The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (pathway options in Musical Theatre and Dance) is a two-year programme providing you with a specialist vocational grounding in core skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global creative industries sector. Higher National qualifications in Performing Arts are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning.

The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industries.

This dynamic and rapidly changing sector of the global economy covers a wide range of subjects, including those of Performing Arts. The pathways of this qualification are intended to provide students with opportunities to explore the creative industries through a focused curriculum that prepares them for further degree-level studies or working in the industry. The programme is split into two one-year programmes.

 

The HNC is a level 4 programme, when this is completed successfully you will have the opportunity to progress onto the HND at level 5.

 

Our goal is to prepare you for a successful career within the creative arts industry. Building on previous knowledge and skills in performing arts, musical theatre and dance, the course is structured to provide opportunities across a broad academic and vocational base, progressively deepening your knowledge and skills. Based on the current specification from the awarding body, you will undertake eight units to complete in the first year of the programme and six units to complete the second year.

 

On successful completion of the HND, you will have the opportunity to progress to a top-up course to gain a full BA (Hons) degree at university. Other students may progress to employment, set up their own enterprise or continue to study a teaching qualification.

 

Modules

HNC Performing Arts - Musical Theatre Pathway

Unit 1 - The Performing Arts Industry

Unit 2 - Professional Development

Unit 3 - Jazz Dance 1

Unit 12 - Singing 1

Unit 13 - Acting 1

Unit 14 - Musical Theatre History in Practice

Unit 15 - Ensemble Singing

Unit 18 - Voice & Speech for Actors

 

In addition to the above units, student will also take classes in musical theatre dance, fitness, acting for screen and voice over to develop their skills and knowledge ready for progression to HND Level 5. Throughout the year students work towards live performances and creative pieces in relation to the performing arts industry.

 

HNC Performing Arts - Dance Pathway

Unit 1 - The Performing Arts Industry

Unit 2 - Professional Development

Unit 3 - Jazz Dance 1

Unit 4 - Ballet 1

Unit 6 - Commercial 1

Unit 7 - Tap 1

Unit 9 - Choreography 1

Unit 11 - Dance for Camera

 

In addition to the above units, student will also take classes in contemporary, fitness, house and strengthening to develop their skills and knowledge ready for progression to HND Level 5. Throughout the year students work towards live performances and creative pieces in relation to the performing arts industry.

 

The second year of the course will then follow on with a further six units. Please note, units may be subject to change from year to year, due to curriculum updating/sector changes/changes in delivery staff specialisms or awarding body requirements.

 

 

Progression

The course aims to equip students with the skills required to embark upon a variety of employment opportunities in the Performing Arts industries:

Dancer: jazz, ballet, commercial dance, tap, American tap, contemporary, physical theatre. Choreographer, Assistant Choreographer, Dance

Captain  Performer: vocalist, dancer and actor  Set design, Crew Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager Education: workshop leader, facilitator.

Typical earnings for jobs associated with these areas range from £27,000 to £41,000.