HND Acting and Performance

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Our HND Acting and Performance is designed to strengthen your technique and artistic confidence through a series of advanced projects that prepare you for professional performance contexts.  

Developing essential professional strategies for working in the fast-paced theatre industry, your studies will include:  

  • Advanced acting techniques exploring text, subtext, and emotional depth.  
  • Devising techniques in collaborative theatre-making and ensemble work.  
  • Movement, Voice and Production and Performance Techniques including live staging, character voice and expressive physical performance.  
  • Professional Development and Etiquette to build your personal portfolio, audition preparation and industry standards.  
  • Theatre-making techniques developing original performances from concept to production.  
  • Live Performances where you will take part in public shows and professional showcases.  

Combining studio practice, rehearsals, public performances, critical reflection and mentoring from experienced practitioners you will develop skills that bring performances to life. 

This course is subject to approval.

Special Features:

  • embed their studies within Out of the Darkness Theatre Company, Elgin’s professional theatre organisation 
  • benefit from rich, hands‑on engagement with the wider creative community 
  • collaborate with local partners and take advantage of UHI’s strong links with Eden Court Theatre 

Entry Requirements

  • HNC in Acting and Performance or equivalent 
  • Demonstration of physical capability and readiness for intensive practical work  
  • You will also be required to undertake an audition, this involves group workshop sessions and performance of two contrasting text pieces 

This course is physically demanding and requires stamina, focus, and full participation. 

Content content

Content

Content

Course Content Includes:

  • Voice 2: Applying Skills in Performance 
  • Movement 2: Applying Skills in Performance 
  • Acting 2: Applying Skills in Performance 
  • Production 2: Applying Skills in Performance 
  • Professional Development for Actors 
  • Acting and Performance: Graded Unit 2 
  • Community Drama 

Students on the HND Acting and Performance will benefit from rich, hands‑on engagement with the wider creative community. 

Offering you the opportunity to collaborate with local partners and take advantage of UHI’s strong links with Eden Court Theatre, you will have access to live theatre experiences and creative industry events that enhance your professional development. 

Past Industry and workshops have been provided by: 

  • Scottish Youth Theatre 
  • Broadway and Westend star, Kerry Ellis 
  • Eden Court Theatre, Inverness 
  • Findhorn Bay Arts 
  • Highland Youth Theatre 
  • Frozen Charlotte 
  • Equity 

Industry trips have included: 

  • Tour of Eden Court Theatre backstage and front of house, Q&A’s session with their teams 
  • Performance evenings at the award-winning biannual Findhorn Bay Festival which showcases local, national and international artists. 
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Study Mode

Study Mode

How will I study my course?

  • Full-Time

This is a practical based course delivered face-to-face on campus. 

How long will my course last?

  • Full-Time: 1 Year
  • 2.5 days per week

How will this course be assessed?

Assessment methods may include: 

  • Practical Performance Assessments 
  • Written Assessments 
  • Presentations 
  • Open and Closed Book Tests 
  • Graded Unit (Final Project) 
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Career

Career

Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress on to further study at universities or conservatoires across the UK - including UHI Perth, and other leading institutions. 

Alternatively, you can move directly into professional work in the performing arts, education or creative industries such as:  

  • Stage or Screen Actor  
  • Film/TV Performer  
  • Writer or Director  
  • Physical or Community Theatre Practitioner  
  • Arts Educator or Facilitator and Teaching  
  • Touring or Cruise Ship Performer 
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Fees and Funding

Fees and Funding

>  For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

  • EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
  • EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Higher National Awards (HNC, HND)

2025-26

2026-27

Full-time per year

£1,285

£1,285

Part-time (per HN credit)

£86

£86

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.   

Get in Touch content

Get in Touch

To learn more about this course or to register your interest please contact Mark Sellars, Out of the Darkness Theatre Company.