Musical Theatre: UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production 16-19

Course information

A full-time Musical Theatre course designed to prepare performers for the performing arts industry, drama schools, dance conservatoires and universities. You will achieve an extended diploma which is the equivalent of 3 A Levels.

The course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and connections to progress successfully at degree level study or employment in the performing arts industry. The course will be for two years and learners will train at Cornwall College with large dance studios and our very own Keay Theatre, where the students perform a full-scale musical each year! Our course provides young performers with the opportunity to access high-quality training with industry professionals and for their talents to be challenged, progressed and nurtured.

Our talented teaching team of outstanding working professionals will provide the best professional training possible for every learner on our course. Daily Technique classes will include: Ballet, Technical Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing, Commercial, and Contemporary dance. Specialist classes include: Audition Prep, industry masterclasses and talks, Acro and Fitness. Alongside projects that will develop learners understanding of working in the industry such as marketing, planning and funding productions. Our UAL course will provide regular performance opportunities locally and nationally!

We have had workshops and visits from institutions and professionals such as Mountview, Wildworks, Bird College, Fourth Monkey, Central School of Speech and Drama, PPA, Perry from Frantic Assembly, Rob Mennear.

Our Alumni are now spreading their wings at: Wilkes Academy, London Studios Centre, Performers college, PPA, East 15, Fourth Monkey, LMA, Shockout, Addict, and some of their performance credits/work include: X Factor, The Brit Awards, East London Dance, various pantomimes.

UAL Awarding Body - University of the Arts London

What You Will Learn

You will learn through a range of exhilarating subjects covering ballet, jazz, contemporary, singing, acting, commercial. As well as this you will take part in project work that will encourage you to become an intelligent and reflective performer and enable you to develop fundamental skills to support you moving within your career.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Please note: Some of our courses may have extra entry requirements or need a bit more information, like evidence or experience. Don't worry—we’ll guide you through everything when you apply!

Work Experience

As part of the course you will partake in work experience to prepare you to progress into the performing arts industry. We will support you in finding placements. Previously we have worked with local companies such as studio 4, Coppice theatre company and our own Keay theatre who have provided learners with real-life experience as an actor, dancer or front of house member.

Assessment

You will be assessed on this Musical Theatre course through project and technique work and a mixture of practical and theory work which is made up of reflective writing, journals, creative websites and the creation of portfolios. Our courses awarding body is UAL who are arts focused, there will be no exams on this course.

Progression

Continue to higher education study or conservatoire training. Learners have gone on to study at Trinity Laban, Performers College, Addict, London Studio Centre, Shockout Arts, Urdang, East 15, Fourth Monkey, Laine Theatre Arts, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and more.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our St Austell campus

Events

Open Event Taster Event

Cornwall College St Austell

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

• 4 Nov 2025
• 12 Feb 2026
• 9 May 2026