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Level 5 HND in Performing Arts in Southend-on-Sea

Cost£6,850
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

£6,850 a year. Contact South Essex College for more info.

Apply now →

About this course

Level 5 HND in Performing Arts in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run full-time at South Essex College Southend Campus, with access to High House Production Park in Purfleet. The course runs over two years and follows an Acting or Dance pathway. You'll develop vocal and physical performance skills, directing, devising, producing, and stage craft across both years. The programme is built around live projects and industry-focused workshops, with guest speakers and visiting lecturers throughout. Entry requires a minimum of 64 UCAS points and a successful audition. Fees are £7,000 per year.

Who this course is for

Gain the skills you need to become a versatile and creative performance practitioner. This award is validated by Pearson Edexcel. Students will have access to Thurrock Campus and High House Production Park, Purfleet. Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting Pathway) The nature of the Performing Arts industry is extremely competitive and the opportunities for career diverse. The HND in Performing Arts (Acting Pathway) has been designed to provide a vocational based programme equipping you with the required skills to succeed in the range of career paths available. Our programme provides diverse and challenging learning experiences, whose aim is to extend and consolidate your expertise as a total performance maker. You will in part refine your live performance skills (vocal & physical) alongside developing greater understanding and command of specific techniques in multi disciplines including, directing, devising, producing, adaptation & stage craft. The selection of units enables you to nurture your creativity, developing your own voice as future innovators within the art form. The overriding focus of the programme is based on acknowledging the importance of versatility & diversity to allow for longevity, ensuring that you can become an all-round live performance maker & practitioner, skilled for successful careers in the ever-evolving Performing Arts industry.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: Access to Higher Education Diploma A Levels T Levels BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) or equivalent EU/International qualifications English GCSE passes at min grade 4/C Other qualifications may be considered

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your audition, application, personal statement and reference.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop vocal and physical performance skills across live theatrical contexts.
  • You'll study directing, devising, and producing as a performance maker.
  • You'll explore adaptation and stage craft techniques in multiple disciplines.
  • You'll work on live projects with external industry professionals.
  • You'll build your own creative voice as a practitioner and innovator.
  • You'll attend industry-focused workshops and sessions with guest speakers and visiting lecturers.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions, practical studio work, and live performance projects. Teaching draws on industry professionals through guest lectures, visiting lecturers, and workshops. Assessment is through a combination of practical performance work, project-based assignments, and written coursework. You'll also have access to professional facilities at High House Production Park, Purfleet, alongside the Southend Campus.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. The course fee includes £20 printing credit per year, event and exhibition costs, and a residential trip (terms vary by year). Parking is available at Backstage Centre, Purfleet.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Actor. Stage, screen, or touring theatre productions.
  • Theatre practitioner. Devising and directing live performance work.
  • Drama workshop facilitator. Running sessions in schools or community settings.
  • Stage manager. Coordinating productions behind the scenes.
  • Choreographer or movement director. Leading physical performance work.
  • Arts producer. Managing and developing performance projects.
  • Performing arts tutor. Teaching at college or studio level.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Performing Arts or Drama. A Level 6 degree top-up is a natural next step from an HND, often available as a one-year programme at many universities.
  • BA (Hons) in Theatre Directing or Applied Theatre. Specialise further in a specific area of practice.
  • Postgraduate study (MA in Performance or Theatre). For those wanting to move into research, advanced practice, or higher-level teaching roles.
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