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Course Overview

 

The UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts has been designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree-level study and employment in the performing arts sector. It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest and experience in performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding, providing a supportive transition from general to more specialised study. Most students will have already identified a specific career in the performing arts industry that they wish to progress on to (e.g. actor, director, producer, singer, dancer, stage manager etc), using this qualification as a starting point.

Unit 1 will provide the student with an introduction to a range of activities essential to the development and delivery of a performance. It will introduce the basic elements of drama, dance and music, the process of rehearsal, production and delivery of a performance, and impart an understanding of performing arts as a collaborative activity. 
Unit 2 will provide the student with an introduction to oral, written and visual communication as integral to activities in the performing arts. The student will explore and analyse meaning and how to convey a message to an audience through voice and performance. Unit 3 will provide the student with an introduction to the diversity of roles, responsibilities, employment and progression opportunities available within the sector. It will also introduce the student to the importance of health and safety as integral to the performer and production, and an understanding of the personal and professional characteristics needed for a career in the performing arts. 
Unit 4 will provide the student with an introduction to the investigation of both historical and contemporary context. Through a thematic approach to the subject the student will research a broad range of perspectives that influence the development of ideas within the performing arts.
Unit 5 will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired in Units 1–4, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for production and design in the performing arts.
Unit 6 will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired in Units 1–4, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for performance in the performing arts. 
Unit 7 will provide the student with an opportunity to integrate knowledge and understanding acquired in Units 1–4, and to explore the specific skills and attributes required for their own personal practice.
Unit 8 as the summative and graded unit at the end of the one-year Diploma qualification will provide the student with a measure of self-directed learning in the completion of a substantial performing arts project. The unit will also provide an opportunity for the student to confirm continuation to year two of the Extended Diploma or to an alternative progression route. Unit 8 will require the student to make use of the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in Units 5–7 to complete a collaborative project. It will provide the student with a measure of self-directed learning, and an opportunity to begin to clarify their longer-term goals through their choice of an activity to explore in greater depth.
Unit 9 will require the student, to enter into a more formal dialogue of personal interrogation and diagnosis designed to identify strengths, enthusiasms and ambitions within a specific pathway. The unit will enable the student to develop the requisite artistic, professional and vocational skills necessary for progression within their chosen discipline. Unit 10 will require the student, through a process of research, dialogue, reflection and evaluation, to identify and prepare for specific Higher Education or employment progression routes appropriate to their ambitions. The unit will enable the student to demonstrate the requisite practical, intellectual and communication skills necessary for progression. Unit 11 will require the student to research and critically examine the influence of historical and contemporary contexts on the development of ideas and how this has informed their own practice. The unit will enable the student to demonstrate their understanding of the audience and to present the range of skills and knowledge acquired in their chosen discipline.
Unit 12 provides an opportunity for the student to confirm their chosen specialism by engaging in activity related to their discipline(s) of choice. It is expected that they will take ownership of their learning by responding positively to the greater opportunities for individual expression and creativity afforded and demonstrate their ability to competently use the range of skills acquired throughout the course. Students will be expected to demonstrate the capacity to initiate, research, develop, implement, reflect and evaluate a substantial project in preparation for Higher Education or employment in their chosen performing arts discipline. 
Unit 13 will require the student to affirm appropriate maturity by taking significantly greater responsibility for their own learning, demonstrating the capacity to initiate, research, develop, implement, reflect and evaluate a substantial project to a level commensurate with Level 4 prior to progression to Higher Education or employment in their chosen performing arts discipline.

Students should have a minimum of 5 x GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above (including English and Maths (at minimum of grade 4). It is expected that all students will be able to demonstrate competent performing arts skills (acting/singing/dancing as applicable.) All students will complete a practical audition/interview.

The qualification is delivered through 13 units over a two year period. Units 1–7 (Year 1) and Units 9–11 (Year 2) of the Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts are internally assessed and internally verified through students’ portfolios of evidence and are subject to UAL’s external quality assurance.
In Year 1, students must successfully complete units 1–7, before moving on to the final unit, Unit 8. Unit 8 will determine the grade achievement at Level 3 and the unit is graded Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction. 
In year 2, Students must successfully complete units 9–11, before moving on to the final units, Unit 12 and 13. These final units of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts together make up the learning and assessment activities for the final project and will determine the achievement grade at Level 3. 

All students will participate in a minimum of 30 hours industry related work-related learning. In addition, all students complete an online employability course to develop skills for online and offline job searches, create tailored CVs and applications and develop interview techniques.

The UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is delivered over two academic years and enables students to develop a portfolio of work that could support progression into a range of qualifications at Level 4 and above. Typically, students will progress to Higher Education within The College (FdA in Performing Arts) or an alternative University or Drama/Dance School. Some students may progress directly into entry-level roles in the performing arts industry. The skills learnt on this course will help you in a variety of careers within television, film or theatre work, stage, cabaret, leisure (redcoat/ cruise ships) film or TV work. Employment within the industry not only depends on talent, but also on a sense of determination to succeed. You will be given advice on self-employment and potential routes.

The UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the entertainment industry. Some possible career paths that can be pursued after completing performing arts training can include Actor, Dancer, Singer, Director, Stage Manager, Arts Administrator, Teacher, Producer, Choreographer, Theatre Technician etc. Alongside the performing arts and entertainment industry, the transferable skills you will develop will enable you to find work in various industries i.e. Customer Service, Project Management, Team Leading, Professional Development, Recruitment, Sales, Media, Events Management and Advertising.You will have the opportunity to perform in the Jellicoe Theatre which is a fully functioning venue.  We stage 20+ productions per year with a variety of shows including Musicals, Dance Shows, Classical and Contemporary Plays, all of which you will attend as part of your course.

You will have the opportunity to perform in the Jellicoe Theatre which is a fully functioning venue.  We stage 20+ productions per year with a variety of shows including Musicals, Dance Shows, Classical and Contemporary Plays, all of which you will attend as part of your course.

You will be required to pay a £100 fee to cover the costs of materials (props/costumes) and enrichment activities, including an educational trip.

Awarding Body:
UAL

Curriculum Area:
Creative and Digital Industries - Performing Arts

Course Options

Start Date

Wed 3rd September 2025

Attendance

Full-time

Duration

2 Years

Location

Poole Campus

*Advanced learner loan available