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Musical Theatre Extended Diploma Level 3

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2025

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    A0221

Start Date

  • September 2025, Full Time, Day

Summary

On this two-year course you will work towards the University of the Arts (UAL) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Productions Arts. The Extended Diploma at Distinction level is allocated 168 UCAS points which is equivalent to 3 full A Levels at grade A*

Through collaborative learning and immersive study, you can take your performance and production skills to the next level, while continuing to learn how to use your body and voice in performance, and how to develop your creativity and artistic sensibilities. You’ll also explore ways to entertain and inform your audience.

The Musical Theatre pathway includes:

Dance techniques in Jazz, Ballet and Tap

Acting for Musical Theatre

Vocal techniques

Ensemble Singing

Practitioners

Directing, Choreographing and Musical Directing within student-led projects

Script analysis and characterisation

Audition preparation

Professional development

You will perform in three productions each year at our theatre and other venues. City College Norwich has excellent facilities, including the 180-seat Platform theatre, rehearsal and dance studios, technical theatre workshop, TV Studio, Music and voice recording studio, costume and prop stores and full technical facilities and support.

Why our college?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.

Entry Requirements

Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths. As part of the entry requirements for the above named course you will be required to complete an audition and interview.

Learning Outcomes

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study or employment in the performing arts. They provide an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

Objective

The Extended diploma in Musical Theatre is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to access and progress to drama school, degree-level study or employment in the performing arts.

The qualifications will enable students to:

  1. Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within performing and production arts or related subjects of study or work
  2. Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
  3. Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
  4. Solve complex problems through the application of practical, theoretical and technical understanding
  5. Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results
  6. Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for own learning, development and decision-making
  7. Take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities
  8. Effectively present themselves and their work to appropriate audiences

Assessment

The University of the Arts (UAL) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is assessed through a series of projects that are designed to broaden your skills, experience and expertise. The projects are multi-disciplinary and you will be expected to work collaboratively and proactively with fellow students as well as external clients and stakeholders.

Much of the written evidence, which supports your performance work, is in the form of a digital portfolio. You will need to update this regularly to document your development and research. Other evidence may include presentations, essays and portfolios.

Progression

After successful completion of the full Level 3 Extended Diploma course, students move into a variety of different professional pathways.

Further study and training at university

Specialised vocational training at accredited Drama schools

Degrees in fields other than performing arts (the allocated UCAS points mean that you can do this)

Working in the industry

Other employment or apprenticeships

Career Progression

City College Norwich is a member of the University of the Arts London (UAL) Progression Partnership to promote the recruitment of talented, creative students from high quality further education institutions to UAL higher education degree level courses. The course team also work with local and national higher education providers such as LMA, Rose Bruford, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Performers college to ensure that our students are ready and prepared for their next step.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop. Please check our Finance pages for information on loans, bursaries, fee information and student travel offers that are available. Alternatively please contact the Advice Shop.

Where Next?

Why our college?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.