PERFORMING AND PRODUCTION ARTS Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
UAL

Overview

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts is designed for students who are passionate about developing a career in the creative industries. Delivered in a professional learning environment, this course provides the knowledge, skills and understanding required to progress to higher education or employment within the performing arts sector.

Students will train in top-of-the-range facilities, including a fully equipped theatre space, a professional dance studio with sprung floor, a green room, and industry-standard technical resources. Learners will also gain hands-on experience operating a lighting board and working with modern production equipment, ensuring they develop practical, job-ready technical skills.

Northern Ireland is internationally recognised for excellence in the performing arts, and this reputation is particularly strong in the area served by the College. The course reflects this vibrant creative landscape, offering students the opportunity to learn and develop within a professional, industry-focused setting.

The programme offers a broad and flexible curriculum that is tailored to the interests, strengths and ambitions of each cohort. While acting and dance form key elements of the course, students are also encouraged to explore a wide range of performance and behind-the-scenes roles. These include technical theatre, lighting, sound, costume design and other production pathways.

Learners will take part in music, acting and dance workshops, developing performance techniques across multiple art forms. They will have opportunities to perform for live audiences through in-house productions and public projects, while also gaining valuable experience in backstage roles that support live performance. In addition, students will experience live theatre, music and dance performances in professional venues, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of industry standards and professional practice.

This stimulating and demanding qualification provides a supportive transition from general study to specialised creative training, preparing students for the next stage of their education or a career in the performing and production arts.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Applicants will be required to undertake an audition. This can be a monologue, dance performance or musical theatre song.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) will be required. These interviews will take place on campus and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Year 1:

Pantomime (Collaborative Project with Music Department)
Theatre Directing
Devising
Performance Skills and Context
Variety Performance

Year 2:

Theatre in Education (School Touring Project in Collaboration with the PCSP)
Audition Technique
Creative Dance Composition (In Collaboration with Music Foundation Degree)
Final Major Project

Assessment in the Level 3 Extended Diploma is based on a combination of coursework and performance. Students will showcase their skills and creativity through live performances, productions, and portfolios.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, students will have developed a strong foundation in performing arts, production management, and industry knowledge. Graduates may choose to pursue higher education in theatre, dance, communications, humanities or related fields.