PERFORMING AND PRODUCTION ARTS Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
UAL

Overview

Northern Ireland is well known for excellence in the performing arts. This is especially true of the area in which the College serves. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to higher education or employment in the performing arts.

The course has been created for any young person who is excited about developing a career in the creative industries. Learners will have the opportunity to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

This course encompasses a very wide range of opportunities and will be tailored to fit the requirements of the students who enrol.

As well as acting and dance, there are opportunities for learners to explore other aspects through a wide variety of performance and behind-the-scenes production roles including technical theatre. Students will also have the opportunity to get involved with in-house productions as well as public projects. They will develop their performance techniques across the art forms through participation in music, acting and dance workshops and share their work with live audiences. Learners will also develop their production skills by taking responsibility for a backstage role such as costume designer or sound technician. Students will experience live theatre, music and dance performances in professional venues.

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 may be required to undertake an audition.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) 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.

Study areas:

Principles of performance
Engaging with an audience
Introduction to professional practice
Performance skills and context
Collaborative performance 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.