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A group of dance students practicing a routine in an immersive virtual reality pod, fully engaged in their environment.

Performing and Production Arts - Level 3 (UAL)

Summary

This course allows you to start your journey for employment in the performing arts industry. This is a study package that enables you to gain your GCSEs and valuable work experience in your chosen field of study.

You will study, perform and investigate all genres of performance alongside learning about the thousands of job roles associated with performance. This is a 2 year course to enable you to progress onto a Level 4 course and the industry.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
02 Sep 2026
University Centre
2 Years

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course prepares you for a range of careers in the performing arts industry from acting to musical theatre performer, presenter, stage manager, back stage and technical theatre.

Key information

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above in English and Maths, 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

Qualification obtained

Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no mandatory costs. Trips and visits are arranged throughout the year. Some are free of charge and some are optional.

Tuition Fees

 

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: UAL

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and Conditions

 

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: UAL

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Our students participate in a range of bespoke and career relevant opportunities throughout the academic year. Current placements include the Grand Theatre and Leftcoast. There is also constant engagement with industry professionals, most recently our students have worked with Ballet Rambert, The Royal Exchange, Generick Vapeur this list is not exhaustive and our students benefit from working with these companies and can site this on their CV for future.

How will I learn?

A range of teaching and learning methods to suit your individual needs. Workshops, discussions, placements and practical hands-on experience to prepare you for the challenging world of the performing arts business.

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?

Work is assessed through studio presentations, performance and portfolio.