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HND in Acting

Course Code
MAPA516A.HH
Start Date
06/09/2027
End Date
15/06/2029
Location
Broxbourne Campus
Study Mode
Full Time

UCAS Code: M516
Institution Code: H37
Campus Code: B (Broxbourne)

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Acting is a Level 4 to 5 vocational qualification. Developed with input from industry, academia, and students, the qualification integrates digital, academic, and transferable skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking), while embedding health & safety, math, and English across its curriculum. 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.

Year 1 – Acting is a dynamic and evolving discipline at the heart of the performing arts, spanning theatre, film, television, voiceover, and emerging platforms like VR and motion capture. This year provides students with a strong foundation in acting theory and practice, combining research, practical exercises, and live and recorded performances. Students will explore methodologies from Stanislavski and Meisner to contemporary screen techniques, refining vocal and physical skills, emotional truth, and character development. Alongside creative training, the module introduces essential industry practices such as auditioning, self-promotion, and networking, preparing students to perform confidently across diverse mediums. By integrating traditional and innovative approaches, this course equips graduates with both artistic and professional skills to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing industry.

Year 2 – The acting industry offers diverse opportunities across theatre, film, television, voice-over, and cutting-edge platforms like VR and motion capture. This Level 5 module builds on Level 4 foundations, advancing students toward complex, industry-focused projects that refine creative, technical, and professional skills. Training explores classical and contemporary acting methodologies, vocal and physical precision, emotional truth, improvisation, and character development, alongside essential industry practices such as auditioning, self-taping, and networking. Through rehearsals, scene studies, and devised projects, students integrate artistry with real-world application while developing professional materials like headshots, CVs, and showreels. By bridging creative training with business insight, this module equips graduates with the confidence and expertise to thrive in a competitive, evolving industry.

What is expected of me?

  • 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)

Key Units and Content Areas
The specific assessment tasks can vary each year however, the core content includes:

Year 1 (Level 4)
Units at this level focus on foundational acting theory and practice.

A1: Concept and Development (85 credits): Designed to build underpinning knowledge of creative practice and provide a strong foundation in acting theory and practice.

  • A1.1 Explore the history, theories and developments related to the area of practice.
  • A1.2 Explore and develop ideas based on an iterative approach to problem-solving in creative practice.
  • A1.3 Explore technical knowledge and skills necessary to support creative practice.
  • A1.4 Explore professional knowledge, behaviours and practices within the sector.
  • A1.5 Explore techniques, media and formats to communicate ideas and concepts for diverse audiences.

A2: Creative Project (35 credits): Students consolidate their learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to project outcomes, focusing on refining technical skills.

  • A2.1 Apply relevant contextual knowledge to inform a creative project.
  • A2.2 Analyse a given brief to develop creative solutions, applying an iterative development process.
  • A2.3 Apply technical knowledge and skill in the production of a project outcome.
  • A2.4 Demonstrate professional knowledge, behaviours and practices in response to a given brief.
  • A2.5 Present the development process and outcomes of a creative project for a specified audience.

Year 2 (Level 5)
Level 5 units involve more complex, industry-focused projects and emphasize creative and professional development.

Units include
B1 Personal Professional Development (45 credits)

  • B1.1 Develop and apply contextual knowledge to inform personal progression.
  • B1.2 Develop and apply professional approaches to creative problem-solving to support personal progression.
  • B1.3 Develop and apply technical knowledge and skill to support personal
    progression.
  • B1.4 Develop and apply professional knowledge, behaviours and practices to support personal progression.
  • B1.5 Develop and apply professional communication skills to support personal progression.

B2 Professional Project (75 credits)

  • B2.1 Apply contextual knowledge to inform a response to a professional brief.
  • B2.2 Apply creative problem-solving skills to the development of ideas, proposals and final project outcomes.
  • B2.3 Use technical knowledge and skills to produce professional outcomes.
  • B2.4 Demonstrate professional knowledge, behaviours and project management skills.
  • B2.5 Present project development and outcomes demonstrating professional communication skills.

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

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

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 Requirements
Please 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.

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 ยฃ6000 per year (academic year 2026/2027).
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.

Before making a decision on any changes to your course, mode of study, dormancy or withdrawal, when funded by Student Finance England (SFE) we advise you contact HEAdmissions@hrc.ac.uk to discuss potential funding implications.

Changes to your course can potentially cause overpayments of the maintenance loan and cause ineligibility for future tuition fee loan funding from SFE.

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
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.

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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HND in Acting
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