Performing Arts The Musical Theatre Programme (3 x A levels) BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Edexcel

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

The Canterbury Institute for Performing Arts offers what no other post-16 provider in the area can boast: a bespoke, industry-standard, performance-based training programme in Musical Theatre.

Students on the Musical Theatre Programme receive intensive training in the three core skills: dance (ballet, jazz, contemporary etc), drama (taking one day a week, 9am – 4pm, of classes with professional West End performers), singing (learning the Estill technique, the benchmark of vocal training for the industry).

With a vast yearly calendar of performances to apply their skills, our Musical Theatre students will also enjoy frequent workshops from award-winning Broadway and West End performers, directors, and composer/lyricists.

In addition you will get an introduction to a top acting agent who may represent you professionally. You will also enter national competitions.

All Musical Theatre Programme students will:

• receive professional training in singing, acting and dance

• get the opportunity for professional representation

• achieve BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in performing Arts (Musical Theatre

• work to gain entry requirement for top drama schools and universities

• perform at prestigious events (local and national, ie Move It!)

• work with practitioners from higher education, TV and theatre

• have the opportunity to follow another full A-Level course alongside their training

Musical Theatre Performance, Singing Skills and Techniques, , Ballet, Urban Dance, Jazz Dance, Acting Styles, and more. There will be at least three full musicals to perform in each year.

70% performance, 30% coursework for BTEC Extended Diploma (worth three A Levels).

We would recommend a GCSE grade 6 in drama/music/dance/performing arts and a keen interest in working within the industry, as well as a successful audition into Canterbury Institute of Performing Arts.

The Musical Theatre Programme will give you a wide knowledge base to help you choose a suitable career path in the musical theatre industry. You will be working with professionals from the industry who will give first hand advice and insight.

Should you achieve the appropriate grades, this course will enable you to move on to higher education at university or drama school.