Level 3 in Performing Arts

Hull College

Queen's Gardens, Wilberforce Drive, Hull, HU1 3DG

Vocationally-related Qualification (VRQ)

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Hull College

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Prepare for a career in the performing arts with this two-year, A-Level equivalent programme. You will have the opportunity to specialise in Acting, Dance, or Musical Theatre, while further developing your technical proficiency, creativity, and stage presence.

Through structured workshops, rehearsals, and live performances, you will refine your skills in your chosen discipline and collaborate with peers to create original and innovative productions. You will also gain valuable experience in performance planning, production management, and professional practice, providing a thorough understanding of how the performing arts industry operates.

The programme encourages the development of your individual artistic voice, confidence, and professional discipline, ensuring you are prepared for the demands of higher-level study or a career in the industry. With strong industry links and clear progression routes to university, drama school, or professional employment, this programme offers a comprehensive foundation for ambitious performers seeking to establish themselves in the performing arts.

Course Details

Course Highlights:

Specialise Your Passion – Choose to focus on Acting, Dance, or Musical Theatre.
Perform Live – Take part in a variety of productions, from contemporary plays to large-scale musicals.
Professional-Level Training – Develop advanced technical and creative skills with experienced industry tutors.
Industry Insight – Learn how the performing arts world operates, from auditions to production management.
Collaborative Projects – Work across disciplines to create exciting and original performance pieces.
Career & University Ready – Gain a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to three A Levels.

Course Units:

Unit 1 – Principles of performance

Unit 2 – Engaging with an audience

Unit 3 – Introduction to professional practice

Unit 4 – Critical and contextual awareness

Unit 5 – Production skills and context

Unit 6 – Performance skills and context

Unit 7 – Preparation for specialist study

Unit 8 – Collaborative performance project

Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts

Students must complete Units 1–8 of the Diploma in addition to Units 9–12:

Unit 9 – Developing performance and production skills

Unit 10 – Preparing for progression

Unit 11 – Exploration of specialist study and context

Unit 12 – Extended project

How will it be delivered and assessed?

This programme combines on-stage training with academic and professional development to give you a comprehensive foundation in the performing arts. Practical sessions are at the heart of the course, providing regular opportunities to develop your skills in acting, dance, and movement through rehearsals, workshops, and live performances.

You will also develop research skills to support your creative decision-making, exploring practitioners, styles, and performance contexts. Reflective practice is an ongoing part of the programme, helping you evaluate rehearsals, performances, and your own progress to foster artistic growth.

Assessment is largely coursework-based and includes performance projects, written evaluations, and creative portfolios.

Your achievements are assessed through a combination of internal evaluation by your tutors and external assessment, ensuring the programme meets national standards and prepares you for progression within the performing arts industry or onto higher level study.

Entry requirements

4 x GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths and English.

Your next steps...

Successful completion of the Level 3 Performing Arts course provides a range of progression opportunities;

• Higher Education – university degrees or foundation courses in subjects such as acting, dance, musical theatre, or performance studies.

• Specialist stage schools or conservatoires – receive intensive professional training and develop industry-specific skills.

• Employment – this course equips students with transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and performance experience that are valuable in roles within the performing arts industry and related creative sectors.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.