UAL Level 3 Diploma Performing and Production Arts (Acting)

Course overview

Our Level 3 (SCQF Lv 6) Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (acting) is an internationally recognised qualification through the University of the Arts London. It is included in the UCAS tariff and attracts tariff points for each final grade, which supports University applications.

This 1-year full-time course will introduce you to acting and theatre career opportunities and push your creative potential by building acting, voice, movement, theatre, performance and production skills.  With state-of-the-art facilities, including movement and rehearsal studios, aerial space and our in-house Theatre and Fringe Venue, we offer the best to start your creative journey.

Opportunities for practical work experience will be available through PASS industry connections. Immerse yourself in the art of acting as you gain essential experiences in professional environments and make crucial connections with theatre professionals. Theatre visits, workshops and graduate Q&As will enhance your learning throughout, and you will showcase your developing skills in at least two performance opportunities throughout the year. 

This practical course is centred around performance projects aimed at nurturing and enhancing your performance skills.  Students in this course will collaborate with other students across the Performing Arts Studio Scotland.

At Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), we have amazing spaces to help you learn and create. These include the modern PASS Studio Theatre, eight dance and rehearsal studios, special classrooms, and a high-tech library and learning centre. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

PASS is in the heart of Edinburgh, known as the world’s Festival City. We work closely with top theatres, companies, and artists. These partnerships give you excellent chances to perform, join creative projects, and learn from real industry professionals.

For more information, please follow us on: 

Instagram:  @passedcoll

Facebook:  @PASS - Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre and Costume for Stage

A practical course designed to support you in realising and achieving your performance potential through project-based working. Please see an overview of your units and the projects you will be working towards.

Project 1 - Technique and Performance (Units 1,2,3, and 4)

• UNIT 1-Principles of performance
• UNIT 2- Engaging with an audience
• UNIT 3- Introduction to professional practice
• UNIT 4-Critical and Contextual Awareness

Project 2 - Performance Skills and Context (Units 5,6, and 7)

• UNIT 5- Production Skills and Context
• UNIT 6-Performance Skills and Context
• UNIT 7- Preparation for specialist study

Project 3 - Collaborative Performance Project (Unit 8)

• UNIT 8- Collaborative performance project

How the course is assessed

• Recorded class discussions and presentations
• Rehearsal and Live performances 
• Production process evidence - Research
• Digital and or written portfolio 
• Evaluation

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week plus self-directed study outside assigned College hours.
• Please note that during rehearsals, you may be asked to attend additional hours; you will be notified in advance of timetable changes.

Entry requirements

The following is required:

• Nat 5 Qualification or equivalent
• A strong personal statement with a desire to make a career in the performing arts. 
• You must be committed to participating in a full-time course.
• Entry will be based on a practical audition where we look for potential, commitment, energy and focus.

Essential Skills:

• Communication - verbally and digitally
• Collaborative skills - working in groups, pairs and with students from other courses
• Working Independently - class tasks, homework, assessments
• Confidence - presentations in groups and independently
• Creativity and Empathy – group and project-based learning and working
• Critical and Creative Thinking – problem solving and innovation
• Initiative and self-motivation – contribution, leadership, responsibility, being proactive

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

To gain a place on our course, you must audition at Granton Campus. The audition process will last 2- 3 hours and you will be expected to participate in the following activities:

1.  A tour of our facilities with current HND students
2.  An induction session
3.  A workshop with fellow auditionees
4.  An audition monologue performance followed by an interview

The piece you perform should be one short monologue from a published play. Tips for selection:

• This should be no longer than 2 minutes
• We recommend a contemporary piece and a character your age
• Please do not perform any classical pieces, including Shakespeare.

Please also avoid pieces that you have done in Higher/National 5 Drama or English, or any of the following plays that tend to be very popular at auditions:

• The Letterbox or Tally’s Blood by Ann Marie de Mambro
• The Steamie by Tony Roper
• Men Should Weep by Ena Lamont Stewart
• Passing Places by Stephen Greenhorn

Immediately after your monologue, you will have an interview with 2 PASS Lecturer in which you will be asked some key questions to assess your suitability for the course you have applied for and your interest in Acting, Theatre etc.  Please be prepared and consider why you want to study with us at PASS and who inspires you and why?

If you have difficulty finding suitable monologues, ask your English or Drama teacher for suggestions. If you are looking to buy plays, the Traverse Theatre offers an extensive back catalogue of their productions for sale at their box office at very reasonable prices.

Good monologue/audition books are also available online and in most of the larger bookshops in town. Please note that we expect you to have read the play from which your audition piece originates.

If you have any questions please email pass@edinburghcollege.ac.uk 

Progression and Articulation Routes

Progression routes at PASS onto HND Level Courses:

• HND Acting and Performance 
• HND Musical Theatre 
• HND Dance Artist
• HND Technical Theatre

Career options

• Audition for further training and or work in the industry as an actor, performer or within production on Stage, TV and Film.