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Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Performing Arts - HND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group

Margaret Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2DH

HNC/HND/Higher Education Awards
Level 5
Arts, Media and Publishing

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Wakefield College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

In Partnership with – Actual Size Theatre Wakefield and Empath Action CIC

This is a one year full-time course at level 5 education. The course is designed to give those who wish to pursue a career in Musical Theatre the best possible start.

Skill development in singing, dance, acting & musicality is at the core of everything you will do. In addition, you will also learn to become a ‘thinking and analytical’ performer with a breadth of knowledge relating to both the performing arts industry and related contextual studies. You will see the latest productions, perform in shows and work alongside industry professionals in order to gain a perspective of industry practice and to keep abreast of what’s happening in your particular field of study. This course is the first step on the ladder to success in one of the most exciting, rewarding and creative industries.

Professional development, industry standard training and academic study are at the core of this course, whether you wish to become a performer, a community arts practitioner, a teacher, or a combination of all three. The HND in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course offers students the opportunity to develop as original artists while gaining a respected and valuable qualification. Close links with local organisations, working West End professionals, a range of theatre visits and an annual residential trip are among the highlights of this exciting and dynamic course.

Beyond gaining the relevant skills to become a professional musical theatre performer, you will also gain valuable further experience in collaboration, communication and creativity.


Course Details

The course is made up of 2 units and focuses on professional development, training, and academic study.

The course offers you the opportunity to develop as an original artist in singing, dancing, and acting through song, in order to achieve a sound knowledge of the industry and give you optimum scope for your future career.

Underpinning the practical aspects of the course is the exploration of theoretical concepts of performance and its creation and presentation. This course will provide you with the opportunity to apply your experience in the studios in a diverse range of performance arenas such as community-based contexts, performance projects, and theatre-based performance.

You will study the multiple skills associated with musical theatre performance including singing, dancing and acting; you will develop your ability to perform incorporating all three skills simultaneously. You will learn how to contextualise the material that you are examining developing an understanding of the existing theory (existing shows, practitioners and performance ideas) and the history of musical theatre as a unique genre. You will gain insight into the Industry expectations in terms of the associated skills and the wider skills, professionalism, collaboration and communication. You will examine how to function as musical theatre practitioner exploring how to brand, upskill and plan a career in this vibrant sector.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

The College assesses you through the coursework that you produce as you complete both units, this may include practical performances, finished pieces of work, written work, your research, or a reflective journal, which allows you to evaluate your learning and highlight your strengths and areas for further development. The majority of the work undertaken has performance-based assessment attached which will focus on a range of performance skills and genres.


Entry requirements

HNC Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)


Your next steps...

This course is recognised as a qualification in its own right or can be combined with a top-up degree to obtain a full honours degree like our BA (Hons) Performance Industries course. Alternatively, you can study a PGCE or Certificate in Education to progress to teaching.


Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.