The course is vocational focusing on drama and dance; it gives students the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding for successful performance in these media; students learn about the practical aspects of performance techniques and methods for drama and dance and also some of the methodologies used by practitioners in these arts; learners consider some of the theories and principles of the performing arts, as well as the broader issues of devising and organising performance and the fundamentals of the administration involved in an event or performance; there is a degree of flexibility in the course, which gives learners the option to specialise in areas that are of particular interest or in which to expand personal skills and knowledge; it gives students a thorough insight into the processes of professional work in the world of drama and dance; students study through a mix of workshop and practical sessions in a studio environment and class-based studies using lectures, tutorials and seminars; a substantial proportion of the practical sessions involve performance work including development, production, direction and participation; students learn the craft of dramatic and dance performance by studying a broad range of skills, methods and techniques; learners study a number of particular styles as well as the varying approaches, techniques and methods used by different performing arts practitioners; students also consider alternative performance venues, for example small-scale touring and community theatre; to ensure learners have an understanding of the development and context of the performing arts, students study the historical, social and cultural background of dance and the theatre.