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Starts

1 Sep 2025

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

2 Years

Level

Level 3

Course code

PARTF3002A01

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £3888.00 for the first year

Advanced Learner Loan Fees of £7395.00

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Age 16-18

FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.

Age 19+

If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

Student Finance

If you are aged 19 or over and not eligible to get your course free, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company to help towards the cost of some, or all, of your fees. If the amount of Advanced Learner Loan available to you is less than the Advanced Learner Loan Fee for your course, you would need to pay the difference. See our Funding Your Study page for more information or visit the Student Loans Company website to find out more.

Course details may be subject to change.

This is a practical two year programme which focuses on the development of acting, singing and movement skills.

Studying the first and second year of this course will also prepare you for progression to study a degree level course at New College Durham's University Centre or at university or drama school. Your experience is at the heart of the course; with opportunities to perform at the Gala, opportunities to visit London, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and local theatres.

Entry Criteria

You will hold 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

This will include English Language at a minimum of grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Alternatively, a relevant Level 2 Diploma (equivalent of 4 GCSEs) at Merit. If you are 19+ you will be required to have two years industry experience.

Additional Costs

You will be expected to purchase college stationary (notebook, pens, pencil).You will need to wear black clothing which must be comfortable and suitable for practical sessions.

What are the next steps?

You will meet with a course tutor to find out more about the course, discuss which course is right for you and see the facilities. Please bring your GCSE grades/predicted grades or any other relevant qualifications.

Study Aims

Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on skills development to enable you to build the necessary foundation to progress within the industry.The following skills sessions will be the foundation for the course and will run throughout the year:

  • Voice for the actor
  • Singing
  • Improvisation
  • Physical theatre and dance.
These skills sessions will allow you to focus on developing your technical and interpretive skills across these areas. Lecturer and peer feedback will be instrumental in your progression in these skill sessions. To enable you to apply and contextualise the skills your are developing, you will complete four assessments during the first year of the programme. The assessments are aimed at providing you with a range of genres to maximise performance and learning opportunities.You will take part in performance workshops and large scale performances where they will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and will work alongside industry experts.

Modules Studied

You will study a Performing Arts Skills Development module, which will include the following units:

  • Exploring Performance Styles
  • Creating Performance Material
  • Performing for an Audience.

You will also study The Performing Arts Industry module, which will include the following unit:

  • Planning a Career in the Industry.

After the first year, you may transition to the Extended Diploma to study a Personal Performing Arts Profile module, which will include the following units:

  • Using Development Plans to Refine Skills
  • Producing a Personal Project
  • Using Material for Self-promotion and Networking

You will also study a Collaborative Performing Arts Project module, which will include the following units:

  • Undertaking a Defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • Using Creative Collaboration to Develop a Project
  • Producing a Collaborative Project.

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is carried out on a continuous basis and the course is delivered through a series of practical projects and assignments, including public performances. The assignments will be both practical and theoretical throughout the year and you will be expected to set targets and make a record of this. Your work will be assessed internally and externally. You will record your work in your logbook which will help you organise your work and plan for rehearsals, assessments and performance work. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Industry Links

We are very proud of the strong industry links we hold with the West End, North East based casting agents and many external practitioners. Many of these links provide regular workshops. These sessions will provide you with an insight into the workings of the industry and what can be expected of you in the future.

Placement

Undertaking a work placement is a vital part of the course as it allows you to gain an insight into the industry you are studying to work in. A work placement is therefore mandatory and should be the equivalent of 70 hours (two weeks) – it can be taken at any point in the year. It is strongly suggested that it be taken at the beginning of the year and in holidays to ensure you don’t fall behind in your academic studies. One of our main placements is at Beamish Museum, this is highly sought after which means that places go very quickly; so in order to avoid disappointment it is best contact them at the beginning of the year. Placements are to be found on your own accord – tutors hold no responsibility for this but will happily guide you and give as much support as possible.

What else?

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