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Acting Level 3

UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts

This course has a strong emphasis on practical acting methods. You will participate in a variety of units including Acting Techniques, Improvisation, Physical Theatre, Movement, Devising, Audition Techniques and Contextual Studies. The skills developed in these units are then applied to theatre performances throughout the two years. The performing projects are designed to be a realistic experience of the theatre profession and will prepare you for higher education or a range of work opportunities in the industry.

It is suited to learners who are passionate and committed to going into the performing arts and who appreciate the need for both the practical and academic skills to survive the rigours of the performing arts industry.

Course Info
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Acting Level 3
Qualification: UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationTwo years | Year 1: Diploma | Year 2: Extended Diploma
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2027
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £7,395 (This fee covers the full two-year course)
Awarding/Validation BodyUniversity of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body
What Will I Learn?

This is a highly practical course where you will spend most of your time developing your skills through workshops, rehearsals, performances, creative projects and industry-style activities.

Alongside the practical work, you will explore the theory, ideas and practitioners that underpin the industry, helping you deepen your understanding and develop as a reflective creative professional. You will evaluate your own work, analyse performances and complete written assignments that connect directly to your practical experiences.

In addition to your specialist studies, you’ll also develop your English, maths and employability skills, preparing you for progression into higher education, training or employment within the creative industries. This course does not offer Function Skills English or Maths as part of our programme of study.

You will complete the UAL Diploma in your first year and continue to the Extended Diploma in your second year.

Course Content

Acting Level 3 may includes:

  • Principles of performance
  • Engaging with an audience
  • Introduction to professional practice
  • Critical and contextual awareness
  • Production skills and context
  • Performance skills and context
  • Preparation for specialist study
  • Collaborative performance project
  • Developing performance and production skills
  • Preparing for progression
  • Exploration of specialist study and context
  • Extended project
Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs (9-4) including English and Maths (Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent), or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification, and an audition/interview.

Facilities
  • 3 Large mirrored dance studios with sprung flooring and ballet barres
  • 2 Live Performance Spaces
  • Singing/drama studio
  • TV studio
  • Practice rooms
  • Changing rooms
  • Live recording studio
  • IT facilities
  • Access to the college gym
Course Progression

The course carries up to 168 UCAS points and prepares you for entrance to higher education courses in drama and theatre. Many students progress to universities and drama schools including Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, LAMDA, Mountview, Performers, EAST 15,  Falmouth, Goldsmiths and LIPA.

Career Opportunities

The course prepares you for work in the performing arts industry. It might lead to work as a performer on as well as jobs related to performance such as arts administration and teaching. Many of our graduates can be found performing around the world on stage and screen in a variety of projects.

Audition Guidance

Your audition will include the following activities, so you must come prepared:

  • Group acting audition
  • Solo performance
  • An interview with a member of the Performing Arts team

What to Prepare?

  • You have the option to either perform 1 speech from the below options, or a contemporary monologue which needs to have been written in the last 30 years by a reputable playwright and performed in a professional theatre.
  • You are expected to recite from memory and not use a script.

Please bring with you:

  • A pen
  • Comfortable clothing, suitable for activities involving movement
Download Speech Options

Fees and Finance

Students’ college education is funded for three academic years after leaving secondary school in year 11. Please click the button below which will apply to your age on the 31st August 2027 in order to find out more information about fees and finance relating to your course.

I will be under 19 on the 31st August 2027
I will be 19 or over on the 31st August 2027

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2026-27 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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