Performing Arts (Acting)
HNC
Leaflet Code: M0687FT
Overview
The course offers high quality practical and intensive training to expand, unleash and develop acting skills providing students with
The course aims to give students of all ages, backgrounds and experience the tools to excel as actors exploring a range of genres and practitioners. There is a strong focus on naturalism and allowing the students to build their own tool box of skills and techniques to draw upon. There are regular sessions from visiting professionals who will give an insight in to industry as actors and casting directors.
Students will also focus on intense vocal and movement training which are essential to any actor. Additionally the course provides guidance on audition technique both industry based and preparation for Drama School. Students will learn how to market themselves as actors and be given guidance on Equity, Spotlight etc from industry professionals.
The course is designed to be diverse, practical and industry relevant to reflect careers within the performing arts and acting profession. As part of the final project the learners will create their own theatre company and have the opportunity to perform in a professional setting in a production which they will produce. This provides invaluable experience and links to the industry within the vibrant and expanding Manchester Theatre scene.
Previous students have gone on to gain places at LAMDA, East 15, Arts Ed, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and here at The Arden amongst others. Others have gone into industry as series regulars in long running series as well as Netflix shows.
- City Campus Manchester
- Full Time
- 1 year
- September 2025
Staff profile
Kerry Kawai - Programme Leader
Experienced and highly skilled actor with a wealth of experience internationally
Professional director and producer creating and touring new work via own theatre company
Extensive experience as a lecturer and dramaturg with a proven track record of successfully progressing students either on to Drama School or directly in to industry.
Olivia Owens - Voice lecturer
Specialist vocal coach, experienced working internationally training performers for stage and screen
Designated Linklater Teacher
Vocal health practitioner who provides vocal massage to high-profile and professional voice users including actors, speakers and singers.
Tasha Ravenscroft
Working actor with a BA Acting from Guildford School of Acting and Postgraduate Degree in Education from The University of Huddersfield.
Trains aspiring actors in audition preparation, and skill development
Academic Entry Requirements
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics A* to C or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded
• 48 UCAS points
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
All applicants will be required to attend an interview and undertake a practical audition consisting of preparation of a solo song and dance workshop.
Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.
What will I be studying
Unit 1 The Performing Arts Industry (15 credits)
Unit 12 Singing 1 (15 credits)
Unit 13 Acting 1 (15 credits)
Unit 17 Acting for Camera (15 credits)
Unit 18 Voice and speech for Actors (15 credits)
Unit 19 Movement for Actors (15 credits)
Unit 2 Professional Development (15 credits)
Unit 20 Devising theatre and performance (15 credits)
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed using a variety of methods including:
• Practical demonstrations of work
• Viva voce’s
• Research
• Written submissions.
Fees, Finance and Funding
There are two main costs you will have whilst studying and if you are a home student studying on a full-time course, you can apply for student finance to cover both of these:
Your tuition fees for each year of your course.
Help with your living costs e.g. rent, food, clothing, course materials, entertainment.
You can find more details, including the actual tuition fee charged on our Fees, Funding and Finance Page.
Learn moreCourse Associated Costs
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.
• Theatre Blacks £50
• Core Textbooks for Acting & Voice- £100 (world of books online website)
• Approx £100 for theatre tickets- discounted Lowry and Manchester fringe theatre tickets
• You will need to purchase digital storage device up to 1TB at an approximate cost of £20-50
• Optional participation in residential trips for an addition costs theatre trip to London National
All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.