Potential Earnings
£54,380.24
HNC Acting (Level 4) - Full-time
Key details
- Course area
- Performing Arts
- Student type
- University Level
- Course type
-
Full-time University Level course
- Course level
-
Level 4
- Start date
- Location
- City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
- Fees
- £8,250.00
- Course code
- Parent course code:C059954 Child course code: Q059955
- UCAS course code
- ACT1
- UCAS institution code
- N30
Course introduction
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.
Course information
1 year
Pearson Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Acting - subject to validation
You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:
- At least two A Levels at A2
- BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
- International Baccalaureate
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Levels
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.
We expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C).
You may be invited to attend an interview and audition at our Nottingham campus. (This can be held remotely via Microsoft Teams if preferred).
Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.
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.
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.
Previous acting graduates have moved directly into the performance industry, teaching, drama production, youth and social work, fitness training, events management, theatre administration/management and related roles in the creative arts and leisure industries.
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.
This course is subject to validation.
About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.
Careers related to this course
Actors, Entertainers and Presenters
Average Earnings
£29,079.12
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Employment opportunities
The number of job postings in this career for previous years starting from 2022, the current year and projections for future years until 2033.
Sources: The Labour Force Survey (LFS), Working Futures (projections) data, and Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES).
Pathways
Art, Performance and Design
People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.
Media, Publishing and Information Services
People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.
Skills
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.