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Performing Arts BTEC
Why choose this course?
This qualification offers a wide choice of units to reflect the range of opportunities available within the performing arts sector. It provides students with an understanding of performing arts through engagement with techniques, the work of practitioners, industry conventions and community projects.
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is also appropriate and consistent with current practice.
Course content
Students will study six mandatory units covering the following content areas:
• Performance – practical exploration and application of specialist skills and techniques, individual and group performance. • Research, analysis and commissioning – aims to develop skills that are essential for further study of performing arts, including research methodology, independent learning, extended writing, sourcing, idea generation, evaluating information and drawing conclusions from it. Students choose two optional units which have been designed to support progression to the range of sector-related courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas. They cover the following content areas: • Acting • Dance • Musical theatre
Mandatory units are externally set and assessed; optional units are internally assessed.
Assessment model and grading
Achievement in the qualification requires a demonstration of depth of study in each unit, assured acquisition of a range of practical skills required for employment or progression to higher education, and successful development of transferable skills. Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). This qualification is graded using a scale of P to D*, or PP to D*D*. The BTEC Nationals attract UCAS points. Please go to the UCAS website for full details of the points allocated.
Enrichment opportunities
Working with professionals involved in dance, drama and musical theatre. Visits to live performances.
Progression routes
BTEC Performing Arts complements other courses such as Creative Media, Photography, English Literature, Psychology and Design Technology. Beyond BTEC, students can apply their skills and knowledge to degree courses such as, performing arts, drama, music, dance, media studies. Further career opportunities include, acting, dancing, teaching, musician, community arts, drama therapist, theatre director, music therapist and broadcast presenter. Performing Arts students develop skills, which are favoured by universities and employers: • Presentation skills and peer reviewing • Interpersonal skills and communication • Self-esteem and confidence building
This BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example: • BA (Hons) English with Theatre and Performance • BA (Hons) Media Studies • BA (Hons) Acting and Performance • BA (Hons) Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism.
