Pearson BTEC HND in Performing Arts

This course will provide you with a stimulating and challenging programme of study that will be both engaging and memorable, delivering the essential subject knowledge that you will need to progress successfully into further study or the world of work. You will undertake a substantial core of learning in the Higher National Certificate in year one, and can build on this in the Higher National Diploma, in year two with optional units linked to your specialist area of study. Content is continually refreshed so that it is closely aligned with professional body, employer and higher education needs. We provide a varied approach to assessment that supports progression and we offer assessment relevant to the local economy, thereby accommodating and enhancing different learning styles. We deliver a qualification designed to meet the needs and expectations of students aspiring to work in an international performing arts environment.

There are two pathways available to follow including acting and dance.   Due to the nature of the qualification suite several of the modules delivered are common to both pathways.  

Acting Pathway Year 1 Modules (Level 4):

The Performing Arts Industry - Employability, self-maintenance, managing finances and the increasing importance of online and offline marketing are all areas that will be covered throughout this unit.

Professional Development - In this unit, you will explore the many potential avenues of employment that relate to your specialism, build an awareness of how to present yourself to the market place and embark on a journey of professional development.

Acting 1 – You will understand key principles of the acting process, rehearsal methods including how to develop a character as well as an appreciation of the complexity and challenge of creating truthful performances.

Voice & Speech for Actors - This unit introduces you to the fundamental principles of vocal performance and how sound is formed physiologically.

Devising Theatre and Performance - By the end of this unit, you will have developed a creative toolbox of methods, ideas, techniques, and improved your understanding of the contextual development of devising and its importance in today’s creative arts industry.

Crewing - This unit is designed to give you the opportunity to work backstage on a live production, having undertaken a considered investigation and research of each role beforehand.

Jazz Dance - By the end of this unit, you will be able to execute the required vocabulary in set and unset combinations, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry.

Lighting Operation - This unit aims to introduce you to the skills, techniques and equipment that are used by the lighting operator in a theatre.

Acting for Camera - On successful completion of this unit, you will understand key principles of the acting process, rehearsal methods including how to develop a character as well as an appreciation of the complexity and challenge of creating truthful performances.

Acting Pathway Year 2 Modules (Level 5):

 

Creative Research Project - By the end of this unit, you will be armed with the necessary tools to not only enter the final year of a university degree, but to embark upon any career path within the performing arts industry.

Working in the Performing Arts Industry - You will explore your career goals and your own individual skills in relation to future employment.

Acting 2 - You will have explored a range of techniques and, in so doing, broadened your understanding of acting processes, developed your skill set and appreciated a more diverse range of theatrical practice.

Immersive Theatre - You will be clear on the importance of a story, and will have developed ideas and collaboratively worked on a piece of immersive theatre in line with today’s industry standards.

Dance for Actors - You will explore your own dance and movement skills and analyse their own areas for further development, enabling you to add dance/movement to your skills portfolio.

Performance Project - You will have gained the satisfaction of producing a performance for an audience and appreciating the skills they have developed.

Directing - You will explore key directors and their techniques, interpreting and planning the realisation of creative content, working with a creative team to capture and inspire, the style and structure of a work and exploring the importance of having a strong understanding of the acting and writing process.

Acting for Camera - You will have acquired knowledge of the technical challenges of performing to camera, developed appropriate technique to realise effective screen performance, and performed to camera.

Dance Pathway Year 1 Modules (Level 4):

Ballet 1- You will be able to execute the required vocabulary in unset combinations and enchaînements, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry.

Contemporary Dance 1- You will be able to use the required contemporary dance language to develop and maintain a sound technical foundation to use in the professional world of dance. You will be able to pick up and retain combinations of the required technique.

Commercial Dance 1- You will be able to execute the required vocabulary in unset combinations and enchaînements, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry. You will also have a broader knowledge of the evolution and development of commercial dance.

Tap 1- You will be able to execute the required vocabulary in unset combinations, incorporating and demonstrating rhythm, control, tone, musicality, style and performance. You will also have a broader knowledge of different tap practitioners and how they have influenced the genre as it stands today.

Dance for Camera -  You will have a better understanding of how dance may be filmed in a range of settings and what is required in order to create a filmed dance sequence.

Jazz 1 - By the end of this unit, you will be able to execute the required vocabulary in set and unset combinations, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry.

Dance Pathway Year 2 Modules (Level 5):

Creative Research Project - By the end of this unit, you will be armed with the necessary tools to not only enter the final year of a university degree, but to embark upon any career path within the performing arts industry.

Working in the Performing Arts Industry - You will explore your career goals and your own individual skills in relation to future employment.

Dance for Musical Theatre - You will explore a wide and diverse range of musical theatre styles used in both film and theatre, key innovators and choreographers from musical theatre history. You will also explore technique and skill in successfully communicating the style intentions.

Jazz 2 - You will be able to execute the required content vocabulary in a range of combinations, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry with secure jazz technique.

Ballet 2 - You will be able to execute the required vocabulary in unset combinations and enchaînements, incorporating and demonstrating musicality and artistry with secure ballet technique.

Contemporary 2 - You will gain a more intense exploration of contemporary dance technique and culture, achieving a degree of mastery over their creativity, stronger identification as a unique artist and ownership over quality of movement.

Commercial 2 - On completion of this unit you will be more aware of specific innovators within the  commercial field and the job opportunities that may arise for commercial dancers.

UCAS Information