BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts

Performing ArtsCourse ContentWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements

The BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts is designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements, and offers a strong, performing arts-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of knowledge and understanding in order to progress in specialist performing arts training.

The course has been created to focus on strengthening learners’ existing abilities along with building up skills that learners may not have had a chance to study sufficiently within the disciplines of Acting, Singing, Dance, Voice and Devising as well as introducing higher level academic skills and knowledge. The course will also support learners through Audition Technique sessions in order to fully prepare them for the next-step within their studies.

Who is this course for?

The Performing Arts BTEC Level 4 HNC course may be of interest to the following:

• Those wanting to develop skills within the performing arts in order to be confident in applying for further vocational courses at University/Drama School


• Those wanting an introduction to the performing arts industry (particularly if no formal training has taken place beforehand)

The Performing Arts BTEC Level 4 HNC course is a one year full-time programme of study. Those who teach on the course have current industry knowledge and experience that will enable learners to gain vital understanding of the industry and what is required of them should they wish to continue their studies within the performing arts sector.

The Performing Arts BTEC HNC has been developed to focus on:

• Providing education and training for a range of careers in the performing arts industries


• Providing opportunity for potential workers in the cultural industries to achieve a nationally recognised level 4 vocationally specific qualification


• Providing an opportunity for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in acting, drama, dance or a related area


• Developing the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners in the field of the performing arts


• Providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher-level skills in a performing arts context


• Providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills, techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by:

• Enabling progression to an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in the performing arts or related area


• Providing opportunities for specialist study relevant to individual vocations and contexts


• Developing the individual’s ability in the performing arts through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the programme


• Developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life


• Providing flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development in the performing arts.

Units studied on the course:

• Development of Acting Skills

• Singing Techniques and Styles

• Dance for Musical Theatre

• Voice and Speech Development and Practice

• Devising Performance

• Audition Technique

• Creative Arts Professional Practice

• Creative Arts Research Skills

On successful completion of the course, learners would have the required qualification, knowledge and skills to apply for further programmes of higher education such as degree courses.

Normally a minimum of 80 UCAS points would be required. Successful entry to the course will also be based on a practical audition (details will be sent on application).

The programme offers a progression route for learners who:

• Are studying on a BTEC Level 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma in Performing Arts and Production Arts


• Have a GCE A-level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE A-level subject.


• Have achieved other related level 3 qualifications


• Have an Access to Higher Education Certificate received from an approved further education institution


• Have related work experience.

Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.

BTEC Higher National qualifications are accredited on the QCF for learners aged 18 years and over.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time Degree-Level course

Apply through UCAS

If you would like to apply for any of Colchester Institute's Degree Level courses, your method of application will differ depending on whether
you want to apply for a full-time or part-time version of your chosen course. If you are applying full-time, you will need to apply through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is a UK-based charity whose main role is providing the application process for almost
all British universities.

The service cost £23 for a multi application and £12 for a single application in 2015, however it is possible this may increase for 2016 applicants.
Each course has a unique "course code" that you will need to make note of and use during your applciation. You can find out more information and
sign up to the service here. The UCAS code for Colchester Institute is CINST C75.

Applying for a Part-Time Degree-Level course

All part-time degree-level courses are not offered through UCAS, and must be applied for directly through Colchester Institute.
For this you will need to fill in and return to us as soon as possible. This application form can be downloaded here, quoting the relevant course code:

Download Part-Time HE Application Form

Download Cert Ed, PGCE and Postgraduate Application Form

For further information about our degree-level courses click
here.

Applying as a Full-Time International Student (EU & Overseas)

Applications for Higher Education courses from International Students must also be made via the Universities
and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications can be made on-line from any country via the UCAS website
at www.ucas.com. Details of all eligible courses
are given at this site, Colchester Institute's UCAS reference number is CINST C75.

International Applications made via UCAS will be forwarded to us for processing but the offer and acceptance
procedure is made through UCAS and not directly with us.
Once we are notified of your acceptance we will request payment of your deposit for more information on fees and deposits
click here.

Applying as an Part-Time International Student (EU only)

Students coming into the UK on a Tier 4 (General) student visa will only be eligible to apply
for full-time courses at a minimum NQF level 3
or above or full-time English Language Programmes.

Colchester Institute's International Student Application Form is available to download.
Before completing the application form you must read and understand the information about
our

Fee Payment and Refund Policy
.
On signing the application form you are agreeing to the terms of this policy.

With your application form you must also send:

• Certified copies of your academic qualifications


• Where appropriate, evidence of your English Language ability (IELTS or equivalent)


• A reference to confirm your status and suitability for the course.


• An email or correspondence address where we can keep in touch with you about your application

Download Application Form - International Students (Part-Time) (PDF)

Print off and complete the International Applications Form and return it to:

International Admissions Officer

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL