HNC/HND Performing Arts (Acting)

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.

This course is a degree level qualification which consists of:

Specialist Subject Learning
Professional and Industry Experience
Academic Tutorials and Progress Reviews
Independent Study and Research
Assessment Through Assignments, Projects and Presentations
Development of Academic, Professional and Employability Skills

We offer a range of support services to help you succeed during your studies, including:

Financial support and funding advice
Student finance support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) guidance and support
Support from our dedicated Higher Education team
Personal academic tutoring and study support
Wellbeing, mental health and safeguarding services
Access to the Student Minds mental health and wellbeing resources
Academic skills development, including research, referencing and study skills workshops
Careers education, information, advice and guidance
Employability support and progression to university or employment

The tuition fee for this course is £6,100 per year for full-time study or £3,050 per year for part-time study.

There are three ways to pay for your course:

Student Finance. Eligible students can apply for a Higher Education Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England.
Self-Funding. Students can pay their tuition fees in full at enrolment or spread the cost across three instalments throughout the academic year.
Employer Sponsorship. If your employer is funding your studies, payment can be made directly by them.

Some Higher Education courses may be eligible for funding through the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), subject to eligibility criteria and funding availability. Please contact the HE Team for the latest information and to discuss the options available to you.

If you would like further information about course fees, funding options, or payment arrangements, please contact the HE Team at HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the Higher Education Team and the Course Lead.

In some cases, where applicants have the relevant qualifications and/or professional experience, we may be able to make a decision based on the information provided in the application and issue an offer without the need for an interview.

For other applicants, we may invite you to attend an interview to discuss your previous experience, career aspirations and suitability for the course to ensure you meet the entry requirements. This also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and ensure it is the right choice for your future.

Please ensure you regularly check your emails, as all updates regarding your application and any next steps will be communicated by the Higher Education Team.