement, and voice in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Workshops, rehearsals, demonstrations, and ensemble work encourage experimentation and peer learning, helping you build confidence and refine your craft. You’ll also engage in independent study, supported by expert tutors who understand the needs of adult returners and career changers.

The course is structured to fit around busy lives, with flexible evening delivery and a learning environment that values your experience, creativity, and ambition—helping you take the next step in your performing arts journey.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment on this Performing Arts programme is practical and reflective, designed to mirror real-world creative processes while preparing you for progression into Higher Education. While there are no formal written exams, you will complete an externally set and assessed controlled assessment, which allows you to demonstrate your skills, creativity and understanding in a structured performance context.

You’ll present your work through live performances, rehearsals and reflective documentation, receiving constructive feedback from tutors and peers. Your final portfolio will capture your journey through the course—documenting your creative outputs, rehearsal process and evaluative reflections. This approach ensures you leave the programme with a strong foundation, a confident understanding of your craft, and the readiness to take your next step in the performing arts.