About the course

This course is designed to produce highly skilled, passionate and versatile young performers and artists. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of the demands of professional training in the performing arts industry in our purpose-built and modern dance and acting studios and theatre. It is for anyone who wants to study dance, choreography, musical theatre, dance in education and production arts.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, at least one of which should be in a performing arts subject, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject. Music or dance grades of the appropriate level may also be considered as suitable entry qualifications. You will also need to pass an audition.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

Workshops and trips – up to £150 per year. Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt, joggers and hoodie with logo).

Why study?

Experience workshops with industry professionals, rub shoulders with professional Actors, Musical Theatre performers and Dance Choreographers, laugh and create with young people just like you. At Harlow College you will work with professional theatre and dance specialists committed to you and your progression within Performing Arts. Become more skilled, confident and connected; learn how to devise your own work utilising a range of fascinating new skills; deepen your understanding of performing through practical workshops and regular rehearsals featured in our own Glass Box Theatre and professionally prepared dedicated dance and acting studios. You will be 'Professionals in Training' – preparing for progression into the Performing Arts Industry, further training or a related employment area. Don’t wait another minute to claim your creative future – apply today, online or in College.

Where will this course take me?

The qualifications will encourage recognition of the broader context within which the performing and production arts industries operate and the necessity to develop transferable skills to ensure an effective contribution to both the immediate and future development of those industries.

Progression to higher education in areas such as performing arts, community theatre, drama and theatre studies, arts administration, technical theatre. Work within the industry in areas such as theatre in education, touring productions, holiday camps, cruise ships and technical theatre, dance performing, teaching, community arts, cruise ships and commercial entertainers.

Destinations for our students include the following:

• Higher Education Degree Courses
• University
• RADA
• De Montfort University
• Roehampton Institute
• UEL University Rosebruford
• Middlesex University Stage Schools – Performance and Degree Courses
• East 15
• Masters Performing Arts College
• Urdang Dance Academy
• Performers College
• London Studio Centre
• Laine Theatre Arts
• Tiffany’s
• Arts Educational School
• Collins
• Penny Meakins London Contemporary Dance School

Career opportunities:

• Holiday Park Entertainers - Butlins, Pontins
• Cruise Ships
• Dance/Theatre Companies
• Theme Park support artists
• Community Acting/Dance Teacher
• West End Performer
• Physiotherapist
• Sports trainer
• Aerobics instructor

Core modules

The Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is made up of 8 mandatory units. The qualification will be delivered through 12 units over a nominal two-year period.

• Unit 1: Principles of Performance
• Unit 2: Engaging with an Audience
• Unit 3: Introduction to Professional Practice
• Unit 4: Critical and Contextual Awareness
• Unit 5: Production Skills and Context
• Unit 6: Performance Skills and Context
• Unit 7: Preparation for Specialist Study
• Unit 8: Collaborative Performance Project.
  (The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Students must complete units 1-8 of the Diploma in addition to Units 9-11 and either Unit 12 or Unit 13)
• Unit 9: Developing Performance and Production Skills
• Unit 10: Preparing for Progression
• Unit 11: Exploration of Specialist study and Context
• Unit 12: Extended Project
• Unit 13: Extended project

How will I be assessed?

Verbal and written formative and summative feedback, through a variety of methods: Practical work; performances; classroom observations; Showbie app: presentations; logbooks; viva voca; rehearsals; blogs; diaries; reports; essays etc.

The UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is included in the UCAS tariff and attracts tariff points for each final grade as shown below: Pass 100; Merit 160; Distinction 210

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is included in the UCAS tariff and attracts tariff points for each final grade as shown below: Pass 180; Merit 280; Distinction 420

Will I have to provide anything?

Pens, pencils, diary, highlighters, paper/notebook. Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt, joggers and hoodie with logo). 

For West End theatre trips, workshops and visits, students will need to pay £150 for the year or £50 per term.

A kit list will be supplied at enrolment.