HNC in Performing Arts

COURSE SPECIFICATION

This course is aimed at undergraduate students who wish to develop skills in the Performing Arts, especially those desiring to continue their studies at university or vocational drama school level. Graduates of this course have completed degree programmes at University, attended recognised Drama schools, become teachers and workshop leaders or found employment in the industry.

We are looking for candidates with a strong passion for the performing arts. Applicants should ideally hold a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts or an equivalent qualification, achieving a minimum of 64 UCAS points.

Applicants who do not hold a relevant qualification may still be considered by demonstrating their academic ability through a portfolio of work. The minimum entry profile for this route is MM.

It is also recommended that applicants hold GCSE English at Grade 4 or above and have some prior experience within the performing arts sector.

The Pearson BTEC HNC in Acting is a highly practical course designed to skilled performers for a variety of performance opportunities. Students take part in workshops, rehearsals and performances, exploring acting techniques, voice, movement, character development and devised and scripted work, while learning to work professionally as part of an ensemble.

A strong emphasis is placed on professional creative practice, with students often working collaboratively to create their own production company. They plan, rehearse and produce performance work, making creative and practical decisions about touring to local venues of their choosing. Industry professionals contribute to selected aspects of the course through specialist workshops, masterclasses and feedback.

Alongside performance training, students develop higher‑education study and reflective skills, researching practitioners and evaluating their own work through portfolios and journals. Assessment is coursework‑based, and the qualification supports progression into employment, further training or top‑up degree study.

Module A: Process and Practice (Core – 120 credits)

At HNC is built around one compulsory module, Process and Practice, which provides the full foundation of the qualification. Through this module, students explore key acting techniques, rehearsal methods and creative ideas, while developing core skills in collaboration, discipline and reflective practice. Learners research practitioners and performance styles and begin to understand how acting work is developed from initial concepts through structured rehearsal.

The module is internally split into two assessment units: Concept and Development and Creative Project. Together, these units enable students to apply their developing skills in practical performance contexts, work as part of an ensemble, demonstrate professional conduct, and realise acting projects for an audience. Assessment is coursework-based and combines practical performance with reflection and evaluation, ensuring students are well prepared for progression to the HND or further professional training.

The Pearson BTEC HNC/D in Acting is assessed entirely through coursework, with no written exams. Assessment is designed to reflect professional acting practice and is based on students demonstrating their skills through practical performance work, rehearsal processes, creative projects and reflective evaluation. Students are assessed against nationally set assessment criteria and are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction for each assessment unit. 

Assessment methods typically include live or recorded performances, rehearsal logs, portfolios, reflective journals and written or spoken evaluations that show how students have developed ideas, applied acting techniques and worked professionally within a group. Feedback is provided throughout the course through formative assessment, allowing students to improve their work before final submission. Final grades are awarded through internal assessment and quality assurance, ensuring consistency with national standards.

For the course, you will need a memory stick or hard drive with a high capacity, a journal or notepad, movement clothing and basic ballet shoes.

If you wish to continue your studies there is the option of a top-up year to achieve an HND (subject to individual entry requirements).

A graduate of this course could go on to a career in the performing arts industry as a performer, undertaking work in entertainment, television, stage, touring productions or community work. Successful performer could also develop their skills as a 'Creative' in the field, obtaining directorial roles within the field on a self-employed basis.

Throughout the year of study, students will develop skills in performance; singing; dancing and acting as well as skills used in directing and choreographing. These developments are enabled through the delivery of subject-specific modules and through the experiences gained on the course. The experiences gained on the course include performing in the town's professional theatre, Theatre Severn, working with seasoned professionals, attending professional workshops as well as visiting regional theatres for live performances.

This course has historically offered students the opportunity to access an overseas trip, where students will visit a country to experience different cultures and gain a wider understanding of their subject area. Previous trips have been to Berlin, Barcelona and Verona.

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In-Students-Undergraduate-Apply-Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Course Advice on 01743 653333 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.