Pearson BTEC Nationals Performing Arts (2016)
Specification
Intended as a basic introduction to the performing arts sector alongside other fields of study. Supports progression to a wide range of higher education courses depending on other qualifications taken.
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Performing Arts
Qualification number: 601/7231/9
Guided learning hours: 180
First teaching: September 2016
First external assessment: 2018
Performance tables: Applied Generals (2023,2024,2025)
Total qualification time: 240
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan; 19-23 entitlement;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Broad introduction studied as part of a programme of study including other courses, e.g. BTEC Nationals or A levels. Emphasis on core knowledge and skills transferable across other sectors supporting progression to higher education courses.
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts
Qualification number: 601/7233/2
Guided learning hours: 360
First teaching: September 2016
First external assessment: 2018
Performance tables: Applied Generals (2023,2024,2025)
Total qualification time: 480
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan; 19-23 entitlement;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance
Qualification number: 603/2993/2
Guided learning hours: 360
First teaching: September 2018
First external assessment: 2019
Performance tables: n/a
Total qualification time: 470
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Designed as a one-year, full-time course or a full two-year programme when studied alongside further Level 3 qualifications. Supports further progression to higher education and employment, possibly in the performing arts sector.
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts
Qualification number: 601/7235/6
Guided learning hours: 510
First teaching: September 2016
First external assessment: 2018
Performance tables: Applied Generals (2023,2024,2025)
Total qualification time: 675
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan; 19-23 entitlement;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Designed to be studied over two years alongside an additional Level 3 qualification. Progression: higher education and employment, possibly in the performing arts sector.
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts
Qualification number: 601/7232/0
Guided learning hours: 720
First teaching: September 2016
First external assessment: 2018
Performance tables: Applied Generals (2023,2024,2025)
Total qualification time: 945
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan; 19-23 entitlement;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Designed to be studied over two years as the substantial qualification in a study programme. Supports progression to a range of sector-related degrees that can lead to employment, potentially in the performing arts sector.
Qualification Summary
Title: Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Qualification number: 601/7234/4
Guided learning hours: 1080
First teaching: September 2016
First external assessment: 2018
Performance tables: Applied Generals (2023,2024,2025)
Total qualification time: 1415
Eligible for funding (England): 16-19; 19+ loan; 19-23 entitlement;
Last registration: England - 31 Aug 2026; Northern Ireland- 31 Aug 2026; Wales - 31 Aug 2026;
Paul Webster
Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts
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Published resources
A full range of published resources is available to support the delivery of our BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts (2016).
