Performing Arts Acting Extended National Diploma Level 3 Edexcel BTEC
T6 Turner Sixth Form
Tile Kiln Lane , Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4PB
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
Applications Open: 13 November 2025
Applications Close: tbc
Entry Requirements Applicants must achieve a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics, in addition to the minimum requirements in their chosen subjects.
How to Apply Please apply via KentChoices or email T6signup@turnerschools.com
Course Summary
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts is intended as an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning. The aim of the qualification is to prepare learners for entry to higher education, probably to a sector-related degree which could in turn lead to employment in the performing arts.
Course Details
The Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in performing arts areas before entering employment. This pathway focuses on the acting discipline for further study in the sector. Students will study 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are external. Mandatory content (67%). External assessment (42%).
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Unit 1 (M)
Title Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Weighting 8%
Assessment Externally Assessed
Unit 2 (M)
Title Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Weighting 8%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit 3 (M)
Title Group Performance Workshop
Weighting 12%
Assessment Externally Assessed
Unit 4 (M)
Title Performing Arts in the Community
Weighting 8%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit 5 (M)
Title Individual Performance Commission
Weighting 12%
Assessment Externally Assessed
Unit 6 (m)
Title Final Live Performance to an Audience
Weighting 8%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit 7 (M)
Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts
Weighting 12%
Assessment Externally Assessed
Unit 15
Title Theatre Directing
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit 16
Title Writing for Performance
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit Unit 18
Title Interpreting Classical Text for Performance
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit Unit 19
Title Acting Styles
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit Unit 24
Title Children’s Theatre Performance
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Unit Unit 33
Title Performing with Masks
Weighting 6%
Assessment Internally Assessed
Entry requirements
English Lang / Lit 4+ Maths 4+
GCSE at Grade 5+ or BTEC or equivalent at Level 2 Merit+ in an Acting related discipline. Candidates without a Level 2 qualification in an Acting related discipline will be considered upon interview/audition.
Your next steps...
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 course carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example:
Degrees in:
• Performance
• Theatre Studies
• Drama
• Acting
HNC/HNDs in:
• Performing Arts
• Acting
Further specialised vocational qualifications at conservatoires
and drama schools:
• LAMDA
• Guildhall School of Music and Drama
• Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
For more courses like this, check our courses page.