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
Please note an interview or self-tape may be a requirement of application in order for an offer to be made.
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
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
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: H37
If you have any enquiries or require further support and guidance with your application, please email the team directly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
