
Professional Performance Diplomas with a Difference
The RSL Professional Performance Diplomas are the ultimate validation of your artistic expertise, showcasing advanced skills and professional-level mastery in your chosen discipline. It could open doors to new opportunities, while enhancing your credibility, and provides the platform to stand out in competitive creative industries.
Whether you are a musician, performing arts practitioner, dancer, musical theatre professional, actor (or all the above!), two levels of award support these qualifications – Level 4 and Level 6 – which sit along-side undergraduate degree level of study benchmarked against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK.
What are the benefits?
- Specialist Focus: Designed specifically for the performer, be it music, performing arts or dance.
- Industry-Relevant Content: Explore and implement techniques used by top performers.
- Professional Recognition: Earn the credentials to recognise your professional level of performance.
- Flexible Learning: With 1 year to submit, the Professional Diplomas offer a flexible route to a regulated qualification.
- Accredited by RSL Awards: Recognised by leading institutions worldwide.
- Post Nominals: Wear your AssocRSL or LRSL post nominals after your name with pride!

How it works
Get started with your Professional Performance Diploma effortlessly. Let us guide you through the simple steps to get going…

Download the syllabus
Download the syllabus to review the requirements and processes for this qualification.

Purchase your entry
Purchase your entry via the RSL Shop to gain access to your unit modules.

Gain your new qualification
Upload your work to our submissions portal for moderation by our expert examining panel.
How is the Qualification Structured?
Are you ready to jump into the world of professional performance? This is your chance to showcase your talent and set you apart in the competitive world of music and performing arts. Let’s break down how this qualification is structured to help you succeed..
The Professional Performance Diplomas consist of one mandatory core units.
Performance
A performance, including accompanying programme notes and evaluation
Level 4
Performance Length: 30 minutes
Guided Learning Hours: 54
Total Qualification Time: 900
Post Nominal: AssocRSL (Performing)
Level 6
Performance Length: 45 minutes
Guided Learning Hours: 108
Total Qualification Time: 1800
Post Nominal: LRSL (Performing)
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The Level 4 and Level 6 Professional Performance Diplomas are assessed either recorded or live. The details regarding these are below.
Recorded assessment
Candidates must submit all assessment evidence digitally.Live assessment
Candidates must submit assessment evidence for LO1 and LO3 digitally.Assessment for LO2 (performance) will be conducted live either via live stream or in person by an RSL Examiner.
To arrange a live assessment (either live stream or in person), you must contact RSL a minimum of 6 months in advance to discuss the minimum number of candidates required for an examiner visit.
All assessment of these qualifications is external and is undertaken by RSL Examiners.
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The Level 4 and Level 6 Professional Performance Diploma will contain assessment outcomes benchmarked against the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK. Learners will need to ensure that they can access the appropriate training or learning opportunities to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding required for this level.
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We recommend that applicants under the age of 18 contact RSL Awards prior to registering.
There are no entry requirements for these qualifications. However, candidates should be aware that there will be an expectation of technical knowledge and understanding covered in previous qualifications.
Level 4
These qualifications are designed for those who have previously completed Grade 8, or equivalent, in their chosen discipline. While the prior completion of a Grade 8 qualification is not compulsory, candidates should already possess the skills, knowledge and experience in line with the standard of a relevant Grade 8 or Level 3 qualification before undertaking this qualification.
Level 6
These qualifications are designed for those who have previously completed the Level 4 Diploma, or equivalent, in their chosen discipline. While the prior completion of a Level 4 or 5 qualification is not compulsory, candidates should already possess the skills, knowledge and experience in line with the standard of a relevant Level 4 or 5 qualification before undertaking this qualification.
It is recommended that candidates have some experience of teaching theory and practice prior to taking this qualification as these units will require evidence of the candidate’s teaching practice.
Syllabus downloads
Download the syllabus specifications for the RSL Professional Performance Diplomas.
Purchase Your Diploma Entry!

Diploma Exam: Level 6

Diploma Exam: Level 4
Get Started
Once you’ve purchased your Diploma Entry, sign in to complete your entry details and access your unit modules.
General Information
For operational, general information and FAQs relating to our Professional Diplomas, please head over to our help centre.

Diploma Fees
Level | Price (GBP) |
---|---|
Level 4 Professional Diploma | £310 |
Level 6 Professional Diploma | £473 |
Retaking Unit Assessments
Service | Fee |
---|---|
Retaking a single unit(s) | £50 per unit |
Retaking double unit(s) | £100 per unit |
Enquiries about results / appeals
Service | Fee | Cap for multiple candidates | Refundable |
---|---|---|---|
Remark Level 4 |
£37 per single unit £74 per double unit |
£100 £200 |
if there is a change of grade |
Remark Level 6 |
£56 per single unit £112 per double unit |
£100 £200 |
if there is a change of grade |
First level appeal | 60% of exam fee | £150 | if enquiry is upheld |
Second level appeal | 75% of exam fee | £200 | if enquiry is upheld |
Replacement Certificates
Service | Fee |
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Replacement Certificate | £15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Professional Performance Diplomas are designed to recognise expertise in people who are already working in the creative arts industries. They provide recognition for high level achievement in performing.
Please Note: It is not a requirement for candidates to be active in the music or performing arts industries, just that the level of performance expected is commensurate with this. The practical and vocational nature of the qualifications is intended to enable candidates to use their real-world professional practice when preparing their assessment submissions, where it is possible and feasible for them to do so.
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Purchase your entry via the RSL Shop. You will then be able to add your details and gain access to your unit modules
Please note however that RSL Professional Diplomas are externally assessed and are not taught by RSL in the form of a course. It is recommended candidates contact a suitable trainer or mentor who can provide them with opportunities for learning and practical application of skills. -
Learners are not required to have any recognised prior learning for these qualifications. However, learners should ensure that they are aware of the requirements and expectations of the qualifications before entering for an assessment.
Any questions?
Get in touch and our team of experts will get right back to you…