BTEC Higher Nationals in Performing Arts

Sysco will continue to offer HNC and HND programmes in Performing Arts, although this will be through the new Pearson specification, specialising in Musical Theatre.

The purpose of BTEC Higher Nationals in Musical Theatre is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the Performing Arts and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.

The BTEC Higher National qualifications in Musical Theatre are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the Performing Arts and are designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in the Performing Arts industry. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the Performing Arts, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Musical Theatre give students experience of the breadth and depth of the industry that will prepare them for further study or training.

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Musical Theatre,

which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the certificate stage. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the sector through:

  •  entering employment
  • continuing existing employment
  • linking with the appropriate professional body
  • committing to continuing professional development (CPD)
  • progressing to university.

In the Level 4 Higher National Certificate, students will complete the Process and Practice module, comprising of two Assessment Units as below;

  • Unit A1 – Concept and Development – 340 Guided Learning Hours (85 Credits)
  • Unit A2 – Creative Project – 140 Guided Learning Hours (35 Credits)

In the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students will complete the Professional Creative Practice module, comprising of two Assessment Units as below;

  • Unit B1 – Personal Professional Development – 170 Guided Learning Hours
  • Unit B2 – Professional Project – 310 Guided Learning Hours

For each of these units, students will be assessed against the below criteria, receiving a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade for each. Performance across all of these criteria, which are all equally weighted, will determine the overall qualification grade;

  • Contextual Knowledge
  • Ideas Generation and Development
  • Technical Knowledge and Skill
  • Professional Practice
  • Communication

The Tuition Fee for Sysco’s HNC Musical Theatre programme in 2026/27 is £7,550. Further details around Loans and other financial support available can be found here (hyperlink to Financial Support page of website).