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Performing Arts

UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts – Musical Theatre

Level 3 · UAL · Full-Time · 1 year full-time

Singing, acting, and dancing, all in one course. If you love musical theatre, you probably already do a bit of all three. This course brings them together, training you as a triple threat who can hold their own on any stage. You'll develop your voice, your movement, and your acting skills side by side, then put them into practice in live shows and collaborative projects with your fellow performers. You'll work in our performance spaces and dance studios with tutors who know what the industry looks for. Most students continue into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma — the route to musical theatre programmes at university, conservatoire, or straight into the profession.

Next Open Event · 25th June 4:30pm to 7:00pm

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Key Facts

  • Level Level 3
  • Duration 1 year full-time
  • Study Mode Full-Time
  • Awarding Body UAL
  • Assessment Coursework + Practical Assessment + Group Work

Train as a triple threat. Singing, acting, and dance combined with 30 hours industry placement

Admissions

Entry Requirements

What You'll Need

  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English
  • A short audition as part of the interview process
  • A genuine passion for musical theatre — singing, acting, and movement. You don’t need to be perfect at all three yet
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.
What You'll Learn

Sing. Act. Dance. All of It.

If you love musical theatre, you probably already sing, act, and dance a bit. This course brings all three together — training you as a triple threat who can hold their own on any stage. You’ll develop your voice, your movement, and your stage presence side by side, study the repertoire from golden age classics to contemporary shows, and perform in live productions in our drama theatre and dance studio.

You’ll complete 30 hours of work placement and work with visiting industry professionals who know what the profession looks for. There are no sit-down exams — it’s 60% practical and 40% written coursework. Most students go straight into Year 2 for the Extended Diploma, building towards auditions for conservatoires, drama schools, and universities.

Performance Units

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

Professional Development Units

  • Introduction to Professional Practice
  • Critical and Contextual Awareness
  • Production Skills and Context
  • Preparation for Specialist Study
How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.

Practical Assessment

Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.

Group Work

Collaborative projects that develop your teamwork and communication skills.

No exams — 100% practical and coursework
Career Destinations

Where This Course Takes You

Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

Up to £55,516 /year

Actors, entertainers and presenters sing, portray roles in dramatic productions, perform comedy routines, gymnastic feats and tricks of illusion, train animals to perform and perform with them, and introduce and […]

Dancers and Choreographers

Up to £55,516 /year

Dancers and choreographers devise, direct, rehearse and perform classical and contemporary dance routines.

Arts Officers, Producers and Directors

Up to £65,259 /year

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the […]

Teaching Professionals

Up to £46,384 /year

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of other teaching occupations.

Your Progression Pathway

  1. Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma In Performing & Production Arts – Musical Theatre
  2. Level 3 Musical Theatre – Extended Diploma (Year 2)
  3. Conservatoire / Drama School / University / Industry
Our Facilities

Where You'll Train

Rehearse and perform in our dedicated performance spaces and fully equipped dance studios, staging full musical theatre productions for live audiences throughout the year.

  • Full Dance Studio

    Full-length mirrors, professional sound system, sprung floors. This is where you'll train, learn, and rehearse. 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 Oz

Students performing in our own drama hall

Live performances
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.

For Parents & 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

Come to an Open Event · 25th June 4:30pm to 7:00pm

See the facilities, meet the tutors, ask your questions in person.

Book Your Place
For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 3

Duration

1 year full-time

Study Mode

Full-Time

Awarding Body

UAL

Assessment

Coursework + Practical Assessment + Group Work

Progression Routes

Route A: Level 3 Diploma (Year 1) → Extended Diploma (Year 2) → Conservatoire, Drama School, University, or Employment

Ready for Your Audition?

Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk