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UAL Level 2 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts
You want to perform and this is where it starts. This course builds your skills in acting, dance, and musical theatre while you work towards the grades you need for Level 3. No exams, no sitting behind a desk, a large part of your time is practical work in our performance spaces and dance studios. You'll perform in live shows, complete real industry work placement, and develop the confidence and technique to step up to specialist training the following year. This isn't a waiting room. It's the foundation year that gets you stage-ready.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
This is a hands-on course where you’ll spend most of your time performing, not sitting in a classroom. You’ll try acting, dance, and musical theatre, working in our professional dance studio and drama theatre with tutors who’ll push you to improve. You’ll put on live shows for real audiences, learn how a production comes together behind the scenes, and start building the confidence to perform under pressure. By the end of the year, you’ll be ready for Level 3.
You’ll also do 30 hours of work placement in a real performing arts setting so you’ll see what the industry actually looks like. There are no exams on this course. It’s about 60% practical performance, with some written coursework (workbooks, not test papers), so you’re always making and doing. Your GCSE Maths and English study fits around the course, built into your timetable — everything in one place, everything moving you forward.
Performance & Production Units
- Introduction to Performance
- Introduction to Production
- Communicating with an Audience
- Staging a Performance
- Producing and Performing to an Audience
Research & Development Units
- Contextual Research for Performance and Production
- Performance Skills and Practice
- Production Skills and Practice
- Personal Project and Presentation
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Entry requirements
- 3 GCSEs at Grade 2–3 (any subjects)
- A short audition as part of the interview process
- A genuine passion for performing. We’re looking for enthusiasm and potential, not polished technique
Building your Maths and English alongside the course. If you haven't yet achieved Grade 4 in Maths or English, you'll study for these as part of your timetable — not bolted on as an extra. Getting these grades is part of what unlocks your progression to Level 3. Financial support and learning support assistance are available for everyone who needs them.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts - Acting At this college
- Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts - Dance At this college
- Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts - Musical Theatre At this college
See all 5 courses
At this college
Careers it can lead to
With further study or experience
- Arts Officers, Producers and Directors £36,200 a year
- Actors, Entertainers and Presenters £30,900 a year
- Managers and Directors in the Creative Industries £50,800 a year
- Design Occupations £32,400 a year
See all 6 careers
- Advertising Accounts Managers and Creative Directors £41,000 a year
- Artists £35,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Where You'll Train
Train in the same dedicated performance spaces and fully equipped dance studios used by all three Level 3 specialist pathways. You're using professional facilities from day one.
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Full Dance Studio
Full-length mirrors, professional sound system, sprung floors. This is where you'll train, choreograph, and rehearse. The studio is purpose-built for dance and movement work across all styles, from contemporary technique to musical theatre choreography. It's your space from day one.
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Drama Hall & Performance Space
A dedicated performance space where you'll rehearse and stage live shows for real audiences throughout the year. This isn't a classroom with the desks pushed back, it's a working theatre space where you learn what it actually feels like to perform under proper conditions.
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Industry Guest Speakers
Every year we bring in working professionals from across the performing arts industry: actors, directors, choreographers, producers, and backstage specialists. They work directly with our students. You'll hear how they got started, what the industry actually looks like, and get honest advice from people who do this for a living. It's one of the things our students consistently say makes the course feel real.
Live performances
Students performing in our own drama hall
Student Voice
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College has helped me become more open-minded and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve loved the opportunities, especially the work placements. I plan to follow my passion for performing. It’s been a great experience—I’ve learnt loads and made memories with amazing people.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportSafeguarding & Welfare
Your child's safety is our priority. All staff are DBS-checked, our safeguarding team is available every day, and students always know who to go to if something isn't right.
Our safeguarding commitmentYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.