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Key details

Course area
Performing Arts
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C000841 Child course code: Q002050
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Course introduction

The UAL Level 3 Performing Arts course is a dynamic and immersive two-year program designed to nurture your creative talents and prepare you for a vibrant career in the performing arts industry. This course offers two exciting pathways: Dance and Musical Theatre, allowing you to specialise in your area of passion.

  • Dance Pathway:
    • Dive into the world of dance, studying various styles including Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Commercial, and Tap. Choreography is a key element of this pathway, enabling you to develop your creative expression and performance skills.
  • Musical Theatre Pathway:
    • Explore the thrilling combination of acting, singing, and dance techniques, including Jazz, Ballet, and Tap. This pathway will equip you with the skills needed to excel in musical theatre, from vocal training and acting techniques to choreography and stage presence.

Throughout the course, you'll benefit from expert guidance, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment. Whether you choose Dance or Musical Theatre, you'll graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience to pursue further education or step directly into the performing arts industry.

Two students dancing on stage with a black background

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

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Course information

2 years

Performing and Production Arts: Dance or Musical Theatre (Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma)

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

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

Choose to follow with progression to a dance school or degree-level study, such as our foundation degree in Dance, and top-up degree in Performing Arts, or starting a career in the industry.

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:

Dancers and Choreographers

Potential Earnings

£54,380.24

Average Earnings

£29,079.12

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

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.

Skills

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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.
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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Music, Performing & Production Arts (Level 1 UAL Diploma) - Full-time

Performing and Production Arts: Acting (Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma) - Full-time