Level 3 Diploma in Acting (Marlowe Academy of Performing Arts)

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

A unique experience for those who want to enhance their acting and performance skills, The Marlowe Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) is a first-class programme aimed at delivery industry-standard training alongside your qualification. MAPA provides a unique opportunity to learn, train, and perform within one of the country’s leading regional theatres. You’ll train across both the Marlowe Theatre and EKC Canterbury College, gaining direct experience of the professional world of theatre This course is suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths.

Learning takes place in purpose-built rehearsal studios and performance spaces where you become part of a vibrant and creative community of emerging performers. You’ll become embedded residents at the Marlowe Theatre, giving you an authentic insight in to how professional productions are made, both on and off stage. Key modules will include: • Training at The Marlowe Kit • Acting training by industry professionals • Working on stage at the Marlowe Theatre • Key performance skill development • Stage movement lessons • Stage Speech development • Voice Technique training Alongside this practical training, you’ll explore acting theory, character development, and performance analysis, gaining both the artistic and academic foundation to support their creative work.

You will be assessed through a combination of written assignments and practical evaluations, including group projects and live performances. You will develop a portfolio of work during the course which is created to aid assessment and your future.

This course is suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 qualification or have an impressive portfolio of work. You should also have achieved a 4/C grade in English and Maths. Prior acting experience is not essential. We value enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong commitment to training. Entry is through an audition and interview process designed to help us get to know each applicant’s potential and passion for the craft.

During this course, you will build a strong portfolio that reflects your personal style as an actor, and you will finish a confident performer. This will prepare you for your next steps in the creative sector. Many of our learners have enrolled at drama school, higher education, or entering the creative industries directly. One on our Level 3 learners, Rhys, is currently thriving on the course. He commented: " "I choose MAPA because it is my dream to act. That is what I want to do in life. I saw this as the perfect next step for me. The course will give me amazing advantages that I wouldn't get with other courses. Its 100% met my expectations."