Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Welcome Learners!
Step into a world of creativity and self-expression at the Worcester Theatres Performance Hub, where your aspirations in the Performing Arts can come to life! We are delighted to offer you an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the arts with our Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, right in the heart of Worcester at the Swan Theatre.
Imagine learning from industry professionals who are as passionate about the arts as you are! Our industry-experienced tutors will guide you through an energising curriculum that not only sharpens your existing skills but also unlocks new talents.
Whether you dream of acting, singing, writing, or directing, this course is your launchpad into a successful future, both within and outside of the Arts.
With only 15 spots available each year, you will receive personalised attention and support that will empower you to excel. Your educational journey would span two thrilling years, comprising of 13 dynamic units.
What is the biggest benefit? You'll have the unique chance to showcase your talent at the Swan Theatre! Regular performances mean you’re not just learning - you’re experiencing the industry, all while being mentored by the dedicated Worcester Theatres team. You'll also gain exclusive access to Worcester Rep productions by meeting the creative teams, which will give you invaluable insights into the industry. Plus, the BTEC is equivalent to three A-Levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points.
The course consists of 13 units over 2 years. These are split into mandatory and optional units.
Mandatory units are:
- Investigating Practitioners' Work
- Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
- Group Performance Workshop
- Performing Arts in the Community
- Individual Performance Commission
- Final Live Performance for an Audience
- Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts
Optional units include:
- Acting Styles
- Theatre Directing
- Musical Theatre
- Writing for Performance
- Physical Theatre
- Classical Texts
- Variety Performance
- Singing Technique
- Movement in Performance
This isn’t just a course; it’s an educational adventure in the Performing Arts, and it’s happening right now at the WT Performance Hub.
Open Days
Want to learn more? Worcester Theatres will be holding two open day events where parents and prospective students are invited to find out all about the WT Performance Hub.
Meet the tutors, find out more about the course, see the spaces and ask your questions - PLUS take part in an introductory workshop with one of our tutors to get a sense of the WT Performance Hub.
Join us for the Open Days below at the Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED!
- Tuesday 17th June - 5pm until 7pm
- Saturday 28th June - from 1.30pm until 3.30pm
If you would like to attend one of our Open Days and have any queries, please email outreach@worcestertheatres.co.uk.
Apply now!
To apply for the WT Performance Hub Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, please fill in the form by clicking the following link. Application Form
FAQ’S
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma covers a wide range of Performing Arts disciplines. The course is organised into a series of practical projects, each of which will allow you to learn and develop a range of skills. Some of these are mandatory, and others are optional. This means that the course can be tailored to the students. Optional units include Acting Styles, Writing for Performance, Musical Theatre and Theatre Directing. Compulsory units include Group Performance Workshop, Performing Arts in the Community and Investigating Practitioners’ Work.
WHAT’S A LEVEL 3 BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA?
A Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is a qualification which is equivalent to three A Levels. It includes both academic and practical work, and is intended to prepare students for further study at university, drama school, or employment. It carries the same number of UCAS points (for entry to higher education) as A Levels and is accepted at universities in the same way that A Levels are. We teach the most recently updated version of the Extended Diploma, meaning that our course is considered to be the most robust version of the qualification. It is also securely approved by the government and OFQUAL.
WHERE WILL I STUDY?
Your sessions will take place at the VLUK WT Performance Hub Campus. The campus is at the Swan Theatre, The Moors, WR1 3ED, close to Worcester City Centre and both Worcester Foregate Street Station and Worcester Shrub Hill Station. Workshops and performances will take place at the theatre, as will Q&A sessions with professional actors and technicians.
I ALREADY DO DRAMA OUT OF SCHOOL – HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT?
This is different because it leads to a formal qualification. We expect that many VLUK WT Performance Hub students will already be involved in drama, dance or musical activities in their own time. We are lucky in Worcestershire to have so many brilliant youth theatres. Studying with VLUK will fill your days, and will enhance your current experience, developing and refining your skills.
WHAT WILL THE COURSE COST?
As long as you are between 16 and 19 years old, the course will cost nothing. VLUK Is accredited by the ESFA in the same way that any other college or school 6th form is. Students will be eligible to apply for the 16-19 bursary in the same way that all students in that age bracket are.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
You will be expected to attend from 10am – 4 pm, four days per week. Everyone is in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with each year group having a study day on either a Monday or a Friday each week. However, we expect students to be flexible and remember that we are working alongside a professional theatre, and have to be able to fit in with the staff. As well as these times, there will be theatre trips, Q&A sessions with performers and technicians and performance opportunities which may sometimes fall outside of the usual hours.
HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply for the WT Performance Hub Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, please fill in the form on the VLUK website by clicking the following link.
Application Form
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
If you have any questions at all about the course or how to apply then please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please get in touch with our Outreach team at outreach@worcestertheatres.co.uk or call us on 01905 611 427 and ask for a member of the Outreach team.
Academic Year 25/26 Term dates:
Induction Week TBC - during w/c 1st September 2025
Term 1: starts Monday 8th September 2025, ends Friday 24th October 2025
Term 2: starts Monday 3rd November 2025, ends Friday 19th December 2025
Term 3: starts Monday 5th January 2026, ends Friday 13th February 2026
Term 4: starts Monday 23rd February 2026, ends Friday 27th March 2026
Term 5: starts Monday 13th April 2026, ends Friday 22nd May 2026
Term 6: starts Monday 1st June 2026, ends Friday 3rd July 2026
