Level 3

Performing Arts, BTEC National Extended Diploma

Level 3

Performing Arts, BTEC National Extended Diploma

This unique course embraces all aspects of acting and is designed to provide you with the extensive skillset required for both stage and screen acting, and to provide a supportive transition from general to more specialised study. The Level 3 foundation diploma will provide you with the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledges and behaviours associated with a wide range of careers within the performing arts profession.

Course options

Start: September 2026

Duration: 2 Years

Location: KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS

Code: ED3ACPF1KN

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What will I study?

You will study modules, including Exploring Performance Styles, Creating Performance Material and Performing for an Audience, as well as a module which focusses on building a successful career in your chosen industry

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are through a range of practical and theoretical assignments and for your final assessment you have the option to audition and perform for a full-scale production or participate in the production.

Past productions have included:

Chicago by Bob Fosse
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
Made in Dagenham by Richard Bean
Thoroughly Modern Millie by Dick Scanlan and Richard Morris
The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Last Resort by Chris Owen
Little Shop of Horrors by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman

This course will provide you with specialist acting skills to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in year two.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs (or Level 2 equivalent) at grade 9-4, including English OR Maths
If progressing from a Level 2 course – entry requirement is a MERIT
Previous study of Performing Arts / performance or technical experience / industry experience would be highly advantageous
A considerable passion for your chosen pathway (Acting / Dance / Musical Theatre) and a desire to progress to HE studies, or Industry employment
High standard of written / theory work which supports all practical projects
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is essential

Progression

This course will provide you with specialist acting skills to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in year two

Uniform Information

Dance clothing
Appropriate shoes (including dance specialist footwear if studied)
Branded T-shirt
Black professional clothes you can move in

Trip Information

Phobia scare actors 24th-27th October at Puxton Park
Musical theatre cinema trip – November
Industry talks
New York January/Feb
Project SIX the musical (going into primary schools to run workshops)
Manchester Pro Excel World Record (25 students selected to participate in the World Record attempt: most backing dancers for a well-known music artist)
Pantomine tickets
Timetable
5 days a week with intense practical training to represent industry standards

More Info

Performing arts students, for all levels, need to be aware that there is very high, industry expectations, 95% attendance is compulsory, long days and long hours but incredibly rewarding
The learner needs to have a big interest in a future in the industry and will be required to turn up to lessons on time due to the nature of collaborative working
As a Weston College student you will become part of one of our exciting Career Excellence Hubs
This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of giving you the opportunity to become career ready
It will help you reach your ultimate goal, focussing on your future employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career

Fees Information

Level 2 Qualifications

This course may be Free* if you live in the South West of England and:

You are defined by the Adult Education Board (AEB) as being unemployed because one of the following applies:
- receive Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), including those receiving National Insurance credits only
- receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- receive Universal Credit and your take home pay, as recorded on your Universal Credit statement (disregarding Universal Credit payment and other benefits) is less than £345 a month (learner is sole adult in the benefit claim) or £552 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
- are released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice
You are employed, or self-employed, and earn less than £18,525.00 annual gross salary.

Level 3 Qualifications

This course is Free* if:

The qualification you have chosen to study is part of the Legal Entitlements list and you are aged 19-23 at the start of your course and you do not already have a qualification at Level 3 or higher. From April 2021, any adult aged 24 and over who wants to achieve their first full level 3 qualification will be able to access certain courses we run for free.

The full fee is payable if:

this is not your first full level 3

the qualification you wish to study isn’t on the approved list of level 3 qualifications the College can run for free.

However, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Apprenticeships - Information for Employers

The cost of apprenticeships will be split into 30 funding bands ranging from £1,500 to £27,000. The prices will depend on the type of apprenticeship and the level it is taught at, and are negotiable with your training provider.

For 98% of employers, the reforms mean that employing an apprentice will be better value for money than ever before. Small businesses will only have to pay 5% of the training costs, with the Government picking up the remaining 95%. In some cases, the Government will fully fund apprenticeships for small businesses.

Click here for more information about how the reforms and levy will affect your company.

Advanced Learner Loans

You may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England, to fund the cost of your course. For further information and to check eligibility, please follow the links below:

Other Important information

While every care has been made to ensure the accuracy of our prospectuses and website, errors may occur from time to time resulting in incorrect information / fees being shown / printed.

Fees quoted online and in our prospectuses are for the current academic year only, and are subject to change – two and three-year courses will have fees to pay again in subsequent years.
You may still need to buy a uniform/kit which is your professional start-up kits or pay professional/personal memberships and all students will need to provide a National Insurance number and up-to-date proof of benefits, if applicable, at the time of enrolment.
Please click here for our current term dates.

If you are 16-18 years old on the 31st August in the current academic year, this course is usually Free.
Students who are EU/EEA or Swiss Citizens who have lived in the UK before 1 January 2021 who do not have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or haven’t applied for the EU Settlement Scheme and been granted pre-settled or settled status – please contact the College Registrar on 01934 411 531 for advice on appropriate UKVI student visa fees before you enrol.

Refunds

Full refunds will be payable if we need to cancel a course.
Tuition fee refunds are payable if you change your mind within 14 days of enrolling on your course and before the start of the course (10% of tuition fee or £25 administration fee whichever is larger will be charged).

If you change your mind about a course before it starts or during the first three weeks, we will happily transfer you to an alternative course - you may need to pay any difference in fees or have a credit note issued to you if the course is cheaper.
If you wish to withdraw from a course you can request a credit note for the remaining proportion of the tuition fees to a maximum of 50% of tuition fees paid (a £25 administration fee will be charged). Credit notes are valid for one calendar year.
There are different terms and conditions for Higher Education courses - please call 01934 411 409 for further details.

Discretionary Learner Support Fund

This is a College-administered fund which can support some costs associated with attending qualification courses. It is mean-tested against gross household income and limited in its amount per learner. For further information please contact Student Services on 01934 411 571.

Future

Careers

Occupations related to Performing Arts, BTEC National Extended Diploma

Actor, Entertainer or Presenter

Actors, entertainers and presenters sing, portray roles in dramatic productions, perform comedy routines, gymnastic feats and tricks of illusion, train animals to perform and perform with them, and introduce and present radio and television programmes.

Average annual earnings: £19,250
Employment in region: 310 positions