Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Performing Arts Course in Cambridge

CostFee:7404.00 Concession: 304.00
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Performing and Production Arts Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time over two years.

The course covers acting, dance, and musical theatre. You'll build practical performance skills alongside production knowledge. Year one develops your foundations. Year two takes you to the Extended Diploma level, preparing you for degree study or drama school. Entry requires at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or Maths and a Performing Arts subject. A UAL Level 2 Diploma or equivalent BTEC qualification is also accepted.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Diploma in Performing and Production Arts.

Who this course is for

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre) is a challenging course focussing on building the relevant skills, knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the performing arts industry today. The Level 3 Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Year 1) is designed to give students the practical skills and knowledge to progress to the Level 3 Extended Diploma (Year 2) and then on to degree level study, at university, drama school, specialist dance college or employment in this exciting and vibrant industry.

Throughout the course students cover a variety of aspects of the three disciplines including: devised and scripted drama, ensemble singing, solo performance, contemporary and street dance, musical theatre history and musical theatre performance. All of our Performing Arts students benefit from theatre visits, attending workshops and performing both devised and scripted shows in the college theatre.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma consists of 12 units. Students study 8 units in the 1st year and 4 units in the 2nd year. Units 1-7 are formatively assessed to a Pass level. Unit 8 is summatively assessed to a Pass/Merit/Distinction and denotes the overall grade for the Diploma. In the 2nd year, Units 8-11 are formatively assessed to a Pass level. Unit 12 is summatively assessed to a Pass/Merit/Distinction and denotes the overall grade for the Extended Diploma. The 1st year Diploma course carries the following UCAS points: Pass/Merit/Distinction - 36/60/84 and the 2nd year Extended Diploma is: Pass/Merit/Distinction - 72/120/168. The Level 3 Extended Diploma provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to work both independently and collaboratively with their peers to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is both stimulating and demanding.

Entry requirements

You should be at least 16 years of age. A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades 9 - 4 (A - C) including English or Maths and one of which should be in a Performing Arts related subject or a UAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, a BTEC Level 2 Diploma or a BTEC First Diploma. GCSEs in English Language, Maths & Performing Arts at grade 4 (C) or above are highly desirable. You might wish to take the opportunity to demonstrate your performance at a Welcome Event/interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop acting techniques for stage and screen.
  • You'll train in dance styles and physical performance.
  • You'll study musical theatre performance, combining singing, acting, and movement.
  • You'll build production skills, including stagecraft and technical theatre.
  • You'll create and perform in productions for real audiences.
  • You'll develop your creative and collaborative working practice.
  • You'll build a portfolio of work to support applications to drama school or university.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical workshops, rehearsals, and performances in the classroom and on stage. Assessment is largely practical, through performances, projects, and portfolio work. Written assignments and reflective journals also form part of the assessment. You'll work individually and as part of an ensemble throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional 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 professional dance companies, touring shows, or commercial productions.
  • Musical theatre performer, combines singing, acting, and dance in stage productions.
  • Stage manager, coordinates rehearsals and manages live performance logistics.
  • Drama workshop leader, delivers performing arts sessions in schools or community settings.
  • Performing arts technician, supports lighting, sound, and staging for live events.

What you could study next

  • BA Acting or BA Musical Theatre, a degree at a conservatoire or university building directly on this qualification.
  • BA Dance or BA Performing Arts, for those focusing on movement or broader performance disciplines.
  • UAL Level 4 Diploma in Performing Arts, a higher-level qualification for those not ready for full degree study.
  • Drama school audition programmes, specialist training routes for professional performance careers.
Apply on camre.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Cambridge Regional College

More courses near you