Acting HND top-up Higher National Diploma - HND

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 suit each medium, building meaningful connections between audiences and the characters they bring to life.

This new course is currently subject to validation with our first students planned for September 2027.

Entry Requirements:\
Applicants for this course will have already passed (or expect to achieve) a full Level 4 qualification in a related subject area. This could be a Higher National Certificate, Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) or similar qualification worth a minimum of 120 academic credits at undergraduate level.

About the course

This Level 5 HND 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.

Level 5 HND top-up - Professional Creative Practice units are planned to include:

* Personal Professional Development (45 Credits)

This focuses on preparing you for industry as a working actor. You will refine your performance style, develop audition and self-presentation skills, and build a professional portfolio including a CV, headshots, showreel, and self-tapes. The business aspects of acting — including casting and representation — are also explored.

* Professional Project (75 Credits)

In this final unit, you will create and perform a major acting project, such as a stage production, short film, or devised work. Leading the process from concept to performance, you will demonstrate your technical ability, creative range, and professional readiness.

Facilities

Based at our new 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 5 Higher National Diploma 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

From the HND graduates could progress to a Level 6 top-up degree or the third year at another provider (subject to entry requirements) and then to postgraduate level if they wish. Previous acting graduates have moved directly into the performance industry, teaching, drama production, youth and social work, fitness training, events management and related work in the creative arts and leisure industries.