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
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

Contact Hours per week

15 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 3 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

22 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, and use of online material

This is two-year programme and course fees are payable in each year.

 

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) 

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.

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

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

Customer Enquiries

Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

Start New Enquiry

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.

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.

Explore Higher Education