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Level 3 Diploma in Live Production Arts

Study Area: 19+

Duration: 1 Year

Attendance: Part Time

Course Overview

The Level 3 Diploma in Live Production Arts is a practical and creative course for students interested in the technical and behind-the-scenes aspects of live events, theatre, music, and entertainment. It is designed for those who want to develop the skills needed to support and deliver professional live productions.

Students will explore key areas of live production including lighting, sound, stage management, set design, and event production. Using industry-standard equipment and production spaces, you will learn how to plan, set up, and operate technical elements for performances and events. Delivered in partnership with The Piece Hall, Halifax.

The course focuses on hands-on learning and collaboration, giving students experience working on rehearsals, technical setups, and live shows. Along the way, you will develop important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, organisation, and communication.

By the end of the programme, students will have built a practical portfolio and gained valuable experience in live production, preparing them for higher education, apprenticeships, or careers in theatre, live events, festivals, and the wider creative industries.

During this course, you will learn a range of modules including:

Planning a Live Production – Learning how to plan and organise the technical and creative elements of a live event or performance
Production Design and Realisation – Exploring how lighting, sound, staging, and visual design contribute to a live production
Technical Skills for Live Events – Developing practical skills in lighting rigs, sound systems, staging, and backstage operations
Stage Management – Understanding rehearsal processes, cueing, scheduling, and coordinating performers and technical teams
Live Sound and Lighting Operation – Setting up, programming, and operating professional lighting and audio equipment
Production for Theatre and Performance – Supporting theatrical productions through technical and creative production roles
Health and Safety in Live Production – Learning safe working practices when working with technical equipment and live events
Collaborative Live Production Project – Working as part of a team to plan, produce, and deliver a live performances or events at The Piece Hall, Halifax.

Start Date

September 2026

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

This course is fully funded for individuals who either:

Don’t already hold a level 3 qualification
Hold a level 3 qualification but are unemployed
Hold a level 3 qualification, are employed or self-employed but earn less than £25,750 per annum

Participants must be 19 years old or older as of 31st August 2025 and must reside in West Yorkshire.

Progression

After completing this course you may progress into higher education, an apprenticeship or into employment.

Career Opportunities
Lighting Technician, Live Sound Technician, Stage Manager, Event Production Assistant, Theatre Technician, Broadcast or Production Technician

Assessment Methods

Typical assessment methods for the Level 3 Diploma in Live Production Arts include a mixture of practical, creative, and reflective work rather than traditional exams.

Practical Production Work – Students are assessed on setting up and operating lighting, sound, staging, and other technical elements for live performances or events.
Live Project Evaluations – Performance and production work during rehearsals and live shows is assessed for technical competence, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Portfolio Submissions – Portfolios include evidence of planning, technical skills, designs, recordings, and reflective logs.
Collaborative Project Assessment – Group projects are assessed on teamwork, role fulfilment, communication, and delivery of a live production.
Written and Digital Documentation – Students produce production plans, risk assessments, and reflective evaluations to demonstrate understanding of professional practice.
Reflective Practice – Continuous assessment of learning through self-reflection and critique of performance, technical decisions, and production outcomes.

Awarding Body

University Arts London (UAL)