Course Overview
The HND Performing Arts is a full-time, Higher National qualification designed to prepare you for the demands of the contemporary creative industries. Delivered at Level 5, the programme combines intensive practical training with academic and professional development over one academic year.
Developed in line with current industry practice, the course uses project-based learning and performance-led assessment to help you build confidence, creativity, and employability. On successful completion of the HND, you may progress to a university top-up degree, move directly into industry, or pursue teaching and performance-related opportunities.
Pathways
You will choose one of the following specialist pathways:
Musical Theatre
This pathway focuses on integrated training in singing, dance, and acting, preparing you for the demands of musical theatre performance and related creative roles. You will develop technical skill, performance versatility, and professional awareness through rehearsals, workshops, and live performance projects.
Dance
The Dance pathway develops your technical ability across a range of dance styles while building choreographic, performance, and professional practice skills. You will explore both live and screen-based performance, preparing you for diverse opportunities within the dance and performing arts sector.
Entry Requirements:
64 UCAS points, IELTS Score: 6.5
Course Highlights
Validating Partners
This course is accredited by Hull College. It has been developed and quality assured by our experienced academic team, meeting rigorous standards to ensure a high-quality learning experience and a recognised higher education qualification.
The HND is delivered over one academic year and focuses on developing advanced performance skills, creative research, and professional practice.
You will study core units that develop industry awareness and employability, alongside pathway-specific units aligned to your chosen specialism.
Core units include:
• Creative Research Project
• Working in the Performing Arts Industry
Musical Theatre pathway units may include:
• Dance for Musical Theatre
• Singing 2
• Acting 2
• Auditioning
• Performance Project
Dance pathway units may include:
• Contemporary Dance 2
• Commercial Dance 2
• Choreography 2
• Auditioning
• Performance Project
Alongside assessed units, you will take part in rehearsals, workshops, and live performance projects that reflect professional industry practice.
Course Breakdown
Why Choose This Course
This programme offers industry-focused, performance-led training designed to prepare you for professional practice in the creative industries. You will be taught by experienced tutors with strong industry backgrounds and benefit from a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal development. Throughout the year, you will take part in rehearsals, live performances, and creative projects that reflect real-world industry practice, while building a strong professional portfolio to support progression into employment or further study.
Progression & Next Steps
On successful completion of the HND Performing Arts, you can progress to a university Level 6 top-up course to achieve a full BA (Hons) degree or move directly into employment within the creative and performing arts industries. The qualification also supports progression into freelance work, creative enterprise, or further professional development and training, depending on your career goals.