HNC/HND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

If you are applying to start in September 2021, you must meet the following entry requirements:

80 UCAS points with prior knowledge and skills in performing arts:

A-levels (CDD or BB)
BTEC (MMP)
Cambridge Technicals (MMP)
Mature students or students who do not have the above qualifications can contact our admissions team on 01733 214466 or admissions@ucp.ac.uk to discuss equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

You must have GCSE English language and mathematics at a minimum of grade C or grade 4.

If English is not your first language you will require a recognised Level 2 English language qualification or an IELTS score of 6.0 (with 5.5 minimum in each skill) or an equivalent English Language qualification.

An interview and audition will also be required.

EU STUDENTS AND OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS

We can accept a wide range of overseas qualifications and use UK NARIC to compare qualifications. For advice about overseas qualification conversion call the Admissions Office on 01733 214466 or email admissions@ucp.ac.uk.

UCAS TARIFF

To find out more about UCAS tariff points and how they work, visit ucas.com/tariff-calculator.

We accept a wide range of qualifications such as A-levels (you must have grades for at least two A-levels), BTEC, Cambridge Technicals, International Baccalaureate (IB), NVQ Level 3, Access to Higher Education and Scottish Advanced Highers.

The tariff points for qualifications can be added and combined together (e.g. A-levels plus BTECs).

The UCAS points for A-level General Studies, AS-levels and the EQP (Extended Project Qualification) are accepted when combined with other full qualifications.

ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APCL) FOR ENTRY

APCL relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study. If you have previously completed a course which is relevant to your proposed course you should make this clear when you apply. For this to be eligible for consideration you must be able to provide certification, which shows your success in a final assessment for that course. Learning must be completed in the last five years or further evidence of updating will be required. Simple participation in a course or an attendance certificate is not sufficient.

EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING (APL)

We offer students flexibility in their studies, by recognising learning they may have completed elsewhere before they apply. The Accreditation of Prior Learning process ensures that we can take this into account when determining the modules you must study. It is important that you identify any relevant prior learning when you apply. If your previous study specifically relates to modules on the course you wish to undertake we may approve a reduced programme of study, thus shortening the time it takes to obtain your award. Where this relates to learning completed through an earlier course of study, this is called Prior Certificated Learning, and where learning has been achieved through relevant work or experience, this is referred to as Prior Experiential Learning. Claims must be approved before you commence a course.

EXEMPTIONS BASED ON ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL CERTIFICATED LEARNING (APEL)

It is important to understand that the APEL process does not award academic credit for experience alone, but for learning which can be shown to have been achieved through that experience. Students are required to prepare an individual case for the credit arising from their learning experiences. This normally means that a student receives support in the preparation of a portfolio, which evidences their claimed exemptions for entry. This portfolio of evidence is then submitted for assessment and the possible award of academic credit. Alternative methods of assessment of evidence may be available but needs to be discussed with the Admissions team or Course Leader.

You must take modules worth 120 credits at each level of the course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits.

Year one for full-time students (Level 4):

• Performing Arts Industry (15 credits)
• Professional Development (15 credits)
• Jazz Dance 1 (15 credits)
• Commercial Dance 1 (15 credits)
• Singing 1 (15 credits)
• Acting 1 (15 credits)
• Devising Theatre (15 credits)

Plus choose 15 credits of optional modules:

• Vocal Repertoire (15 credits)
• Dance for Camera (15 credits)

Year two for full-time students (Level 5):

• Creative Research (30 credits)
• Working in the Performing Arts Industry (15 credits)
• Jazz Dance 2 (15 credits)
• Ballet 2 (15 credits)
• Contemporary Dance 2 (15 credits)
• Commercial Dance 2 (15 credits)
• Dance for Musical Theatre (15 credits)

A typical 15 credit module is 150 hours which includes 36 hours of tutor led delivery and 114 hours of recommended independent study. A typical 30 credit module is 300 hours which includes 72 hours of tutor led delivery and 228 hours of recommended independent study. A full-time student should expect to undertake 30 additional hours per week during term-time.

There are 15 contact hours per week and the course also allows students to take additional classes alongside the qualification to develop a five day a week schedule.

ESPA students will have their own study area on non-taught days for independent study and rehearsal. Throughout the course ESPA students will also be offered guest workshops with industry professionals.

Timetables are available at least 6 weeks before registration and you can refer to the academic calendar for examination weeks and resit periods.

Throughout the duration of your course you will be assessed by the following methods:

Year one for full-time students (Level 4)

100% coursework (this will consist of practical demonstrations and performances, essays, journals, portfolios, rehearsal evidence and presentations)

Year two for full-time students (Level 5)

100% coursework (this will consist of practical demonstrations and performances, essays, journals, portfolios, rehearsal evidence and presentations)

We will provide, by the beginning of the first week of each semester, a current module guide with all the information you need for each module, including details of assessment tasks, the deadlines for these tasks, the required format and any relevant guidance.

You will be required to advance your performance technique in various regional and local theatres. During your shows you will have access to professionals from the musical theatre industry to guide your professional development such as, Directors, Stage Crew, Lighting and Sound Engineering during our full scale shows to give you an all round unique insight in to the
world of the performing arts.

The course is run by Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA).

You will have the opportunity to apply to Theatre/Dance Colleges for further professional training. Students completing this course will also be prepared to go out into the world of work – into local or regional theatres as performers, or to develop their own Performing Arts businesses, teaching either privately or in schools and educational establishments.

You could also top-up to a full degree at university with a further one year of study.