Acting Higher National Certificate - HNC

Acting brings stories to life across theatre, film, television, and emerging media platforms. Through voice, physicality, and emotional depth, performers transform written scripts into authentic and engaging experiences.  

Whether on stage, in front of a camera, or within digital spaces, actors adapt their techniques to fit each medium, creating meaningful connections between audiences and the characters they bring to life. 

This new course is currently subject to validation with a first entry of students in September 2026. 

About the course 

This Level 4 HNC in Acting is ideal for aspiring performers looking to refine their craft and gain practical insight into the industry. You will explore classical and contemporary techniques, voice and movement, script analysis, and character development, while learning to adapt for stage, screen, and voice-over work.  

With a strong focus on creativity and professionalism, the course prepares you to succeed in today’s constantly evolving performance industry. 

Our teaching team includes working professionals who bring a wealth of current industry experience.  

Our show season attracts audiences from across the city and beyond and our rolling programme of visits and performance workshops from some of the industry’s most prominent and talented artists means our students receive hands-on training and a unique insight into the varying career pathways in performing arts. 

Units are planned to include: 

Process and Practice Concept and Development (85 Credits) \
This covers the history, theory, and key techniques of acting. You will study influential practitioners whilst developing skills in character interpretation, script analysis, voice, movement, and emotional expression through practical workshops. The unit also explores the social, cultural, and professional contexts of performance. 

Creative Project (35 Credits) \
You will apply your skills in a live or recorded performance project. From research and rehearsal to final presentation, you will perform either a scripted or devised piece, gaining experience in interpreting direction and presenting work to an audience in a professional context. 

Facilities 

Based at our ultra-modern City Hub campus, you will have access to our superb facilities, including a 200-seat theatre equipped with the latest lighting and sound technology. Plus, we also have dance studios, acting studios, a costume department, a set design studio and construction workshop. 

Assessment 

A combination of traditional and innovative assessment methods: including case studies, group projects, live briefs, peer review, research projects, critical reflection and presentations. All assessments focus on one, or a combination of exploration, preparation, rehearsal, performance and written response, there are no written examinations. 

Qualification awarded 

Pearson Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Acting - subject to validation 

Bursaries 

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Please check our website for more information. 

Your career and progression 

The Level 4 HNC offers a strong foundation, giving students the skillsets, confidence and knowledge to progress further with their studies. The following stage - the Level 5 HND in Acting - enables students to take the next step in their creative practice and advance to the final year of a degree programme and postgraduate study if desired.