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Key details

Course area
Performing Arts
Student type
16 - 18 courses
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C000321 Child course code: Q002018
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Course introduction

If you’ve had a taste of performing in front of an audience and are hungry for more, or you’ve got a hidden talent for acting, singing or movement and need support to develop it, this is the perfect course for you.

The Level 2 Performing Arts course is an engaging and comprehensive one-year programme designed to introduce you to the world of performance and prepare you for further study. You will develop a range of skills across acting, movement and voice, building confidence, creativity and performance experience.

You will study one of the following pathways:

Acting Pathway:
Immerse yourself in the art of acting, where you will study a range of techniques including character development, voice, and devising. You’ll take part in practical workshops, rehearsals and live performances, building your stage presence and confidence. This pathway is designed to strengthen your acting skills and prepare you for more advanced study in Acting at Level 3.

Dance Pathway:
Explore the world of dance, focusing on styles such as Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Commercial. You will develop your technique, performance skills and creative expression through choreography and performance opportunities. This pathway provides a solid foundation for progression into Dance or Musical Theatre at Level 3.

Performing Arts Pathway:
This pathway offers a broad introduction to the key elements of performance. You will explore acting techniques, movement and basic dance skills, as well as voice and singing. Through workshops, rehearsals and performances, you’ll develop your confidence, creativity and ability to work as part of an ensemble. This pathway is ideal if you want a well-rounded experience and are considering progression into Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre at Level 3.

You can expect to perform to live audiences, practise in our specialist studios and collaborate with other students on a range of performance projects.

Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress to Level 3 studies in Acting, Dance, or Musical Theatre within our department.

Please note: the availability of pathways is dependent on student recruitment. In some cases, pathways may be combined to ensure the best learning experience for all students.

A group of students dressed in black and white posing in front of a stage

You will be encouraged to undertake a work placement of 30+ hours while you are studying.

Read more

Course information

1 year

Performing and Production Arts: Dance or Acting (Level 2 UAL Diploma)

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above.

You will be assessed on practical tasks, projects and productions, supported by a record of written evidence.

Choose to follow with further study on a Level 3 Dance or Musical Theatre course, you could go into a dancing career or teaching.

Additional fees are to be paid at enrolment for trips and the performing arts passport. These can be discussed at interview.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Meet Luu & learn more about the state-of-the-art facilities she learns dance in
Meet Glenn & hear how he went from studying at Nottingham College to becoming a dancer in Swan Lake
Learn from Experience with Theatre and Dance Lecturer Nicola Burt.
Emily on Performing Arts

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

Potential Earnings

£52,048.04

Average Earnings

£29,161.19

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Employment opportunities

The number of job postings in this career for previous years starting from 2023, the current year and projections for future years until 2034.

Sources: The Labour Force Survey (LFS), Working Futures (projections) data, and Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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