Immerse yourself in contemporary performance practice. This hands on course offers you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed in the diverse opportunities this industry has to offer.
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Overview
Influenced by industry, this profession centric approach is the perfect next step for anyone exploring the option of performance and production.
As a member of the performing arts ensemble at HCA, you will be guided by an experienced team of industry professionals who will prepare you for the world of higher education, training, and work.
You will embark on a journey of creative self-discovery, supported by intellectual inquiry and reflective practice. Whether you prefer to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, our student centred approach will allow you to select and hone the skills you need to enter the performing arts sector of your choice. At HCA, you will be part of a specialist Arts School where your unique talents are recognised and nurtured.
You will have the chance to perform and produce your work on international stages such the Hay Festival and the Royal Shakespeare Company and prepare to become a part of the next generation of highly skilled practitioners, forging new and exciting pathways in the performing arts industry.
Entrance requirements for Level 2 vs Level 3
Some students feel like they will benefit from an additional year of study before starting their Level 3 Extended Diploma. This may be because they feel that their experience or GCSE grades will not put them in the best position to reach their full potential on the Level 3 Extended Diploma course yet.
In this case we offer a Level 2 Diploma, which provides you with the opportunity to build out a foundation in your subject area for a year as well as additional support with English and Maths, before moving on to Level 3 Extended Diploma (assuming you meet the grades required to progress). This means that you will study with us over a 3 year duration (1 year at Level 2, and 2 years at Level 3). Studying a Level 2 qualification in your chosen course area, can be a valuable step in achieving your goals at Level 3.
The Level 3 courses for Post-16 students are a two-year qualification certified by the UAL Awarding Body.
There are three key passing grades at Level 3: Distinction (168 UCAS points), Merit (120 UCAS points) and Pass (72 UCAS Points). A Distinction is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.
Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.
Interview and portfolio or audition.
Minimum age: 16 years
Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject. To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.
Inspirational teaching staff with industry experience in a range of performing arts disciplines will give you the support and insight you need to thrive in your profession. We offer a hands-on, creative and rigorous approach to learning that will push you to the next level.
Strong industry links with local and national employers will give you the confidence and drive you need to achieve your dreams. At HCA we celebrate diversity and support your learning and wellbeing to allow you to feel safe and take the creative risks you need to be the best performer and artist you can be.
A community you can make your own
You will be collaborating with art, music and creative media students, taking part in masterclasses from industry professionals, completing work experience in the performing arts industry, responding to live briefs from local employers and enjoying an array of trips, alumni events and enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
I've felt very supported over the last couple of years. I really struggles at sixth form, so I was unsure at first, but everyone helped me to find my feet. The creative community has been amazing.
Elle Dowling who achieved her Distinction in 2024
Creative Learning
This is a hands on course, designed to allow you to develop industry skills. Collaboration is a key focus of the course, and students are also encouraged to develop into ‘thinking’ performers. Both these collaborative and research skills are essential for a smooth transition into higher education, and continued growth as performers with successful careers.
You can choose to specialise in either Performance or Dance, or take the opportunity to combine both throughout the course. In the first year all students also study singing skills.
Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here.
English and Maths are an integral part of the course.
If you do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade 4/C or above) you will get additional teaching and support to study for either a GCSE or functional skills qualification, depending on your prior GCSE grades.
The Study Skills team at HCA is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. This support includes extra provision for those who:
Would benefit from enhancing their academic writing, referencing and critical thinking skills;
Need to further develop their English and Maths abilities;
Require exam access arrangements such as 25% extra time;
Have particular learning requirements and need to focus on developing their organisation, planning and academic abilities;
Have English as their second language (EAL);
May benefit from using Assistive Technology to develop greater independence.
Study Skills support is currently delivered through specialist English, Maths or EAL sessions, as well as provision for students focusing on their coursework. The team aims to support learners in setting their own targets in order to develop their independence and achieve their full potential throughout their chosen course of study.
All students also have access to scheduled drop-in sessions for support for all areas including coursework, English and Maths, study skills, EAL, information, advice and guidance. Find out more here. (Insert link)
AS an arts specific college we have industry standard facilities to help you reach your full potential as a performer, including:
Theatre and performance spaces
dance studio
aerial rigs
rehearsal and writing spaces
recording studio
and more...
We understand that deciding what course to do, or what career path to follow, can seem a bit daunting. Our Careers programme and Information, Advice and Guidance services are accredited by Matrix Standard and our team is always on hand to provide information, advice and guidance to students.
What you will learn
We also offer a 1 year Level 2 diploma course, that allows you to enter in at a lower entry point to gain experience and confidence before moving onto the 2 year Level 3 Extended Diploma course. See more information further down the page.
Each term you have a choice to work on either a ‘live’ performance such as a live theatre piece, or a ‘recorded’ project, such as choreographing and dancing in a music video. You will get the chance to explore diverse forms of live and recorded performance over three projects per year, where you could go from performing in a music video, to a Shakespeare play, to a piece of musical theatre.
Our performance modules explore musical theatre, contemporary and classical acting skills, improvisation, physical theatre, performing with masks, film & TV acting, scriptwriting, directing, theatre for children, movement techniques, singing, and audition skills. While dance modules include jazz, contemporary, ballet, and physical theatre. Students study both choreography and dance performance. In the second year there is an opportunity to take an exciting unit on aerial circus – learning to perform on hoops and silks.
Stats and figures
100%
of all categories inspected by Ofsted were deemed to be "OUTSTANDING" during our most recent inspection, placing HCA among the highest achieving education providers in the county. Find out more.
Start your application now
Apply for Level 3 entry
You can get your application started online today.
Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
You can get your application started online today.
Use the button below to complete a five-minute online registration process, and start your application now.
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