Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

Applications Open: - 3 November 2025 at 8.00am

Applications Close: - 2 June 2026 at 8.00am

Entry Requirements: - At least five grade 4s or above, which should include English and Maths.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Please note an Extended Certificate is the equivalent of one A-Level, a Foundation Diploma one and half an A-Level and Diploma the equivalent of two A-Levels. Students should apply for one Diploma and one Extended Certificate or three Extended Certificate subjects.

The BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts is a vocational qualification with a focus on developing practical skills and techniques in a range of performing arts disciplines and critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of practitioners' work. Learners will gain a taste and an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

The course is unit based and each unit is given a credit value depending on the guided learning hours. At the start of each unit you will receive an assignment brief detailing the tasks and criteria to be met. At the end of each unit you will be given a grade of pass, merit or distinction.

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Level 4 or above (A*-C equivalent), including English Lit or Lang at grade 4 and Maths at Level 4. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course.

This qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop all-round performance skills and transferable skills such as self-confidence, self-presentation, personal discipline, time management and organisational skills which are highly regarded by higher education and employers. The qualification carries UCAS points and progression can be to an honours degree or to a BTEC Higher National, Foundation Degree, or a Higher Apprenticeship.