Performing Arts Higher National Diploma - HND

This course is suited to performing arts and theatre studies students and those interested in working within the performing arts industries. The course encompasses both preparing as an actor, performance work and the wider performing arts business.

The course aims to be fast moving and offer a curriculum that reflects the professional world. It gives you an opportunity to work as a theatre company, creating original work as well as existing scripts and the option of taking it out to customers and venues. You will also have the opportunity to see live theatre and be given the possible chance to work with other courses in the Arts and media area

Possible first year units include:


• Acting 1



• Devising



• Movement



• Vocal repertoire



• Voice and speech for actors



• Crewing



• Acting for Camera



• Professional development



• Performing Arts Industry (Pearson set project)



Gloucestershire College has excellent facilities including access to a large theatre space, dance studio, rehearsal spaces, recording studio and practise rooms. You will get the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues around Gloucestershire if you choose to tour your work. And we have highly-qualified staff with industry experience, many still working within the industry, which enhances the learning experience.

Gloucestershire College is one of only 20 colleges in the country with founder status with the National Skills Academy, Creative and Cultural. The academy recognises, develops and improves skills opportunities for those entering the creative and cultural sector and those already employed within it. This status means that students at Gloucestershire College get exciting opportunities to develop your employability skills and links within the industry.

This programme is designed to be a two year HND level 5 course which is the equivalent of the first two years of a degree programme. On completion of the first year (at HNC level 4) accreditation can be claimed.

What next?

What could these qualifications lead to? The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Performing Arts, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage.

On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the Performing Arts through:


• Entering employment



• Continuing existing employment



• Progressing to university or drama school



The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant Performing Arts-related courses, for example:


• BSc Hons in Technical Arts



• BA Hons in Dance Studies



• BA Hons in Acting



• BA Hons in Musical Theatre



The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the Performing Arts. e.g:

physical theatre performer, vocalist, Actor (stage, camera, radio and multimedia), stage Crew, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager, Education (workshop leader, facilitator)

Some industry information:


• There are currently over 100,000 people working in the performing arts, of which 34% are employed in onstage occupations, such as acting or dancing



• There are 5,480 businesses, of which 92% employ fewer than 50 people



• The performing arts industry contributes £4.6 billion to the UK economy



- 58% of the workforce is self-employed


• Men and women are equally likely to have a level 4 or above qualification