Free BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Canterbury. Classes run at The Canterbury Academy, full-time over two years. This level 3 BTEC performing arts qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels, making it a strong route into higher education. You'll choose a specialist pathway in acting, dance, or musical theatre, or take a broader route across the performing arts sector. An audition is part of the application process to find the right pathway for you. The course runs to 540 guided hours across 13 units.
Who this course is for
The Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to
higher education courses in performing arts areas before entering employment. Learners can either choose a pathway which focusses on particular disciplines: acting, dance, musical theatre; or take a general route for further study in the sector. Equivalent in size to three
A Levels. 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are external. Mandatory content (67%). External assessment (42%).
Entry requirements
An audition will take place to assess your suitable pathway for this course.
What you will learn
You'll develop performance skills in your chosen discipline: acting, dance, or musical theatre.
You'll study core mandatory units that underpin professional practice in the performing arts.
You'll complete externally assessed units that test your knowledge under set conditions.
You'll explore theatre technology and production as part of the broader curriculum.
You'll build skills in music performance and stagecraft relevant to live performance contexts.
You'll prepare a portfolio of work and performances that demonstrate your progress across the course.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions, practical workshops, and performance work at The Canterbury Academy. Assessment is a mix of internally assessed units, where you build evidence over time, and externally assessed units sat under set conditions. Seven of the 13 units are mandatory. Four are externally assessed. You'll be assessed through performances, projects, and written tasks depending on the unit.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Canterbury Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Actor: stage, screen, and theatre performance roles
Dancer: professional dance companies and touring productions
Musical theatre performer: West End, regional theatre, and touring shows
Drama teacher or workshop facilitator: schools and community settings
Theatre technician: lighting, sound, and stage management
Choreographer: dance and movement direction for productions
Arts administrator: supporting performing arts organisations and venues
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, Drama, or Dance: the Extended Diploma meets entry requirements for many university degree courses in these subjects.
BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre: specialist degree for those on the musical theatre pathway.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts: a two-year higher education route if you prefer a vocational path after the BTEC.
Drama school audition programmes: some conservatoires accept the Extended Diploma alongside an audition.
