BA(Hons) Performing Arts

As a performing arts student, you'll engage in practical workshops led by subject specialists to develop essential skills for your craft of choice. 

You will work on live project briefs that mirror industry demands, applying what you've learned in real-world contexts. Assessment will be varied, including performances, written work, and reflective practices. One-on-one coaching will support your academic and your career development. Additionally you will have the opportunity to engage in work experiences throughout your programme. 

Assignments, especially in your third year, are designed to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your projects to align with your personal interests and career goals, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a successful career in the performing arts. 

The course timetable is designed to mirror a professional rehearsal day, with skill development sessions in the mornings followed by rehearsals in the afternoons. This structure ensures that you not only build and refine your technical abilities but also have ample time to apply those skills in a practical, collaborative environment 

Our course connects you to the wider world of performing arts through a variety of enriching experiences. 

You’ll benefit from visiting lecturers who are industry professionals, offering insights and expertise directly from the field. We maintain strong links with external companies, agents and theatres, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and real-world exposure. 

Additionally, organised trips to theatres, performances, and industry events will broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of the wider performing arts landscape. These connections ensure you’re well-prepared to step into the professional world with confidence. 

• THEATRES: Two production theatres are versatile performance spaces that allow you to create diverse and challenging work in a range of performance styles whilst using industry-standard technologies. Featuring modular staging, a full lighting rig and a PA system, plus cinema-quality digital projection. With optional raked seating for nearly 100 people, they can be arranged in a variety of different audience configurations making them ideal for gigs, performances, lectures, film, theatre, dance and screenings.
• DANCE STUDIO: A large, purpose-built, fully equipped dance studio has sprung wooden floors, air conditioning and features full-length mirrors for analysing posture and movement. This contemporary space is a comfortable place for exercise, choreography, and rehearsal, guided by our specialist tutors and guest lectures.
• SOUND EDITING: A highly specialised sound-editing suite allows you to explore a range of equipment for creating and editing sound. You can make your own music using Sibelius, Foley sound effects, or various sound manipulation tools using Logic Pro. Our team of experienced technical demonstrators will assist you in the production of professional-quality music and sound.
• REHEARSAL SPACES: Sing, play and collaborate in the range of rehearsal spaces that can be found across our campuses. From the large open Cathedral space to intimate practice rooms there is a space to suit all needs. With the majority of these spaces being open-access, students can gather and practice throughout the term, managing their own timetables around scheduled lectures and tutorials.

• MEDIA STORE: You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience using the professional audiovisual and production kit from the media store to record, film or produce your projects.

  That includes:

  Laptops, audio interfaces, midi controllers, hard drives and accessories.

  SLR/DSLR cameras 35mm cameras, tripods and lenses.

  Blackmagic cine camera and HD video cameras.

  Location recording equipment (including track, dolly etc).

  Projectors, video mixers, Super 8.

• Minimum age 18.

• UCAS Points: For anyone applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, we are looking for applicants who have achieved at or beyond 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points. 

  However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course –  for more details about UCAS Tariffs please see tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. 

• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning Opportunities: the college welcomes applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Further details on eligibility can be found on page 15 of our Admissions Policy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English – proof of IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections (reading, writing, listening & speaking) is required.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements.

You can apply to HCA by making us one of your options on your UCAS application. In some cases, such as with current students and student transfers, we also accept direct applications. 

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

As soon as you apply, our Registry team will be in touch to let you know they have received your application. At this point they will also send out information on portfolios or auditions.

Portfolios and auditions are a chance for you to showcase yourself in a different way. They give us an idea of what excites you about the subject, and what you might want to explore further on the course. 

We will send out guidance on how to submit your portfolio, or book and audition date, and if you have any questions you will always be able to reach out to us for assistance or clarification.

After submitting your portfolio online, your work will be reviewed by a course lead, and you will receive personal feedback alongside your offer.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

Top-ups are when you start a degree somewhere else, but transfer to HCA to start either your second or third year.

There are a number of reason why students transfer to HCA, but often it is because their experience didn't live up to what they expected at other universities.

We get a high number of students transferring to HCA, and can almost always accommodate students providing they meet our standard entry requirements.

You may also be asked to provide your transcript from your previous university. 

If you have questions about applying to join as a top-up student, you can find more information at the bottom of this page, or you can email any specific questions to registry@hca.ac.uk.

Our Academic Mentoring Team support Disability Students' Allowance (DSA) students to succeed as well as providing some study skills support for non DSA students with their work - for example writing extended essays in their final year, for those who take the essay option.

The team also support students to apply for DSA where appropriate.

Our Wellbeing Team support students to thrive regardless of events outside their academic studies. 

Our support package includes training sessions, information and one to one personal support with low level issues right up to more challenging events and issues. 

In addition, you will have access to 24-hour helpline for out of hours support.

Tutors will support you to develop and succeed academically, but they are also the first point of contact for wider issues as they work closely with you.

Careers guidance is built into everything you do on your course but we also have a specialist careers advisor to support you with what happens after your course.

Workshop and Technical Staff support with the development of skills and the production of work outside of your taught hours.

Our Registry provide support with any enrolment queries, the application process, academic regulations, and exceptional circumstances.

Our Finance team can help you manage your student finance, support you with questions around a maintenance loan and Disability Students' Allowance (DSA).

They are available to you to answer any questions around your finances including estrangements, independent students, student finance rules, bursaries cash, progression, hardship, emergency loans.

The Library team aid with research skills, and sourcing resources.

The Events and Student Engagement Officer will be your first point of contact for support with student life, community and helping student realise extra curricular activities.

We also have very active Student Unions and a Student Council that you can join - or talk to as your representatives.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.