UAL Level 4 Professional
Diploma in Performance.
Your Performing Arts Qualification.
UAL Level 4 Professional
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Course overview
The UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance is a full-time programme designed for learners aiming to progress into higher education, conservatoire training, or employment in the creative industries.
The qualification focuses on developing advanced practical skills while allowing students to explore their personal interests and specialisms. Learners will work within a stimulating and demanding structure that supports creativity and provides a smooth transition into higher-level training or professional work.
It is suitable for those pursuing a career in the creative arts and offers applied learning through professional contexts and industry engagement.
AWARDING BODY:
UAL
START DATE:
Every September
DURATION:
1-year
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
There are no formal entry requirements or age restrictions for this qualification. UAL Awarding Body recommends that students have:
GCSE grade 4 or grade C (or an equivalent Level 2 qualification) in both English and Maths,and one A level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification), preferably in a relevant creative subject, but this is at the discretion of the Centre.
AGE:
For 18+ year olds.
COST:
No upfront fees – funded through 16 -19 and advanced learner loans.
Uniform may be required, dependent on education centre.
Your UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will take place over one year and is delivered within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.
- TRAIN LOCALLY IN A PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE STUDIO – NO NEED TO RELOCATE
- PATHWAY TO A BA (HONS) WITH FUTURE HE PROGRESSION BUILT IN
- INDUSTRY-LED TRAINING IN DANCE, MUSICAL THEATRE & PERFORMANCE
- GAIN A DANCE TEACHER QUALIFICATION
- PERFECT NEXT STEP AFTER LEVEL 3 PERFORMING ARTS
- NO UPFRONT FEES – FUNDED THROUGH 16 -19 & ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS
- EXPERIENCED TUTORS & SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO HELP YOU THRIVE
Unit 1 – Applied Professional Practice
Learn industry standards and rehearsal etiquette
Understand performer responsibilities
Begin managing own professional development
Unit 2 – Specialist Performance Technique
Develop technical skills across styles
Apply professional standards in practice
Analyse own work and audience impact
Explore approaches of key practitioners
Unit 3 – Specialist Performance Project
Plan and deliver a self-directed performance
Combine skills and knowledge in a final project
Manage objectives, time, and resources
WHAT THIS QUALIFICATION LEADS TO:
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Advanced creative, technical and performance skills, and strong audition skills.
CAREER READINESS
Preparation for roles in acting, dance, musical theatre wider creative industries.
PERSONAL GROWTH
Build a professional portfolio,network, and gain increased confidence on stage.
PROGRESSION
A clear bridge from Level 3 into higher education.
YOUR EDUCATION
Your UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
Past learners have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more. Other students have gained employment directly into the industry including TV work, touring shows, cruise ships and modelling contracts.
INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE
SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.
Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.
Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Teaching staff will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.
The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1 hour per week.
Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.
In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.
TUTORIAL PROGRAMME
In addition to the Personal Development Programme you will have a 1 hour tutorial focusing on well-being and wellness specific to supporting learners in the Creative Arts industry.
ENGLISH & MATHS
If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification.
We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.
Learn moreWORK EXPERIENCE
We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience.
Whether it’s performing in pantomime or coaching within schools, our approach to work experience allows you to take centre-stage and unleash your star power.
Gain exclusive access to real work experience opportunities across our network including:
- Theatre experience, shadowing stage technicians, choreographers, directors and/or artistic directors
- First-hand experience within a Performing Arts Company, working with West End directors to gain an inside look into what it’s like to work as a performer
- Event experience, performing as part of Can You Dance and Move It conventions
- Music video experience, working with talent agents and videographers to create music videos
- Teaching at SEN schools
- Teaching private performing arts classes
- Working in Performing Arts costume shops
WIDER PERFORMING ARTS CAREERS
We also provide opportunities to experience careers within the wider performing arts sector, where your qualification might not directly provide entry. However, work experience within these areas could provide sound information, advice and guidance that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your next step.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Participating in performing arts related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the performing arts industry.
You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the performing arts industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills.
By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment upon completion of your course.
Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor.
As part of your enrichment, you’ll take part in weekly workshops, rehearse with artists and gain unique and practical insights through audition masterclasses with professional choreographers, with portfolios including Dua Lipa and 50 Cent.
Workshops could include:
- Acrobatics through AcroPAD and Showtime Circus Skills
- Aerialist workshops including hoop/silks and ropes
- West End musical workshops
- Private singing tuition
- Acting through song classes
- Video editing to create showreels that showcase your skills and experience
- Mindfulness, including Pilates, foam roll workshops and candlelight yoga
HIGHER EDUCATION
Successful completion of your study programme will provide you with the option to apply for university. As part of your weekly tutorials, you will receive support and guidance with your UCAS and student finance applications.
EMPLOYMENT
Throughout your programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.
Careers supported by your qualification include:
Performance:
Musical Theatre Performer
Music Video Performer
Performer with a talent agent
Cruise line performer
Singer/vocalist
Touring Company Performer
Choreographer
Assistant choreographer
Education:
Teacher – Educational or Private
Freelance teacher
Community Arts teacher
Management and Leadership:
Artistic manager of own Company
Performing Arts Development Manager – Developing arts across regions
Performing Arts Events Management
Media and Critique:
Performing Arts Journalist/critic
Therapeutic:
Dance/Movement Therapist
APPRENTICESHIPS
If you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the performing arts industry.
Your UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will take place over one year and is delivered within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.
- TRAIN LOCALLY IN A PROFESSIONAL CREATIVE STUDIO – NO NEED TO RELOCATE
- PATHWAY TO A BA (HONS) WITH FUTURE HE PROGRESSION BUILT IN
- INDUSTRY-LED TRAINING IN DANCE, MUSICAL THEATRE & PERFORMANCE
- GAIN A DANCE TEACHER QUALIFICATION
- PERFECT NEXT STEP AFTER LEVEL 3 PERFORMING ARTS
- NO UPFRONT FEES – FUNDED THROUGH 16 -19 & ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS
- EXPERIENCED TUTORS & SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO HELP YOU THRIVE
Unit 1 – Applied Professional Practice
Learn industry standards and rehearsal etiquette
Understand performer responsibilities
Begin managing own professional development
Unit 2 – Specialist Performance Technique
Develop technical skills across styles
Apply professional standards in practice
Analyse own work and audience impact
Explore approaches of key practitioners
Unit 3 – Specialist Performance Project
Plan and deliver a self-directed performance
Combine skills and knowledge in a final project
Manage objectives, time, and resources
WHAT THIS QUALIFICATION LEADS TO:
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Advanced creative, technical and performance skills, and strong audition skills.
CAREER READINESS
Preparation for roles in acting, dance, musical theatre wider creative industries.
PERSONAL GROWTH
Build a professional portfolio,network, and gain increased confidence on stage.
PROGRESSION
A clear bridge from Level 3 into higher education.
YOUR EDUCATION
Your UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
Past learners have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more. Other students have gained employment directly into the industry including TV work, touring shows, cruise ships and modelling contracts.
INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE
SCL are nationally accredited for information, advice and guidance and we are trained in these areas to help you with your development.
Our Careers Leader oversees our careers information, advice & guidance strategy. Each learner will receive impartial and relevant guidance to support a successful transition onto their next step of their professional journey, wherever that may be.
Our Careers Leader is dedicated to supporting you to understand your career options and how to get there. This is underpinned by a programme of work experience and continual development of work-ready and life skills.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Teaching staff will deliver SCL’s Personal Development Programme, which will consist of a blend of group workshops and individual development meetings, aimed to add significant value to the progress and development of each learner.
The programme will include key themes such as morals and values, mental health awareness, healthy relationships, digital skills, and careers, and will form part of your timetable, with a scheduled 1 hour per week.
Your Personal Development Programme will allow you to stand out from the crowd. You will develop the behaviours, attitudes and values, which are transferrable into the professional world, supporting you to receive the best possible opportunities for your future.
In addition, the Progress Coach team will support learners through an online ‘Essentials’ programme, aiming to grow their social awareness and develop them for success.
TUTORIAL PROGRAMME
In addition to the Personal Development Programme you will have a 1 hour tutorial focusing on well-being and wellness specific to supporting learners in the Creative Arts industry.
ENGLISH & MATHS
If you are yet to pass a qualification in English and/or maths prior to starting your programme with SCL, you will be required to study one or both alongside your qualification.
We know that English and maths can be challenging and have invested in our services to help you overcome that challenge. Upon course completion, the skills you acquire will be evidenced by either a Functional Skills or a GCSE qualification.
Learn moreWORK EXPERIENCE
We understand the difference that experiencing the real world of work can make to your achievement on your course and your ability to make good decisions for your future which is why, as part of your education programme, you will take part in a minimum of 24 hours’ of work experience.
Whether it’s performing in pantomime or coaching within schools, our approach to work experience allows you to take centre-stage and unleash your star power.
Gain exclusive access to real work experience opportunities across our network including:
- Theatre experience, shadowing stage technicians, choreographers, directors and/or artistic directors
- First-hand experience within a Performing Arts Company, working with West End directors to gain an inside look into what it’s like to work as a performer
- Event experience, performing as part of Can You Dance and Move It conventions
- Music video experience, working with talent agents and videographers to create music videos
- Teaching at SEN schools
- Teaching private performing arts classes
- Working in Performing Arts costume shops
WIDER PERFORMING ARTS CAREERS
We also provide opportunities to experience careers within the wider performing arts sector, where your qualification might not directly provide entry. However, work experience within these areas could provide sound information, advice and guidance that will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your next step.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Participating in performing arts related work experience allows you to enhance your personal development and knowledge of the performing arts industry.
You will gain insight into what it will be like to work in the performing arts industry, whilst developing your communication, IT, time management and team working skills.
By showcasing your skills, knowledge and personality through work experience and direct engagement with employers, you will increase your opportunities to secure meaningful employment upon completion of your course.
Further careers information, advice and guidance and support securing an appropriate work experience placement will be provided through our Careers Leader, our team of Progress Coaches and your Tutor.
As part of your enrichment, you’ll take part in weekly workshops, rehearse with artists and gain unique and practical insights through audition masterclasses with professional choreographers, with portfolios including Dua Lipa and 50 Cent.
Workshops could include:
- Acrobatics through AcroPAD and Showtime Circus Skills
- Aerialist workshops including hoop/silks and ropes
- West End musical workshops
- Private singing tuition
- Acting through song classes
- Video editing to create showreels that showcase your skills and experience
- Mindfulness, including Pilates, foam roll workshops and candlelight yoga
HIGHER EDUCATION
Successful completion of your study programme will provide you with the option to apply for university. As part of your weekly tutorials, you will receive support and guidance with your UCAS and student finance applications.
EMPLOYMENT
Throughout your programme, you will receive information, support and guidance on a variety of aspects to support you in securing meaningful employment. This will form the basis of your tutorial sessions, in addition to the academic monitoring and target setting.
Careers supported by your qualification include:
Performance:
Musical Theatre Performer
Music Video Performer
Performer with a talent agent
Cruise line performer
Singer/vocalist
Touring Company Performer
Choreographer
Assistant choreographer
Education:
Teacher – Educational or Private
Freelance teacher
Community Arts teacher
Management and Leadership:
Artistic manager of own Company
Performing Arts Development Manager – Developing arts across regions
Performing Arts Events Management
Media and Critique:
Performing Arts Journalist/critic
Therapeutic:
Dance/Movement Therapist
APPRENTICESHIPS
If you decide to combine further study with employment, you will be eligible for an apprenticeship within the performing arts industry.
OUR CENTRES
DEDICATED SUPPORT
Your dedicated tutor, progress coach and our support teams are dedicated to you and your development at SCL.
FOCUSSED ON YOUR FUTURE
Graduates of the programme have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more.
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE-BUILT ART STUDIOS
Experience real performing arts environments’ where you can experience the energy that this programme brings.
YOUR WELLBEING
We maintain an ethos and culture where you feel safe, feel comfortable to talk and know you will be heard.
EMPLOYABILITY & WORK EXPERIENCE
We focus on giving you the experience and skills as part of your programme with SCL to secure future employment on your career journey.
SPECIALIST ENGLISH & MATHS
A dedicated team of specialists will support you if you are required to work towards these qualifications as part of your programme.
“SCL College is helping to support the next steps in my career with the team of intensive teachers and industry pros that come and have workshops with us. This helps me to make connections and see what the current industry is like with their experience in stage performance.”
