Edexcel BTEC HNC Performing Arts - Musical Pathway (Level 4)

This specialist qualification is aimed at students who want to progress into a career in Performing Arts and reflects the diversity and excitement of the industry. The course will provide an opportunity to explore, develop and test your creativity; giving you the opportunity to study both theory and practice. You will be supported to develop your individual interests and talents by our experienced staff and tutors at Grantham College, who offer a high level of training and guidance. There will be regular input from external practitioners and experts, giving you a comprehensive understanding of this thriving industry. Creating performance and performing to a public audience will be an integral part of the programme. On this course you will gain the diverse range of skills, knowledge and understanding needed to progress into employment or onto nationally accredited Drama and Musical Theatre Schools. This course provides opportunities for those who wish to develop the range of acting skills which are required for employment in this varied and fast-moving industry. The HNC will be awarded on successful completion of 120 credits and the HND on achieving 240 credits.

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following. ● A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Performing Arts or strongly related discipline. ● A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent). ● Other related Level 3 qualifications. ● An Access to Higher Education Diploma, awarded by an approved further education institution. ● Related work experience. ● An international equivalent of the above.

At Level 4, students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the Performing Arts world through six core units, including a unit assessed through a Pearson-set assignment. The six core units are: The Performing Arts Industry (Pearson-set) - Professional Development - Jazz Dance - Singing - Acting. The centre can also choose three further optional units at Level 4 from the following units: Ballet - Contemporary Dance - Commercial Dance -Tap - American Tap - Choreography - Investigation of Specialism - Dance for Camera - Musical Theatre History in Practice - Ensemble Singing - Vocal Repertoire - Acting for Camera - Voice and Speech for Actors - Movement for Actors - Devising Theatre and Performance. The qualification is one year and involves classroom and studio-based delivery with some online learning. There are ten taught contact hours per week and an expectation of ten self-study hours per week.

In-class exercises; written assignments; presentations; practical assessments.

The course is based at Grantham College, there are no additional costs anticipated. Staff profile: Joe Langabeer is a working practitioner within the performing arts industry. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Lincoln, where he teaches the BA Musical Theatre course. Joe trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has been involved with professional acting and several musical theatre productions. He is currently researching the performance aesthetics of the mega-musical. He has also been involved in creating and researching immersive and political theatre practices.

Students who embark on this course can go onto a Higher Education route, which includes universities, conservatoires, and drama schools. In addition, a showcase will be staged at the end of each year, which agents and industry professionals will be invited to attend. The HND course can also be combined with a top-up degree at any university that offers it.