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Free BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Preston

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College, full-time over two years.

The course is free for 16 to 19 year olds. You'll explore a broad range of performance styles, create original material, and develop roles from published scripts. Units cover exploring performance styles, creating performance material, performing for an audience, and planning a career in the industry. You can specialise in acting, musical theatre, or dance.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Maths. The course leads to a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts Practice.

Who this course is for

The Performing Arts BTEC courses will introduce you to a broad range of styles and approaches to many aspects of performing, further training and working professionally in the industry. It will enrich your ability to develop and realise roles from published material, devised performance material and help you to create your career plan. For the Foundation Diploma in any of the disciplines, Acting, Musical Theatre or Dance you will study: Exploring Performance Styles, Creating Performance Material, Performing for an Audience and Planning a Career in the Industry.

Entry requirements

At least five 4s at GCSE, including at least a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore a wide range of performance styles across acting, musical theatre, and dance.
  • You'll develop and realise roles from published scripts and devised material.
  • You'll create original performance work from scratch.
  • You'll perform for a live audience and develop your stage presence.
  • You'll build a career plan for working professionally in the performing arts industry.
  • You'll study how the industry works and what further training routes are available.

How you will learn

All units are internally assessed through practical and written work. There is no written exam. Your work is subject to external standards verification by Pearson Edexcel. You'll take part in rehearsals, performances, and project-based tasks throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor, performs in theatre, film, television, or radio productions.
  • Dancer, works in stage shows, music videos, or dance companies.
  • Musical theatre performer, combines singing, acting, and dance in live productions.
  • Drama workshop leader, runs sessions for schools or community groups.
  • Performing arts technician, supports productions with lighting, sound, or stage management.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Performing Arts or Drama, a degree combining practical and academic study at university.
  • Conservatoire or drama school training, specialist full-time programmes at institutions such as LIPA or Mountview.
  • BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre, for those specialising in that discipline.
  • Level 3 A-Levels alongside or after this BTEC, to broaden your university application.
Apply on cardinalnewman.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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