Course summary
Why study this course? The Pearson Higher National Diploma in Acting 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. 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, with a specialism in acting. 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.
Modules
Level 4 Module A - Process and Practice The module is made up of two units as follows: • A1: Concept and Development (85 credits)- This unit is designed to enable the practice and development of underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of the subject area. This unit will provide you with a strong foundation in acting theory and practice, equipping you with the essential tools to develop your craft and navigate the industry. • A2: Creative Project (35 credits)- This unit is designed to give students the opportunity to consolidate and apply their learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to project outcomes. You will refine your technical execution, develop your ability to respond instinctively to direction and cultivate a professional work ethic essential for sustaining a career in performance. Level 5 Module B - Professional Creative Practice The module is made up of two units as follows: • B1 Personal Professional Development (45 credits) – This unit supports the advancement of underpinning knowledge and understanding of creative practice through reflective inquiry and sustained engagement with the subject area. You will build on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired at Level 4, advancing towards more complex, industry-focused projects. • B2 Professional Project (75 credits) - This unit offers students the opportunity to integrate and apply prior learning through the production of a reflective and outcomes-based portfolio of creative work. This unit emphasises creative, technical and professional development, allowing you to refine your craft while exploring your unique artistic identity. For each level 4 or 5 unit you will be assessed against the following criterion: • Contextual knowledge • Ideas generation and development • Technical knowledge and skill • Professional practice • Communication 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.
Assessment method
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.
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
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
- Course code:
- 0003
- Institution code:
- R01
- Campus name:
- SERC Bangor
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - C
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PP
Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Audition
Successful completion of an audition and Interview demonstrating good performance skills and/or performance experience
Other
All applicants must hold GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics of Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £3100* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3100* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3100* | Year 1 |
| England | £3100* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3100* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3100* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3100* | Year 1 |
| International | £7500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD