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 which the College serves. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to higher education study 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. You will have the opportunity to explore, develop and test your 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 you to explore other aspects through a wide variety of performance and behind-the-scenes production roles including technical theatre. You will also have the opportunity to get involved with in-house productions as well as public projects. You will develop your performance techniques across the art forms through participation in music, acting and dance workshops and share your work with live audiences. You will also develop your production skills by taking responsibility for a backstage role such as costume designer or sound technician. You 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).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
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, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

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.

Please note 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.

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.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

Applicants may be required to undertake an audition.

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

Assessment is ongoing by coursework.

You can progress directly to employment as an actor, singer and dancer or as technical support or arts administrator.

This course is also a recognised qualification for progression to degree courses in drama and theatre, performing arts, communications and humanities.