The Associate of Arts Degree in the Performing Arts programme spans three established subject areas: dance, drama and music studies. The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and there is an opportunity to major in one discipline. This programme is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge applicable to a variety of performing arts employment contexts. This programme will provide an excellent foundation for students who are desirous of articulating into a four-year Fine Arts Bachelor programme or in other related fields of study.

What will you Learn?

At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate presenting creative work to an audience
  2. Understand the economic role of the Performing Arts in the Jamaican society
  3. Analyze the work performed by dance, music and drama practitioners
  4. Collaborate with various Performing Arts Practitioners and other industry-related professionals

Goal of the Programme

The programme seeks to prepare students with professional knowledge, competencies and skills for the creative/entertainment industry by creating an environment that offers value-oriented learning that emphasizes self-assessment, service to the community, self-determination and respect for diversity.

Entry Requirements

To matriculate to the programme applicants must fulfil one of the following:

  1. Pass five (5) or more CSEC/GCE O’ level/Secondary School Certificate (SSC) level subjects including English Language and Mathematics with grades I, II or III/A, B, or C/ National Assessment ranges IV or V. Grade III pass must be after June 1998 for CSEC. 
  2. Pass at least four (4) CSEC/GCE O’ level/Secondary School Certificate (SSC) level subjects and pursue the additional subject within the first year or College/pursue two/three foundation courses as prescribed by the College (conditions apply). English Language is mandatory
  3. Candidates seeking entry may use NCTVET level 2 to 4 qualifications as one of the 5 subjects required for matriculation, but must also possess CSEC/GCE O’Level/SSC subjects
  4. Candidates seeking entry may use City and Guilds Stage 3 Mathematics and English Language
  5. Mature Student Entry- Applications falling in this category must be over Thirty (30) years old, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a specialized area of the industry for e.g. Hospitality, Accounts, Construction, and Information Technology. Each applicant must submit an academic portfolio for individual assessment. The English Language is mandatory.

N.B. Employment portfolio should include- certificates of achievement, resume, job descriptions, character and professional reference letters and community involvement.

  1. Applicant Auditions- As part of the entry requirement for pursuing the Performing Arts programme, applicants must go through an audition process. The Audition Process has two levels: –
  • Master Audition
  • Area of Specialization Audition

N.B. There are two audition periods annually: – May and August

Application Process

  • 1 Passport size photograph,
  • Picture ID (to be copied),
  • Proof of qualification
  • Completed application form
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage Certificate and/or deed poll

Who should attend?

  • Persons with industry experience seeking certification
  • Persons with industry experience who need formal training
  • Persons who want to change their career path
  • High school graduates interested in careers in the Performing Arts

Total Credits 

111 credits

Length of Course: Full-Time- Four semesters or Two (2) years

                                Part-Time- Six semesters or Three (3) years

Schedule: Full-Time– Mondays to Fridays 8:00 am- 4:30 pm

                                Part-Time- Mondays to Fridays 5:00 pm- 8:30 pm