Performing Arts - Level 5 Higher National Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 15th September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fees for each year.

Fees are payable annually.
The fees for year 2 may be subject to change.

Find out more about eligibility for reduced course fees, payment options and financial support available in our fees and funding page.

Course Content

Are you ready to take your passion for the Performing Arts to the next level? Our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts is crafted to help you launch a career in this dynamic and global industry. Over two years, you will develop essential skills, build professional networks, and gain hands-on experience to set you on the path to success.

Why Choose This Course?

• Real-World Skills: You’ll develop the practical and technical abilities essential for a career in the Performing Arts, gaining knowledge and experience that prepare you for further study or direct entry into the industry.
• Engaging Curriculum: With an inspiring mix of theory and practice, this programme challenges you to grow creatively while building professional skills to meet the demands of today’s Performing Arts sector.
• Industry-Relevant Opportunities: Benefit from opportunities to collaborate on live performances, industry-led projects, and professional development, giving you a head start in your career.
• Specialised Pathways: Tailor your studies to your unique career goals with optional modules in Acting, Choreography, Directing, and more, allowing you to focus on the areas that inspire you most.
• Experienced Faculty: Learn from dedicated instructors with industry expertise who provide mentorship and insights into current professional practices.

What Will You Study?

Throughout the course, you will explore and master a wide range of subjects in the Performing Arts, including:

• The Performing Arts Industry – Understand the landscape and opportunities within the industry.
• Professional Development – Focus on building the skills and networks to support your career.
• Commercial Dance – Develop skills for the commercial performance world.
• Directing – Gain the creative and technical knowledge for directing live and recorded performances.
• Acting for Camera – Hone your screen acting skills for film and television.
• Dance for Camera – Explore the unique aspects of dance in filmed performances.
• Investigation of Specialism – Conduct in-depth study into areas that spark your interest.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas like Acting, Choreography, and Directing, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your individual career goals.

Ready to bring your creativity and ambition to life? Join our Performing Arts HND and set the stage for an inspiring career in the Performing Arts!

Special Features

• Hands-On Experience: Apply your learning through practical assignments, performances, and industry-led projects.
• Career Connections: Develop networks with industry professionals and gain insight into the skills required to succeed.
• Creative Flexibility: Explore areas that excite you and align with your career aspirations.

• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Performing Arts, Drama, Dance, Musical Theatre or Music.
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent).
• Other related Level 3 qualifications.
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution.
• Related work experience.
• An international equivalent of the above.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Upon successful completion of all year one modules, students will achieve a full Level 4 HNC award. On completion of all year 2 modules, students will leave the course with a full level 5 HND diploma. Typical progression routes would be to University in a related subject area or students may secure employment within the performing arts industry.