16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Performing Arts Practice (Level 3 Diploma)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

This study programme requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and Maths.
Minimum average point score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE

Course information

Step into the spotlight with our exciting Performing Arts course designed for aspiring actors, dancers, and musical theatre performers. This two-year, full-time qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels and offers hands-on training in performance skills, creative development, production departments and industry knowledge—all assessed through practical work with no written exams.

You’ll work as part of a real theatre company, developing your craft in purpose-built studios and performance spaces that mirror professional environments. From ensemble pieces to leading roles, you’ll rehearse, devise, and perform across a wide range of styles and disciplines. You’ll also explore the business side of the industry, helping you prepare for your next step as a performer, creator, or entrepreneur.

As part of our Performing Arts Academy, you’ll unlock exclusive access to workshops, masterclasses, work experience and performance opportunities in partnership with the Queen’s Theatre, giving you real-world experience and professional insight.

What you’ll do:

  • Train in acting, dance (jazz, hip-hop, contemporary), and musical theatre
  • Produce and perform live shows in professional venues
  • Develop original performance work and explore theatre history
  • Experience production roles like lighting design, sound operation, stage management, costume, make-up, or set construction.
  • Build a professional showreel and portfolio
  • Collaborate with music, media, and production students

Select your campus option to apply

What Can This Course Lead To

Higher Education

  • Apply to top drama schools and universities such as Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview, Urdang, or ArtsEd
  • Study subjects like Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre Production, or Performing Arts
    Education
  • Use your showreel and portfolio, to support competitive degree and conservatoire applications

Industry & Creative Careers

  • Begin a career as a performer, actor, dancer, choreographer, theatre technician, or director
  • Work in touring theatre, film, TV, community arts, or immersive performance companies
  • Explore freelance opportunities or start your own performance company or creative venture
  • Creative skills like communication, collaboration, confidence, and adaptability are highly transferable and valued across many creative and non-creative industries

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

You may also be interested in

Make an enquiry

Performing Arts Practice (Level 3 Diploma)

Tell us how to contact you and we'll get in touch about this course. Making an enquiry is not an application and does not reserve a place.

When are you interested in starting your course? *

New City College is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we'll only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the information and services you requested from us.

In order to provide you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. If you consent to us storing your personal data for this purpose, please tick the checkbox below.

You may unsubscribe from our communications at any time. Links to unsubscribe are always included at the bottom of our emails. For more information on how we use your data, read our privacy policy.