The BTEC Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (RQF) provides a thorough grounding in the
key concepts and practical skills required in the performing arts sector and national recognition by
employers allows direct progression to employment.
The course provides an opportunity to develop the intellectual, creative and technical skills required
to be a successful contemporary practitioner in the performing arts industry. Learners will develop
technical competence across a range of performing techniques and skills, enabling them to apply
these at an increasingly professional standard. The programme of study will encompass
contemporary, innovative, creative work in Industry standard performance spaces and high tech TV
and Sound production studios.
To help learners apply their skills professionally, they will also be encouraged to undertake work
placements, to support securing employment or further progression to routes.
Learners will regularly engage with a range of clients and professionals through engaging with
industry based practitioner’s guest speakers, public performances and working alongside guest
directors, through which they will develop their intellectual powers and their ability to
communicate.
Learners will be provided training in the essential skills of performance art including acting, dance,
singing, acting for camera, creative arts professional practice and voice and speech. Through this
integrated approach students will be provided with the skills required for a range of careers in
Performing Arts and related fields.
The course has established strong industry links, with active involvement throughout the course, and
currency of scholarly activity of staff members, relevant to the fields of study. Students will
experience a range of opportunities within the field, including off site performance, industry based
practitioner master classes and guest directors. This allows learners to inform their practices, in the
context of the performing arts industries. The curriculum is made up of staff members with
significant industry experience, ensuring currency and contextualisation of industry needs, while
informing the curriculum.
Course Details - Modules
Devising
Movement
Creative Arts Professional Practice
Creative Arts Research Skills
Naturalistic Acting
Acting for Camera
Development of Acting Skills
Voice and Speech
Tutorial
1-2-1 Project Supervision
Assignment support session
Course Details – Assessment Method
Teaching and learning methods are aligned to programme outcomes and support learners in
becoming problem solvers, critical thinkers, independent enquirers and effective communicators. HE
lecturers engage in a range of scholarly activities and ensure that appropriate links are made
between theory and practice. Lecturers develop relevant and up-to-date teaching materials that
allow learners to apply their learning to actual events and activities within the sector, through the
delivery of live briefs, vocational scenarios and industry based practice.
The development of learners’ independent learning skills is promoted through self-directed study,
which may include reflective journals, blogs, sketchbooks and personal development records,
facilitated by full access to the Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) and the University Centre.
Prior to formal assessment methods, learners will take part in a range of activities and tasks, in order
to support their preparation for final assessments. Verbal and written feedback will be provided by
tutors to support learners’ development in order to reach their true potential.
Informal assessments methods are varied and relevant to vocational practice. Knowledge and
understanding are tested though portfolio and sketchbook-based work, critiques and peer reviews
essays, research reports, group and individual presentations. Live projects, competitions and workrelated
learning provide vehicles for teaching and learning. Participation in debates, simulations,
group work, individual and group presentations will encourage learners to critically consider the
application of theory to practice.
The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-based and learners’ evidence is
assessed against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The purpose of the
assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each unit has taken place. Evidence
of this learning, or the application of the learning, is required for each unit. The assessment of the
evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each unit, supported by the generic grade
descriptors. All units will be individually graded as ‘pass,’ ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass
grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. Further
information is available in the programme handbook and in the College’s Higher Education
Assessment Policy.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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:
PAL5
Institution code:
S35
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Academic requirements*:
o A minimum of 2 A Levels
o Foundation Diploma
o BTEC National Extended Diploma/Diploma
o Access to Higher Education Diploma
o Level 3 NVQ or other work based qualification
* Mature students with relevant performance experience may also be considered with other
relevant qualifications or work/industry experience that shows knowledge of and commitment to
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the course. You will need to demonstrate an ability to study at a Higher Education level.
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are welcomed by the Programme team.
Students should consult the Programme Leader if they wish to claim such recognition.
Applicants must have successfully gained a minimum of 48 UCAS points*
Academic requirements*:
o A minimum of 2 A Levels
o Foundation Diploma
o BTEC National Extended Diploma/Diploma
o Access to Higher Education Diploma
o Level 3 NVQ or other work based qualification
* Mature students with relevant performance experience may also be considered with other
relevant qualifications or work/industry experience that shows knowledge of and commitment to
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the course. You will need to demonstrate an ability to study at a Higher Education level.
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are welcomed by the Programme team.
Students should consult the Programme Leader if they wish to claim such recognition.
You will need to pass an audition and provide a satisfactory reference.
All applicants will additionally require GCSE English at Grade C or equivalent. Mathematics at
GCSE Grade C or equivalent will also be desirable.
Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in
English, must be able to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels
identified below, before being recruited to the programme:
o Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
o PTE 51
o IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
