Pearson BTEC HND in Performing Arts

This exciting and dynamic full-time 2 year course has an emphasis on learning skills current to the performing arts industry with the aim of increasing your employability. It is a production-based course for students who wish to develop skills in the performing arts. The course is highly practical, but it also demands academic ability. We use Project Based Learning (PBL) approaches which give you industry relevant experiential learning. This will prepare you for employment within the broad spectrum of the performing arts field.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10626
Campus: Bangor
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Performing Arts

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

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Course Structure

YEAR 1 -Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (General)

Level 4 units

  • Core unit Mandatory            - 1 The Performing Arts Industry (Pearson-set) 
  • Core unit Mandatory            - 2 Professional Development
  • Specialist unit Mandatory    - Acting 1

Additional units of study for Performing Arts Pathway, may include

  • 17 Acting for Camera 
  • 18 Voice & Speech for actors
  • 20 Devising Theatre and Performance
  • 29 Crewing

Optional units of study (Students must choose one of the following)

  • 3    Jazz Dance 1
  • 23  Lighting Operation

YEAR 1 -Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (DANCE)

Level 4 units

  • Core unit Mandatory            - 1 The Performing Arts Industry (Pearson-set) 
  • Core unit Mandatory            - 2 Professional Development

Additional units of study for Dance Pathway, may include

  • 4 Ballet 1
  • 6 Contemporary Dance 1
  • 6 Commercial Dance 1
  • 7 Tap 1
  • 11 Dance for Camera 


YEAR 2 - Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

Level 5 units

  • Core unit  - 32 Creative Research Project (Pearson-set)
  • Core unit  - 33 Working in the Performing Arts Industry
  • Specialist unit Mandatory  - 44 Acting 2

Additional units of study

  • 45 Immersive Theatre
  • 51 Dance for Actors
  • 52 Performance Project
  • 54 Directing

GCSE

  • A minimum of 4 GCSEs Grade C or above (or Level 2 Essential Skills)

GCSE English

  • GCSE English Language Grade C or above OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy  

UCAS

A minimum of 32 UCAS points including:

  • An A Level  OR
  • Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts

Access Diploma

  • Access Diploma in Foundation Studies with overall average of  58%+

International Requirements

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • PTE 51
  • IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • Or equivalent (examples of equivalent qualifications would be GCSE in English, Level 3 Programmes, Essential Skills in Literacy - Level 2, ESOL Level 2 or another qualification gained at an institution within the UK).

Admissions

Successful completion of the Admissions Process.

Additional Skills

  • Desirable qualities should include good performance skills and/or performance experience

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies.  This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study.  Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Successful completion of the HND Performing Arts / Dance course (Year 1) will provide you with the opportunity to progress to the year 2.

The specific vocational content of this course, along with access to a state-of-the-art theatre environment provide an invaluable pre-requisite to employment in all aspects of the creative arts industries.  Previous students on this course have gained employment in technical theatre, teaching, and acting roles as well as establishing their own dance businesses. 

  • Gaining a vocational qualification demonstrating your technical competence.
  • Gaining a Personal Development qualification demonstrating your employability skills (communication, teamwork, critical thinking).
  • Gaining hands on experience through Industry Projects (PBL). 
  • Getting involved in activities such as the SERC Volunteer Programme and SERC Student Companies.  

As well as gaining a recognised qualification you will take part in employability skills workshops and gain skills in teamwork, commitment, IT and problem solving. You will also have the opportunity to become a member of The Glass Umbrella Theatre Company.

Field trips are not compulsory, however there are occasions when lecturers will recommend productions which the teaching team deem supportive to the students' studies.  The department recognises the importance of providing students with the opportunity to see professional works, both locally and internationally.  Field trips do not have a direct impact on individual academic success.  Costings for field trips are based on the confirmed total number of students wishing to partake.  Estimated costings per programme could be in the region of £350.

Course and Provider regulated by Pearson.

We have an articulation agreement with University of Sunderland, to gain entry to year 2 or year 3 of the Acting BA (Hons) 

We have an articulation agreement with University of Sunderland, to gain entry to year 2 or year 3 of the Dance BA (Hons) 

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

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UCAS Information

You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.

If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.

Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.

View SERC on UCAS

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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