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Performing Arts

UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts – Dance

You want to dance, seriously. Not just learn routines, but understand technique, develop your own choreography, and perform to real audiences. This course gives you the training and the stage time to grow as a dancer across multiple styles. You'll work in our fully equipped dance studios, perform in live shows, and build the skills and confidence to progress to drama school, university, or straight into the industry. Most students continue into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma. That's two years of intensive training that takes you from student to performer.

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How you’ll learn

Dance Like You Mean It

This course is about finding your voice as a dancer. You’ll train across styles — contemporary, jazz, ballet technique, street, and more — in our fully equipped dance studio with sprung floors and mirrors. But it’s not just about following choreography. You’ll learn to create your own work, understand the history behind different dance forms, and perform to live audiences throughout the year. When you step onto that stage for your collaborative project, you’ll own it.

You’ll also complete 30 hours of work placement in a real dance or performing arts setting — seeing first-hand what professional life looks like. There are no sit-down exams. It’s 60% practical performance and 40% written coursework (reflective journals and research, not test papers), so most of your time is spent moving, making, and performing. Most students go straight into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma, building a portfolio and the UCAS points you need for dance schools, conservatoires, and universities.

Performance Units

  • Principles of Performance
  • Engaging with an Audience
  • Performance Skills and Context
  • Collaborative Performance Project

Professional Development

  • Introduction to Professional Practice
  • Critical and Contextual Awareness
  • Production Skills and Context
  • Preparation for Specialist Study
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Entry requirements

  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English
  • A short audition as part of the interview process
  • A genuine passion for dance — we want to see your commitment, whatever your current level

Need GCSE support? If you're still working towards Grade 4 in Maths or English, you can study for these alongside your course. 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.

Further study

Careers it can lead to

  • Dancers and Choreographers £30,900 a year
  • Actors, Entertainers and Presenters £30,900 a year
  • Arts Officers, Producers and Directors £36,200 a year
  • With further study or experience Teaching Professionals £18.01 an hour

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Your UCAS points

UAL Level 3 Diploma

Grade UCAS points
D Distinction 84
M Merit 60
P Pass 36

UCAS points are an estimate. Each university course sets its own entry requirements, and points can change from year to year. Please enquire for full details about a specific course. Points from the UCAS Tariff tables for 2027 entry. About UCAS Tariff points

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Performing Arts 2018 03 Inspired Steps-1292 copy
Live performances

Students performing in our own drama hall

Kayleigh

Kayleigh

Level 3 Performing and Production Arts

Student Voice

“

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.

Read more student stories
For parents and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

Real Career Prospects

These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.

See career options

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 life

Mental Health & Wellbeing

College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student, whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.

Wellbeing support

Financial Support Available

Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.

Financial support info

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

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Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

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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.

Read our full guide to applying