Acting & Performance: HNC

A lecturer and students striking dramatic poses against a black curtain, smiling and enjoying their creative acting activity.

Qualification

HNC

Study Mode

Full Time

Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days per week

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Easterhouse

Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Step into the spotlight and discover your potential as a performer

This hands-on course is designed for passionate individuals who want to train at a professional level in acting, voice and movement. You’ll work with industry-experienced tutors and guest practitioners to develop the essential disciplines needed for stage and screen, gaining confidence, stamina and skill through intensive studio-based training.

The course is highly practical and physically demanding, with activities such as conditioning work, partnering, contact-based work, lifting, supporting and intensive movement practice forming an integral part of your training. A good level of stamina and physical capability is essential for successful participation.

As part of Glasgow Kelvin College’s Performing Arts faculty, you’ll rehearse and perform in real theatre environments, including Platform Theatre, and collaborate with visiting professionals from across Scotland’s vibrant creative industries.

Graduates from this course progress to leading drama schools and conservatoires across the UK or move directly into work in theatre, film, TV, community arts, and education. Glasgow’s rich cultural scene offers the perfect setting to grow as a performer and make lasting industry connections.

This course is ideal for:

Aspiring actors and performers ready to train at a professional standard.
Those who thrive in a physically demanding, collaborative, and creative environment.
Learners seeking progression to HND, degree or conservatoire-level training.
Anyone passionate about storytelling and performance across stage and screen.

What you will learn

You’ll take part in an immersive training programme focused on developing the key disciplines required by the performing arts industry:

Stage Acting Studies – techniques for character, text and performance.
Movement Studies – body conditioning, contact work and expressive movement.
Voice Studies – breath control, vocal range and projection for stage and media.
Film & TV Acting – adapting performance style for screen and digital formats.
Production & Performance Studies – rehearsal process, live performance and technical awareness.
Devising Theatre Studies – collaborative creation and ensemble storytelling.
Professional Development & Etiquette – industry readiness, self-promotion and teamwork.
Live Performance – fully staged public productions in professional venues.

Learning takes place through practical workshops, rehearsals, performances and reflective evaluation, supported by one-to-one coaching and group collaboration.

Two Acting & Performance students at Glasgow Kelvin College pose during an interview—one wears a mask and gives a thumbs up, while the other holds a microphone and smiles.

🎭 Acting & Performance at Kelvin | Behind the Scenes 🎬

Our Acting & Performance student recently had a very fun practical theatre class on the use of masks 🎭

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ Minimum of one Higher, at grade ’C’ or above, preferably in English or Drama

✅ Alternatively, successful completion of an NC or NQ Acting or Musical Theatre programme

✅ Entry by audition only – including a group workshop with Acting, Voice and Movement exercises

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

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss potential adjustments, we encourage you to contact us before applying. Our team is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and will work with you to explore reasonable adjustments where feasible.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course go on to roles such as:

🎭 Stage or Screen Actor

🎬 Film/TV Performer

📝 Writer or Director

🎪 Physical or Community Theatre Practitioner

📚 Arts Educator or Facilitator

🌍 Cruise Ship or Touring Performer

Future prospects

After completing your HNC, you can progress to the HND Acting and Performance at Glasgow Kelvin College or apply for BA-level or conservatoire training in Acting, Drama or Performance.

Many students advance to courses at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, UHI Perth and other leading UK institutions.