Acting and Performance HNC (Next Gen)

Course overview

At Edinburgh College PASS, students are encouraged to become:

• Creative and imaginative performers
• Collaborative ensemble practitioners
• Reflective learners
• Professional and resilient artists
• Confident communicators prepared for progression within the performing arts sector

The course provides a supportive and industry-focused training environment where students can explore performance, develop their artistic identity and prepare for the next stage of their creative journey

The HNC Acting and Performance is a one-year, SCQF Level 7 Higher National Certificate designed for students who are serious about developing their practical acting skills and progressing into professional training, higher education, or employment within the performing arts industry. The qualification focuses on integrating acting, voice, movement, and production skills across a range of performance contexts.

Course aim

This course supports students in developing as versatile performers by combining practical performance training with creative and professional development. Students will build confidence, discipline and industry awareness while preparing for progression to HND, drama school training or employment opportunities within the creative industries.

What you will learn

Acting

Students develop:

• Character creation and development
• Script analysis and interpretation
• Rehearsal techniques
• Ensemble performance skills
• Performance confidence and stagecraft

Voice

Students explore:

• Vocal health and maintenance
• Projection and resonance
• Accent and dialect work
• Text delivery
• Communication and storytelling

Movement

Students develop:

• Physical awareness
• Movement for characterisation
• Stage movement
• Physical theatre techniques
• Coordination, flexibility and control

Production

Students participate in:

• Rehearsal processes
• Performance production projects
• Collaborative creative practice
• Public performance opportunities
• Professional working methods

These areas are integrated into practical productions in which students apply their performance skills in a professional rehearsal environment.

How the course is assessed

Assessment is continuous and practical in nature and may include:

• Performance assessments
• Skills demonstrations
• Rehearsal projects
• Production work
• Portfolio evidence
• Reflective evaluation
• Performance project

Assessment focuses on both the creative process and the final performance outcomes.

Number of days per week

• 3-4 Days per week

Entry requirements

Important Information: Due to the practical nature of this course, it is important that you are physically able to meet the demands of this course

Essential for entry:

• SCQF Level 6 Full-Time Course (subject-specific)

Or

• Two Highers (One in Drama/Acting and English) would be preferred
• Mature students are welcome to apply and will be invited to an interview to discuss entry requirements and the APL offered, based on their personal statement and previous experience.
• Complete all application requirements, including responding to questions in the personal statement, uploading proof of previous experience/qualification and disclosing any additional needs or requirements

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

All candidates must audition at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus.

Please note that this course is particularly competitive, as we have only 50 spaces available.

There are four stages to our audition process. Please read carefully to prepare.

Stage 1: A tour of our facilities with a current student

Stage 2: A practical Group Workshop 

Workshop Outline

• Participate in a group warm-up.
• Engage in drama games to support communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. 
• You may be asked to work in smaller groups to create something with guidance that supports your creativity and showcases your skills.

Stage 3: Audition

• The piece you perform should be a short monologue from a published play. 
• This should be no longer than 2 minutes. 
• We recommend a contemporary piece and a character your age. 
• Please do not perform any classical pieces, including Shakespeare.
• Please also avoid pieces you have done in Higher/National 5 Drama or English, as well as any overly popular pieces.

Stage 4: Interview 

• Each candidate will meet with two members of the teaching faculty 
• You will be asked a series of questions to assess your suitability for the course 

Questions for Interview

1. Why have you applied for this course at PASS, Edinburgh College? 
2. What skills or experience do you have that may support your application
3. What do you hope to gain out of this course if given a place? 
4. What or who inspires you? 
5. Additional questions may be asked based on your responses. 

Privacy Notice for Performing Arts and Photography Selection

Progression and Articulation Routes

• HND Acting and Performance
• Degree programmes in Acting, Performance, Theatre, Musical Theatre or Contemporary Performance
• Conservatoire and drama school auditions

Career options

• Acting and performance opportunities
• Community arts projects
• Theatre facilitation
• Children's theatre
• Creative workshop leadership
• Arts and cultural organisations