Drama (Performing Arts) - BTEC Level 3 Diploma (Double)

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course Aims

It is important to note that performing arts is not just studied by people wanting to be actors, singers or dancers. We provide training that will allow students to work professionally in the theatre, the skills learnt on the course are transferable to many employment sectors, preparing students for work in the entertainment industry, on stage, in television or as a teacher. The course will provide a direct route into further training at university level or into students’ first job via the use of an agent. The course provides a strong foundation in acting as well as directing, devising and television and film work. Students do not need to be fully experienced in every area but do need to be ready to develop a creative flair and technical proficiency. Students are treated as professional performers and are expected to take the work seriously. Some of the skills gained by studying this course include creative thinking, team work, communication, imagination, organisation and leadership.

Course Content

Diploma (2 A Level equivalent) – Students will study eight different aspects of performer training and the course covers topics on areas such as improvisation, developing skills for live performance, investigating practitioners, group performance workshop, performing arts commission, final live performance to an audience and musical theatre.

Assessment

Assessment is mostly coursework based and this includes practical rehearsal material, performance work and supporting written files. We also have three externally assessed examination units over the two years.

There are a total of eight units of which six are mandatory and three are external

• Mandatory content is worth 83% of the overall qualification.
• External assessment is worth 46% of the qualification.

Additional course entry requirements

A pass at BTEC performing arts or a 4 at GCSE drama or other performing arts qualification is preferable but not essential. Equivalent experience outside school will also be considered. Auditions will be required.

Progression and career opportunities

Many students will want to take up a degree level qualification at the end of this course to continue their training. There are, however, many possibilities open to students, including youth work and production roles, writing, holiday entertainers in the UK or abroad and working on screen in film and TV. Our ex students have been very successful, working in TV and award winning films, theatre work and entertainment staff.