Course summary
BTEC Higher National Certificate in Acting (Level 4) Begin your creative journey with the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Acting, designed to build a strong foundation in performance, creativity, and professional practice while preparing you for a successful career in the industry. This dynamic course offers a broad introduction to the world of Acting, combining hands-on training, live performances, and creative development across contemporary, classical, and devised work. Through a blend of research, independent study, and practical workshops, you’ll gain valuable experience that mirrors real-world performance and production environments. Alongside developing your acting technique, you’ll enhance key transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, and analysis — all highly valued in higher education and the performing arts profession. By the end of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate, you’ll have a solid understanding of acting fundamentals and the confidence, discipline, and professional behaviours needed to progress to specialist training or begin your journey into the creative industries. BTEC Higher National Diploma in Acting (Level 5) Take your training to the next level with the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Acting, designed for students ready to refine their craft and develop a unique artistic voice. Building on the strong foundation of Level 4, this advanced course focuses on deepening your practical, creative, and analytical skills while preparing you for professional performance or further study at Level 6. You’ll explore a range of specialist areas, applying your own ideas to complex creative challenges and developing the confidence to make independent artistic and professional decisions. Through a blend of theory, practice, and live performance opportunities, you’ll learn to evaluate your work critically, explore innovative solutions, and perform with skill and authenticity. By the end of the Level 5 Diploma, you’ll have a clear understanding of your specialist area within the acting profession and the ability to apply your creative and professional principles across the wider performing arts and creative industries.
Modules
Level 4 (Year 1) A1: Concept and Development (85 Credits) A2: Creative Project (35 Credits)
Assessment method
Student progress on the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Acting (2025) is monitored through a blend of formative and summative assessment methods. Formative assessment takes place throughout the course via ongoing tutor feedback, rehearsal observations, and reflective activities, helping students understand their development and areas for improvement before final grading. Summative assessment occurs through structured assignments—both practical (e.g., performances, workshops) and written (e.g., portfolios, evaluations)—completed at the end of each unit. These assignments are assessed against clear Pass, Merit, and Distinction criteria, internally verified for consistency, and supported by detailed feedback. NWSLC also maintains assessment records, tracks unit completion and credit accumulation, and provides opportunities for resubmission or module repeats, ensuring that student progress is systematically monitored and supported throughout the course.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
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
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept international applications as we do not hold a Tier 4 license.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level - CCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £6100 | Year 1 |
| England | £6100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6100 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £6100 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £6100 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There may be additional costs and fees associated with the BTEC Higher Nationals in Acting programme, which will be confirmed at enrolment. These costs are designed to support the practical and professional nature of the course and may include contributions towards trips, theatre visits, workshops, guest practitioner sessions, specialist materials, or performance-related activities. While the core tuition fee covers standard teaching and assessment, these additional costs ensure students gain valuable industry exposure and enrichment experiences that enhance their learning and professional development.
Provider information
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Hinckley Road
Nuneaton
CV11 6BH