Acting (Performing Arts) - UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

The Acting course combines a comprehensive grounding in acting, directing and practical stagecraft. Our professionally equipped Theatre and Drama Studio will be at the centre of your studies, giving you the chance to showcase the methods you learn and develop the independent skills required to take control of your own productions, from theatre and film performance to staging, costume, lighting and directing.

You'll explore a variety of drama styles, from naturalism to pantomime, and engage with major theoretical and performance approaches, from Stanislavsky to physical theatre. Everything you learn will deepen your practical understanding of drama and help you develop the skills needed for a possible career as an actor or to support your ambitions for university.

Each term, you will bring everything you've learned together in a major practical project. This will build not only your experience and confidence, but also your performance and production skills.

You will need:

• 5 or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher, including English, maths and preferably drama

Existing students will be expected to have:

• A relevant Level 2 qualification (Merit or above)
• English and maths at grade 4 or higher

You will be invited to an informal interview to help ensure the course is right for you. An audition piece will need to be prepared prior to the interview ready to perform for the course director. This need be no longer than 2 minutes and can consist of either a dance piece, singing or performing a monologue depending on the performance pathway you wish to take.

How long is this course?

2 Years

When does this course start?

01/09/2027

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£7,350

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

University of the Arts London (UAL) Diploma in Performing Arts (Level 3)

This qualification is awarded by University of the Arts London (UAL), the only specialist creative arts awarding organisation in England.

This is a two-year programme and has two achievement points. You will work towards the Diploma qualification in the first year of the course and the Extended Diploma in the second year.

How is my course assessed?

The course is project/assignment based and assessment is continuous throughout the year. Some units may be subject to external assessment.

The units in the first two terms are assessed at Pass grade only. The final unit is awarded a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an UAL extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

UAL extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit or distinction (with distinction being the highest grade).

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a UAL extended diploma:

UAL grade	UCAS Points
D	168
M	120
P	72

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.