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Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts

Course Code

MAPA513A.HH
MAPA513A.HH

Start Date

09/09/2024
08/09/2025

End Date

19/06/2026
18/06/2027

Location

Broxbourne Campus
Broxbourne Campus

Study Mode

Full Time

UCAS Code: W401
Institution Code: H37
Campus Code: B (Broxbourne)

This course has been created to meet modern industry standards in the field of entertainment. Our project-based learning enables students to acquire new skills and train within acting, singing and dance. Upon completion of the course students will have an industry recognised qualification which will enable them to top up to the final year of a full BA Hons degree either with Hertford Regional College on our Level 6 Top Up course or at university. Examples of projects students train in:

Pantomimes
Street Festival Work
Acting for Screen
Cabaret Performance
Immersive Performances
Entertainment Industry Studies
Musical Theatre Performances and Directing
Dance for Musical Theatre
Performing Plays and Text
Technique classes in Singing, Acting and Dance
Health and Fitness Management
Professional Development and Industry Awareness Training

With the planned £700 million Sunset Studios only a few miles from the Broxbourne campus, HRC is perfectly placed to develop the next generation of filmmakers, producers, and creatives.

Course Expectations

Lessons will start at 9am, as a result all learners must be in the classroom and ready to start at 8:50am
All absences must be reported to your programme lead by 8:30am
All medical appointments must be evidenced to be authorised
Phones to be placed in your bag at the start of the lesson
Notebook and pen must be bought to every lesson
Behaviour and attitudes must stay in line with industry expectations
Respectful manner and attitude towards your peers and tutors must be adhered to. Failure to adhere rules and follow our HE codes of conduct will result in disciplinary action.
Learners are expected to participate and gain as much work experience as possible by putting themselves forward for any opportunities offered by the college.
Learners should be regularly updating their acting CV and portfolio of work (tutor support will be provided)

What can I do next?

The two most common progression pathways upon finishing the HND qualification are to apply for a third year of study at university to top-up your HND qualification to a BA Hons or you can enter the industry and apply for jobs relevant to your area of interest.

What will I be doing?

Year One Modules

Acting 1
Devising for Theatre and Performance
Performing Arts Industry
Professional Development
Singing 1
Dance for Camera (New for 2023/24)
Acting for Camera (New for 2023/24)
Voice and Speech for Actors (New for 2023/24)

Year Two Modules

Acting 2
Creative Arts Research Project
Performance Project
Singing 2
Working in Performing Arts Industry
Dance for Musical Theatre
Working in Creative Education (New for 2023/24)

** Modules are subject to change **

Added Extras

As a Performing Arts HND student at Hertford Regional College you have the fantastic opportunity to engage in a range of different activities to support your studies. These include:

Trips and visits to theatre performances
Guest lecturers and networking with industry professionals
Opportunities to form a performance company and use college facilities including ‘The Michael Morpurgo Theatre’ our on campus performance space
Live performances in collaboration with other courses such as Media or Music

How will I be assessed?

HND assessment is awarded on a Pass, Merit and Distinction method.

Live Theatrical Performances
Rehearsal Observations
Casting Auditions
Creative Digital Material
Presentations
Practical Workshop Leadership
Portfolio
Written Assessment
Industry Research

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points generated from a performance vocational qualification or A Level. English and Maths requirement grade [4] or [C]. (Resit classes for English and Maths will be arranged alongside your Performing Arts HND if the requirement is not met). Additional Entry RequirementsPlease note an interview or self-tape may be a requirement of application in order for an offer to be made.Applications to our full-time undergraduate courses can be made through UCAS. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Hertford Regional College, you can apply directly to us using our direct application form and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf.

What do I need to bring?

Kit/Equipment Requirements (Compulsory)

Character Shoes
Jazz Shoes
Tap Shoes
Ballet Shoes
Black Leotard
Black T-shirt
Black leggings or Black shorts
Supportive base layer
Notebook and Pen
Water bottle

Kit/Equipment Requirements (Optional)

Black HND Hoodie (to be purchased through the college)
Resistance Bands for Pilates Sessions

Fee information

As a university student you can apply for Student Finance England to support you to cover the costs of tuition and maintenance fees. Our tuition rate is £6000 per year (academic year 2024/2025). Tuition loans from Student Finance are paid directly to the college and maintenance loans are paid to you termly to support your everyday costs of accommodation, travel and leisure.To find out more about funding visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance There may be opportunities for trips and visits organised, these will be at an additional charge for the students.

Further information

HOW IS STUDYING A HND SIMILAR TO UNIVERSITY?

A HND is equal to the first two years of university degree, this means you can top-up your HND with one year of university study to achieve a full degree. It is how a HND is different to university study that makes them so unique. Compared on average to university centres you will:

Have more hours of contact with tutors and specialists.
You will have a comprehensively devised timetable that ensures your timetable is compressed.
Contact days will be three a week and will increase in the final term for the end of year musical.
You will have opportunities to focus your study within your modules to create work that interests you.

HOW DO I APPLY

The best way to apply is via UCAS using the course UCAS code: W401 / Institution Code: H37If you have any enquiries or require further support and guidance with your application, please email the team directly: info@hrc.ac.uk

CASE STUDY

The level 3 course allowed me the opportunities to explore a variety of performance styles within the performing arts industry. The way the course is set up allows students to work collaboratively as well as individually – keeping each project fun, purposeful and engaging. The tutors have extensive knowledge in their field and are extremely supportive, not only in regards to practical and written work but also the well-being of their students. I felt fully equipped with the skills learnt during the two years to progress on to my next destination successfully.

Upon completing my Level 3 Extended Diploma, I decided to progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND). The HND in Performing Arts is a diverse and engaging course – it encourages students to push themselves out of the comfort zone as well as explore which particular area of performing arts they are more passionate about. Classes are smaller and inclusive, allowing each individual the same equal opportunities to reach their potential.

With the skills and knowledge, I learnt on the HND, I progressed on to completing a teacher training programme at the University of Greenwich – qualifying as a Performing Arts teacher within the further education sector. Almost 3 years on from graduating, I now work as a self-employed dance teacher teaching numerous after school dance classes as well as working at a private performing arts school at the weekend. As well as working within the sector as a teacher, I’ve also been given the opportunity to be a part of ‘Function of X’ as a dancer and looking forward to perform at the Royal Academy of Dance in June.

What are you doing now?

“I’m in the process of opening my own performing arts school – teaching all 3 disciplines after school to primary school children.”

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24/25|25/26

210504|212119

MAPA513A.HH|MAPA513A.HH

HND in Performing Arts Yr1

2024-09-09 00:00:00.000|2025-09-08 00:00:00.000

Available for applications