Performing Arts (Acting Pathway)

Why study this course?
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.

About the course
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.

How will it make me more employable?
Pearson is committed to delivering learning that is rooted in the real world and to develop work-ready graduates with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need. The course will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to:

Technical Skills
• Contextual Knowledge
• Ideas Generation and Development
• Performing Arts Industry Knowledge and Skills
• Professional Practice

Employability Skills
• Employability Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership
• Reflective Practice
• Decision Making
• Team Working

Where will it take me?
Employment- 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.

Related Degree Programmes- Successful completion of an HND in Performing Arts can gain access to year 2 in many university degree programmes across the UK. Entry requirements and year of entry are subject to the University.

This course has partnerships with Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Sunderland whereby access to year two and three of the performing arts disciplines programmes can be gained with appropriate grades in particular subjects.

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.

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.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, project based learning, presentations, 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.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS