Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (UAL)

Overview

Details

Will the course give me what I want?

Course content

The course is delivered as two one-year programmes:

Year 1 – Diploma
Year 2 – Extended Diploma

Students are expected to satisfactorily complete the Diploma programme in order to progress onto the Extended Diploma in the second year Areas of study include:

·       Acting 
·       Dance
·       Singing
·       Devising
·       Scripted plays
·       Directing

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

• Higher Education courses and Drama/Dance school.
• UCAS applications to HE institutions to study HND/HNC, Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) courses   or to develop possible career opportunities in the performing arts industry, including arts management / administration and the education sector.
• Independent applications (usually through audition) for Drama School/Dance/Performing Arts HE   Academies not part of the UCAS process.
• Apprenticeships programmes within the Creative and Cultural Sector, subject to successful applications

How will I learn?

You will learn through a variety of practical techniques classes, practical workshops, group seminars and lectures.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (UAL)

Where have students gone to after completing this course?

University, Higher Education study

Is there additional work required by the student?

2 – 5 hours per week of independent learning

In addition to your coursework there will be regular opportunity for you to watch performances at professional theatres, participate in additional workshops and attend talks from visiting artists.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Creative Arts, Theatre, Television, Performing Arts

Awarding Body

Entry Requirements

What qualifications or skills do I need to show I have before I can enrol?

You will be aged between 16 and 19 at the beginning of the course and have:

• Outstanding behaviour
• Good level of written English
• Confidence and willingness to perform in front of others
• Excellent attendance and time-keeping
• Ability to listen to the ideas of others
• Willingness to contribute ideas
• Able to learn lines and follow instructions
• Creativity and imagination (nothing is impossible)
• Be willing to take risks
• Excellent research skills
• Good organisation
• The ability to have FUN!
  
  

To be a successful applicant to our programmes in Performing Arts you should have the following qualifications:

• You will have a minimum 4 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language
• A Level 2 qualification at Merit or above with Functional Skills Literacy qualification at Level 2
• At interview / audition you will need to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to this area of work.
• You will take an Initial Assessment at interview, which you will need to pass at Level 2 to gain access to the course.
• All courses are subject to a successful and positive reference from a previous tutor or employer.

Expected prior knowledge

You will have some experience of the performing arts, whether through school / college or amateur dramatics. Your preference might be to sing, dance or act, but you will be open to learning about all three disciplines.

English level

GCSE Grade C or above

Mathematics level

Level 2 Maths is desirable, but not essential.

Equipment and other costs

You will be required to have appropriate clothing for practical classes (which will be discussed at enrolment). It is also advisable to have a pair of jazz shoes / appropriate indoor shoes for practical work.

Support

Free Meals in FE

If you are aged between 16 and 18 on the 31st August 2015 and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College

Eligibility

To be eligible for free meals you must be enrolled on a full time course, funded by the EFA and you or your parents must be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Income support
• Income based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support allowance( ESA)
• Support under part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Child tax credit (provided your parents are not claiming Working tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by HMR&C
• Working tax Credit run-on paid for 4 weeks after a person stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• During the initial roll out of the benefit, Universal Credit

Evidence

• Evidence of family income being within the threshold of £16,190 per annum. This may be evidenced by presentation of a Tax Credit Award Notice or documentation from HMRC showing actual income for tax year 2014-15
• Parent or nominated guardian’s evidence of Child Benefit & DWP Letter confirming receipt of a means tested benefit.
• Documentation from local authority of their entitlement to free school meals in 2015-2016.

All applicants will be required to provide evidence dated within four months of the application, showing that they are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Applications for Free meals in F.E.

A student is only eligible to receive a free meal when they, or their parent/ guardian have made a successful application to City of Westminster College.

Exceptional age group for Free Meals in F.E.

Students aged between 19 and 24 on 31st August 2015 who are subject to a Learning Disability Assessment (LDA) or Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) are entitled to a free meal if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Getting your meal at College

Students must attend their classes to continue to be eligible for free meals at College.

Students will be allocated £2.41 for each day they are timetabled to be in college. There is no cash alternative. Credits will be loaded onto the Student ID card. Students must have their College ID card to get their meal. Students cannot get a meal with temporary ID cards.

Credits not spent at the end of each day will be withdrawn.

Students are advised to purchase nutritious meals. The credits cannot be spent on items such as: cookies, cakes, fizzy drinks or confectionary.

Further Education Fees

All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August 2015. For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place. If you are aged 19 or over on 31st August 2015 and you are a UK/EU resident you will normally be required to pay a course fee.

How much will my course cost?

The cost of your course will include tuition fees and examination fees, where applicable. Where a course requires additional specialist materials, there may be an additional cost. Some courses are cheaper than others because they are part funded by the government; some of these courses may also attract concessionary fees for some people.

Part Funded Courses

You may be eligible for a concession if:

• You are aged 19-23 years old and are studying at the level of your chosen course for the first time. This applies to Level 1, 2 and 3 courses. Where appropriate, you will have no fees to pay apart from the cost of any specialist materials or equipment used during your course.
• You are unemployed and in receipt of a ‘work-related’ benefit such as Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), or work-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). In such circumstances, you will have no fees to pay apart from the cost of any specialist materials or equipment used during your course, if applicable.
• You are unemployed and in receipt of an ‘income-based’ benefit, such as Income Support or Housing Benefit. In such circumstances, you will not be required to pay any fees apart from the cost of any specialist materials or equipment used during your course, if applicable.
• You are an asylum seeker in receipt of financial assistance (NASS), you may be eligible for concessionary fees.

24+ Advanced Learning Loan

If you are aged 24 or over and studying a Level 3 course, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan. This is available to eligible students starting a course after 1st August 2013. To be eligible for this loan, you must have been living continuously in the UK for 3 years immediately before the start date of your course. You must also be undertaking a course of study that is at Level 3 or above, e.g. National Diploma/Certificate etc. For more information click here.

Fee remission/concessionary rates

Concessionary rates are now available for learners that meet the following criteria:

• You are aged 19-23 years old and are studying a Level 2 course for the first time.
• You are aged 19-23 years old and are studying a Level 3 course for the first time.
• You are unemployed and in receipt of a ‘work-related’ benefit such as Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), or work-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
• You are unemployed and in receipt of an ‘income-based’ benefit, such as Income Support or Housing Benefit.
• You are an asylum seeker in receipt of financial assistance (NASS).

Childcare

Are you aged 20 or over? Is the cost of childcare preventing you from studying? The College has a limited childcare fund to support parents who want to study but need help towards the cost of childcare.

The fund is small, you cannot presume that you will get help with childcare costs, even if you meet the eligibility criteria. It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available to help with your childcare costs.

Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances. In addition to demonstrating that you are on a low income, you must also meet the College’s general eligibility criteria.

General Eligibility Criteria:

• Aged 20 and over
• Considered a home student for fee purposes
• Fully enrolled on a programme of study funded by the Skills Funding Agency or in receipt of a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan
• Discussed and had confirmation of funding for childcare support before enrolling
• Studying for a minimum of 10 hours a week *

Financial Eligibility

You need to have evidence that you fall into one of the following groups:

• on a low income
• a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

The evidence you will be required to produce:

• a current JSA/UC/ Income Support/Pension Credit letter, a Tax Credit Award notice showing income for tax year 2014-15 or recent correspondence from the DWP/Housing Benefit office which specifies the benefit being received.
• evidence of income may be a 2014-15 P60/Tax Return, recent pay-slips showing income evidence from previous two months from which the income can be calculated or a signed letter from the employer(s) stating the salary paid

Your childcare provision:

• arrangements will be made with students on an individual basis.
• all childcare providers must be OFSTED registered.
• childcare will only be paid for days when you are attending College or a mandatory work placement.
• student on full-time courses will be a priority for childcare funding.
• nursery places will be subject to a contract between College/student/nursery.
• childcare payments are made subject to students reaching 85% attendance on a monthly basis.
• funding for childcare is time-limited

Speak to a Student Advisor as soon as possible to put your name on the childcare waiting list. You MUST do this before you enrol on a course

For more information email studentadvice@cwc.ac.uk.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependant of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.

In order to qualify for assistance from the 16-19 Bursary Fund you must fulfil all the following criteria.

General eligibility

You must be:

• Under 19 years of age on 31st August 2015. A student who turns 19 after the 31st August, can continue to receive bursary for the rest of the academic year, or until their course ends.
• A home student for fee assessment purposes
• On a course/programme of study that is subject to inspection by a public body that assures quality (e.g. Ofsted) and
• The provision must be:
  • Funded by the EFA or via a local authority
  • Funded or co-financed by the European Social Fund or publicly funded and lead to a qualification (up to level 3) that is accredited by Ofqual or is pursuant to Section 98 of the Leaning and Skills Act 2000

When allocating resources, the College may consider other exceptional circumstances e.g. Young carers, young people who having caring responsibilities but are not in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

Financial eligibility (your personal or family circumstances)

You must meet the following economically disadvantaged criteria:

Be a dependent of someone who is:

• on a low income e.g. on Income Support / Job Seekers Allowance
• or employment Support Allowance
• or whose parent(s)/carer(s) have an income not exceeding £23,000 per annum

In addition the college will have a contingency fund to support learners who are at risk of withdrawal as a result of financial difficulties with or without the above income evidence. E.g. young learners living independently and working to support themselves financially who are unable to access DWP benefits.

Young carers will be supported to make applications for bursary funding.

Assessment of eligibility

• Evidence of family income being within the threshold of £23,000 per annum. This may be evidenced by presentation of a Tax Credit Award Notice or documentation from HMRC showing actual income for tax year 2014-15 or a P45 in exceptional circumstances.
• Parent or nominated guardian’s evidence of Child Benefit & DWP Letter confirming receipt of a means tested benefit.
• Documentation from local authority of their entitlement to free school meals in 2015-2016.

Payments

• The amount of money paid will be dependent on the number of eligible applications received.
• The first payment will be made in mid-October.
• Subsequent payments will be made fortnightly.
• The payments will be based on a minimum of 88% attendance each week.
• Payments will be paid into your ( i.e. the student’s) bank account.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds (In Care/Care Leavers or living independently and claiming benefits)

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are under 19 years of age on 31st August 2015 and are:

• In Care
• Care leavers
• Living independently and in receipt of benefits in their own names

Eligible students can receive up to £1,200 over the course of the academic year if you are a full time student, on a yearlong course and have a minimum of 88% attendance each week.

The bursary is paid every 2 weeks, but you will only get money for each week that you have reached a minimum of 88% attendance.

You must apply for this funding after you have completed your enrolment.

Your Social Worker or Care manager will have to confirm you are in the care of the Local authority. This can be done by letter or email. The email has to come from a Local Authority email account.

If you are living independently (in a hostel or other rented accommodation) you will have to bring evidence of your benefits.

The Student Advisors and Careers Team will offer additional help, advice and guidance to support you to stay on course and fulfil your education and employment aspirations.

Financial Support for 19+ Year-olds

Are you aged 19 or over? Are the costs associated with study (e.g. travel, buying additional books or equipment) preventing you from studying? The College has a limited Learner Support Fund (LSF) and 24+ Advanced Learning Loan Bursary Fund (24+ALL BF) to help with these costs.

The funds are small. You cannot presume you will get financial support even if you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility for help towards course associated costs are based on your personal circumstances. In addition to demonstrating that you are on a low income, you must also meet the College’s general eligibility.

General Eligibility Criteria

Learner Support Fund:

• Aged 19 or over
• Considered to be a home student
• Fully enrolled on a course funded by the Skills Funding Agency

24+ Advance Learning Loan Bursary Fund:

• Aged 24 or over
• Fully enrolled on a programme of study and in receipt of a 24+ Adult Learning Loan

Financial eligibility

You need to have evidence that you fall into one of the following groups:

• on a low income
• a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

The evidence you will be required to produce:

• a current JSA/UC/ Income Support/Pension Credit letter, a Tax Credit Award notice showing income for tax year 2014-15 or recent correspondence from the DWP/Housing Benefit office which specifies the benefit being received.
• evidence of income may be a 2014-15 P60/Tax Return, recent pay-slips showing income evidence from previous two months from which the income can be calculated or a signed letter from the employer(s) stating the salary paid
• proof of rent or mortgage in order for your disposable income to be assessed

Payments

Payments contribute to the costs associated with study including travel. They do not meet all the costs. If you live within walking distance of college or have a Freedom pass you cannot apply for help with travel. For students who have to travel significant distances, a payment may be made towards the transport costs, for the days you are in College. You may also use the money to buy books or other learning resources.

All payments are based on you having a minimum of 85% attendance each month.

Payments are paid into your bank accounts.

You MUST inform the DWP of any payments you receive.

Contact studentadvice@cwc.ac.uk for more information.