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16-18 Courses, 16-18: A Levels

Performing Arts: Musical Theatre (Level 3 Extended Certificate)

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Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 4.25, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

The Performing Arts National Extended Certificate is a 2 year course equivalent to 1 A Level. It is aimed at developing skills in all of the disciplines associated with the Performing Arts - theatre, music and dance - both as an audience member and as a performer. You will study a combination of practice and theory in order to develop your academic and performing skills to a high level, and you will learn how to improvise performance and interpret texts as well as understand how performances are produced, directed and choreographed. You will develop conceptual understanding as well as team working skills.

This course aims to provide opportunities for students to develop a wide range of performance skills in music, drama, dance and a range of genres. It will develop your understanding of how performers work and how performance has evolved over time, as well as all aspects of the production of a performance - as performers, producers and the audience.

A significant aspect will be your development of team working skills, essential to any successful performance.

This BTEC course must be studied alongside 2 other A Levels. It is recommended that one of the other A Levels is in the performing arts area, such as Drama & Theatre, Dance or Music Technology. Other good combinations are Film Studies, Media Studies, English Literature, Fine Art, Graphics or Photography.

Key topics

  • Develop your performance skills in all disciplines both as an individual performer and as part of an ensemble
  • Gain experience of and perform in a wide range of theatrical productions
  • Devise and recreate work using a range of published scripts and other stimuli
  • Study the history of theatre from Shakespeare to Musical Theatre and its place within today's society.
  • Develop an understanding of the role of a performer as well as director/choreographer

  • How you are assessed

    50% coursework/performance, 50% external assessment

  • Next steps

    This two-year Level 3 BTEC course is equivalent to 1 A Level and is taken alongside two other A Levels. It can lead to progression opportunities in the dance, drama, perfoming arts or music industries. Students usually take their next steps on a university or higher education course, or on a creative apprenticeship or training scheme. Some secure places at one of the specialised drama, acting or theatre schools which then lead to careers in theatre, TV, acting, music and entertainment industries.

  • Why study at NCC?

    • We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
    • Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
    • Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
    • Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
    • One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
    • Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
    • Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
    • Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
    • A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed

    Whether you want to perform, create music, or work backstage, New City College is your stage. At our Performing Arts Academy, you’ll train in professional studios, learning acting, dance, musical theatre, music and production from industry experts.

    With live performances, workshops and masterclasses led by theatre, TV, film and music professionals, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to shine. From puppetry and stage make-up to songwriting and even circus skills, you’ll explore every corner of the arts.

    Plus, with partnerships across London theatres, you’ll perform in real venues, our students have even taken the stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Available Campuses

Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 09/07/2027
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 07/07/2028

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study, a higher level apprenticeship or employment.

Performing Arts is a thriving industry and opportunities exist for dedicated students to progress to university or higher education courses in Dance, Music, Performing Arts and Drama, as well as many other creative options. This qualification also provides a route to gain an apprenticeship or training in the Performing Arts industries, such as at one of the specialised drama, acting or theatre schools. These may then lead to careers in theatre, contemporary music and entertainment or arts education, technical production or arts administration.

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Financial Support

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