Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Acting)

Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Acting)

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  • Course Overview
  • Entry Requirements
  • Course Fees

Acting for stage and screen, do you have a passion for Acting this highly practical course will give you training in both stage and screen acting to become a versatile employable actor. Maybe you dream of directing or writing your own scripts. Throughout the course students will experience a wide variety of performance styles whilst working under our theatre company INSPIRE.

This Level 3 National Foundation Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Acting) is a Study Programme  which, if successful, leads to the 90 credit qualification over one year and progression to the full 180 credit qualification over 2 years. If you are interested in a career in Acting and want an A level equivalent course which offers training in all aspects of Acting, our course could be the right choice for you. It will provide you with a strong foundation for progression into Drama schools, higher education or a career within the performing arts or entertainment, leisure or communications industries.

Course structure Year 1 A, Performing Arts Skills Development A1 Exploring Performance Styles In this Module you will study different styles of acting such as acting for camera, physical theatre, community theatre, Mime and Acting for stage. You will also receive voice training and looking at work as a voice actor on computer games. You will learn about different practitioners and acting styles. At the end of this Module you will have two performance opportunities in front of an audience. A2 Creating Performance Material During this module you will experience improvisation and devising to create your own theatre which you will then perform to an audience. This module helps you to understand as an actor how to create your own work broadening your prospects as an employable actor. A3 Performing for an Audience This is an exciting module where you will have the opportunity to audition for a role in a full length play, you will have a 6-8 week rehearsal period and then perform to a 130 seat audience. This gives a real experience of working as a stage actor.

F The Performing Arts Industry F16 Planning a Career in the Industry In this module you will learn about the industry and how to gain employment as an actor. You will have the opportunity to have professional headshots taken and write your acting CV for future use. You will learn all about casting and where to apply for work.

Year 2 G Personal Performing Arts Profile This module prepares learners for progression, developing an understanding of future opportunities, planning progression and working independently. These are all vital skills for higher education and employment in the sector.

  • G17 Using Development Plans to Refine Skills
  • G18 Producing a Personal Project
  • G19 Using Material for Self-promotion and Networking

H Collaborative Performing Arts Project Learners will be able to undertake a large-scale project in collaboration with peers. The project can be adapted to suit different specialisms, interests or community and local needs, and can act as a final showcase.

  • H20 Undertaking a Defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • H21 Using Creative Collaboration to Develop a Project
  • H22 Producing a Collaborative Project

Study Programme


This course is a Study Programme which consists of:

  • Vocational Qualification
  • Work Experience
  • Tutorial
  • Maths*
  • English*

* If you have not already achieved a GCSE pass at grade C or above in English and Maths you will study Maths and/ or English as an integral part of your college programme.

Acting for stage and screen, do you have a passion for Acting this highly practical course will give you training in both stage and screen acting to become a versatile employable actor. Maybe you dream of directing or writing your own scripts. Throughout the course students will experience a wide variety of performance styles whilst working under our theatre company INSPIRE.

This Level 3 National Foundation Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Acting) is a Study Programme  which, if successful, leads to the 90 credit qualification over one year and progression to the full 180 credit qualification over 2 years. If you are interested in a career in Acting and want an A level equivalent course which offers training in all aspects of Acting, our course could be the right choice for you. It will provide you with a strong foundation for progression into Drama schools, higher education or a career within the performing arts or entertainment, leisure or communications industries.

Course structure Year 1 A, Performing Arts Skills Development A1 Exploring Performance Styles In this Module you will study different styles of acting such as acting for camera, physical theatre, community theatre, Mime and Acting for stage. You will also receive voice training and looking at work as a voice actor on computer games. You will learn about different practitioners and acting styles. At the end of this Module you will have two performance opportunities in front of an audience. A2 Creating Performance Material During this module you will experience improvisation and devising to create your own theatre which you will then perform to an audience. This module helps you to understand as an actor how to create your own work broadening your prospects as an employable actor. A3 Performing for an Audience This is an exciting module where you will have the opportunity to audition for a role in a full length play, you will have a 6-8 week rehearsal period and then perform to a 130 seat audience. This gives a real experience of working as a stage actor.

F The Performing Arts Industry F16 Planning a Career in the Industry In this module you will learn about the industry and how to gain employment as an actor. You will have the opportunity to have professional headshots taken and write your acting CV for future use. You will learn all about casting and where to apply for work.

Year 2 G Personal Performing Arts Profile This module prepares learners for progression, developing an understanding of future opportunities, planning progression and working independently. These are all vital skills for higher education and employment in the sector.

  • G17 Using Development Plans to Refine Skills
  • G18 Producing a Personal Project
  • G19 Using Material for Self-promotion and Networking

H Collaborative Performing Arts Project Learners will be able to undertake a large-scale project in collaboration with peers. The project can be adapted to suit different specialisms, interests or community and local needs, and can act as a final showcase.

  • H20 Undertaking a Defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • H21 Using Creative Collaboration to Develop a Project
  • H22 Producing a Collaborative Project

Study Programme


This course is a Study Programme which consists of:

  • Vocational Qualification
  • Work Experience
  • Tutorial
  • Maths*
  • English*

* If you have not already achieved a GCSE pass at grade C or above in English and Maths you will study Maths and/ or English as an integral part of your college programme.

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C in the old grading structure) or above including one in English or maths, as well as a passion for performing.

Relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit Level with GCSE/Level 2 in English & maths. If you have a Pass grade you will complete an additional assessment to check course suitability.

an Audition will be required.

This course is free for 16-18yrs; for 19-23yrs, course is free if you have not achieved a full Level 2 qualification.

For all other students fees apply:
Course fee £7395; Exam Fee TBC

If you're aged 19+ you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course.

Find information about Advanced Learner Loans and make an application.

Course Details

Length of study:
Duration: 1 or 2 years

Starting:
September

Term dates

Study campus:
City

Study option(s):
Full time

Course level:
Level 3

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Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 and applying for a full-time programme, then you will not have to pay for your course. If you are aged 19+ then there may be a fee for your course.

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Programme Ref: COV_FE_1422 Last updated: February 19, 2024 1:19 pm