The Performing Arts Top-up Year - BA (Hons) Level 6 programme is validated by the University of Hertfordshire.
UCAS Code: W204
Institution Code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)
To apply for the course please click here for the UCAS application form. Please use the above codes.
Please click here to listen to a current student explaining why they chose to enrol on to the Top-up Year.
Hertford Regional College's Higher Education provision in Performing Arts is designed to provide students with creative performance and management skills to develop themselves as independent artists and theatre-makers in the field of entertainment. The core focus of this course is to train students to produce, manage and sustain original theatrical work at a professional standard. Our facilities meet industry standards, and staff expertise and experience support students to prepare for industry.
Our students consistently demonstrate industry standard performances, underpinned by high attendance, leading to strong outcomes. This level 6 top-up year enables students to achieve a full BA Hons degree, providing them with a clear line of sight to employment.
This Level 6 provision has been produced in close collaboration with our partners and subject specialists at the University of Hertfordshire. The course develops students' skills through technique classes, historical context lectures, application in rehearsal and performance, independent study, and reflective practice. Definitive module documents have been developed and refined to create a world class educational experience for our students' Level 6 year.
Theatre and the arts have had a positive impact on the national economy and according to the Arts Council in 2018 'the arts and culture industry grew £390 million in a year and contributed £10.8 billion a year to the UK economy. The sector contributes £2.8 billion a year to the Treasury via taxation and generates a further £23 billion a year and 363,700 jobs.' The report also states that 30% of this figure is combined arts and a direct 25% of this figure is theatre. Despite the pandemic affecting all industries in recent years, according to UK Theatre and Society of London Theatres 'The theatre sector is normally responsible for directly and indirectly generating approximately £1 billion per annum in VAT revenue for HM Treasury, not including additional revenue in the form of PAYE and NI contributions. It will therefore play a vital part in the nation's recovery.' The arts have been supported during the time of the pandemic through the cultural support fund with the government recognising the importance and continued importance this industry has for the UK economy.
What will I be doing?
The programme consists of three modules: Advanced Character Performance, Planning New Theatrical Work & Creative Project.
Advanced Character Performance: This module enables students to critically analyse and interpret research to create a character through a devising process of original performance material informed by research. Students will perform original material in character, making choices in response to the character's world. At the end of the module students will apply a critical self-reflection using reflective writing tools on planning, process, and product.
Planning New Theatrical Work: This module enables students to develop their own creative vision and investigate funding streams, audience markets and statutory requirements for producing and performing theatrical work.
Creative Project: This module enables students to work collaboratively to create a new original performance. Using skills and knowledge gained in previous modules students will work to create a new full-scale production. Students will explore and implement the cornerstones of performance creation.
Entry requirements
Successful completion of:
- HND Performing Arts RQF in either Musical Theatre, Acting or Dancing pathways, or
- HND Performing Arts QCF in either Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance) or Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Performing Arts
In addition you will also need:
- English - C/4 above or level 2 equivalent
- Maths - C/4 above or level 2 equivalent
If you do not have the above grades in maths and English we will expect you to enrol in adult classes at the college.
Entry to this programme will also be determined by a self-tape audition submitted via an online platform.
We also welcome applicants with industry experience and will require a self-tape audition and portfolio of work.
How to Apply?
Applications are via UCAS to the University of Hertfordshire. Please use the below codes:
- UCAS code: W204
- Institution code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
- Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)
Please click here for the UCAS application form.
Fee Information
£8250 for the 2024/2025 academic year (subject to validation).
Students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. See 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.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
