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Qualification: UAL Extended Diploma Level 3
Entertainment is one of the largest industries in the UK with a wide range of careers spanning
This varied industry includes a wide range of specialities including sound work, lighting design and programming, AV design, stage management, set design and prop making.
Production Arts is the ideal course if you are looking for an exciting creative and technical career working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. You will be taught by industry professionals and will benefit from our outstanding facilities, gaining hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art hub theatre as well as external venues. The course is designed for students of all ages and abilities – we just ask you have a passion for the industry.
This two-year course has a 100% pass rate, is equivalent to three A Levels and successful completion will provide you with the same UCAS points to enter university.
UCAS Tariff – Earn up to 168 UCAS points for university entry
On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university/drama school:
Over the two-year course two thirds of your time is spent on hands-on projects which include working on studio installations, at events and in the theatre. You will be creatively involved in working on the production of a variety of performances including the annual pantomime, a contemporary arts showcase and final major production with the Performing Arts students. You will also have the opportunity to participate as a venue technician for the college’s in-house professional venue, including working on our Oscar-style annual awards ceremony.
Year 1 (Diploma)
Your first year will be spent exploring the different roles within the industry. You will learn the skills to operate a variety of equipment including light, rigging, AV and sound. You will also learn about set design and the basics of event management including how to successfully produce a show.
If you successfully complete the first year of study you will gain a Level 3 Diploma qualification. In order to progress to the second year you will need to pass the first year of study.
Year 2 (Extended Diploma)
In your second year you will choose the area you want to specialise in. You will focus your creative ideas and skills learnt in year 1 to work towards more senior roles and responsibilities within production arts.
As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, studio visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:
You will benefit from a dedicated project space that is equipped with a wide range of industry standard facilities. With these facilities and equipment, you will be able to explore all the creative and technical elements of the course.
Explore our virtual tour (new window)
Explore our hub theatre facilities page
100% coursework / practical
5 GCSEs grade 4 or above (including English and maths)ORRelevant Level 2 qualification (with GCSE English and maths grade 4 or above)
Mature students considered depending on experience.
You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply
May not meet the entry requirements? Check out our Level 2 Production Arts course.
There are many roles available within the Production Arts industry. Often these roles are available in a range of venues and locations or as freelance roles.
Lighting Designer (LD): Responsible for liaising with the director and with the set and costume designers to decide on the position, type, focus, direction and colour of every light in the rig. They then draw plans to communicate this to other members of their team.
Assistant Lighting Designer: Work alongside the lighting designer, helping with organisation, logistics, paperwork and planning.
Production Electrician: Responsible for all non-design aspects of the lighting for a production. They may also be involved in any electrical elements of a production which can include special effects and sound systems.
Board Operator (aka LX Operator): Responsible for operating the lighting board in response to cues given by the deputy stage manager.
Followspot Operator: Operates a followspot (a moveable profile spotlight used to highlight performers in various types of performance).
Moving Light Programmer: Programmes moveable lights.
Moving Light Maintenance Crew: In charge of maintaining moving lights.
Rigger: Responsible for inspecting and preparing loads that need to be moved. Set up, align and levelling heavy equipment machinery. Select the appropriate rigging gear. Prepare rigging equipment including beams, pulleys, clamps, and bolts. Inspect rigging before final use.
Chief Electrician: Responsible for performing duties in the maintenance and repair of electrical systems, equipment and fixtures.
Sound Designer: Responsible for creating audio content.
Sound Operator / Engineer: Responsible for making the event sound quality to be at its highest for all members of the audience.
No. 2 Sound (Production Audio Technician): Someone responsible for the maintenance and operation of sound equipment.
Production Manager: Responsible for making sure the technical elements of a production are completed safely, on time and on budget.
Stage Manager: Head of the stage management team which includes the Deputy and Assistant Stage Managers. They organise all the different teams involved in the running of a production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show to ensure everything runs smoothly.
If you will be aged 19 before the start of the second year of this course, you will be liable to pay a fee for that year. Please contact us for more information.
You will be required to wear a uniform for this course.
Details will be discussed at interview.
Marc has been a production manager for the past 15 years and has worked in theatre for over 30 years. He has undertaken roles including Set Builder, Sound and Lighting Designer, Event Manager and Freelance Theatre Consultant. Marc is an award winning director for shows across the South directing plays and musical theatre.
At City CollegeLevel 3 Extended Diploma Production Arts
Progressed toStage & Production Manager at Royal Caribbean Cruises