UAL Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Study Mode: Full Time   |    Course Level: Level 3

Where will this course lead?

The Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma programmes are vocational courses covering all aspects of performance in a stimulating environment, developing your current vocal, acting and dance skills and techniques to a more detailed and in-depth level over two academic years.

Delivered by knowledgeable and experienced Performing Arts professionals, you will be able to build upon your previous performance experience and develop your creative skills as a performer, standing you in good stead for professional Stage School, University and industry employment.

What will I study?

During the course you will explore a range of units, 8 units in the first year and 4 units in the second year, some of the skills you will learn will include:

- Performance to an Audience
- Rehearsing for Performance
- Principles of Acting
- Musical Theatre Performance
- Classical Theatre Performance
- Contemporary Theatre Performance
- Performing Arts Business
- Dance Performance
- Singing Skills for Actors and Dancers

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of productions to a live audience and gain work experience within the Performing Arts industry. You will also benefit from theatre trips, backstage tours and visits from Performing Arts practitioners.

How will this course be delivered?

The majority of this course is taught through practical work and performance. However, you will also have written tasks such as research, presentations and journals, which will support your practical work and understanding of texts and practitioners. The Performing Arts facilities consist of a fully equipped dance studio, drama studio and theatre.

You will study up to a maximum of 20 hours per week over a maximum of 4 days. Classes generally run between 9am-5pm but may vary.

Timetables will be given to all students during enrolment and induction week.

There are 12 units across the two years of the programme.  

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve a UAL Diploma or Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts at pass, merit or distinction.  The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is a valid qualification to progress to higher education.

How will I be assessed?

All 12 units will be internally assessed and internally verified through student's portfolios of evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places are offered by attending an interview and a taster workshop.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for the course are 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, one of which must be English Language, along with a successful interview and school report.

What else do I need to know?

Good levels of English and Maths are important for your success in your course, your chosen vocation and life. Throughout your course you will continue to develop your English and Maths skills in your vocational classes. If you achieve a grade D/3 at GCSE for either of these subjects then you will be required to enrol on a resit class and prepare to retake your GCSE exam. If you achieve below a D/3 grade then you will enrol on an appropriate Functional Skills course. Extra support is also available.

You will be required to make a payment towards the costs of trips and visits to a variety of venues. You will be required to provide suitable practical clothing to include black jazz pants and or plain jogging bottoms and black jazz dance shoes. You will also be required to buy a Solihull College Performing Arts uniform. This consists of a T Shirt and/or hoodie that can be worn in practical sessions, backstage and front of house for performances. (Solihull College Performing Arts clothing is subject to availability and costs at time of ordering).

You will need to provide all basic stationery including pens, pencils, notebook, plastic wallets, folders etc. to help create your course portfolio and to use during sessions. If you have a Learning Difficulty or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too. Solihull College offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

This course will enable you to progress on to higher education courses in Performing Arts at University or professional Stage School, or into teaching or other industry occupations. One to one support will be given to each student with UCAS and employment applications to allow all students continue their chosen journey.