Musical Theatre HNC
Course code 113W
What is special about this course?
Combine your love of singing, dancing, and acting by pursuing a career in theatre and community performance.
Learn the tools of your trade through a range of performance opportunities and training, creating and leading your own projects, and collaborating with students on the HNC Technical Theatre to gain an understanding of the complete production process.
Enrich your experience with inspiring visits from guest lecturers, excellent industry visits, and masterclasses by industry professionals.
Special features
- You will be taught and work with experienced industry professionals
- Guest lecturers, industry visits, and industry professionals' masterclasses will enrich your experience
- Opportunities to develop and lead your own projects
- Live performance opportunities will enhance your experience and prepare you for work in the real world
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, Or
- 1 A level at grade D or above Or
- Successful completion of a related SCQF level 6 or equivalent qualification such as NC Music or NC Acting and Theatre Performance
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or industry experience will be considered on an individual basis
- You will be asked to attend an audition and interview to assess your musical ability
Access routes
- NC Music
- NC Acting and Theatre Performance
Year 1 - HNC
Core units include:
- Vocal techniques for musical theatre 1
- Singing skills for musical theatre 1
- Acting 1: developing skills
- Performance 1: developing skills for musical theatre
- Musical theatre: graded unit 1
- Professional development for actors
Option units which may include:
- Movement for musical theatre 1
- Musical theatre repertoire
- Theatrical make-up
- Acting for radio
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, practical work, and live performances on campus and in the community.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
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) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £496 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £585 | £595 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
You may wish to consider careers in semi or professional theatre performance, cruise ship or holiday camp entertainment, TV or radio, community arts projects, performance therapy and teaching.
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to consider progressing to the HND Musical Theatre, or to the university's BA (Hons) Drama and Production.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose UHI after hearing positive feedback from former students and conducting my own research. I was eager for the opportunities that Perth UHI could offer. I truly appreciate the teaching style of the lecturers at UHI; they are highly attentive and understanding towards each student. The lecturers provide support not only for academic challenges but also for personal matters, celebrating every achievement, big or small. I couldn't have asked for a better support system.
My studies have provided me with valuable knowledge not only in theatre design but also in important skills like leadership and management. This experience has been instrumental in clarifying my future goals and will undoubtedly help advance my career. I assist with in-house productions for the younger students in the theatre department at Perth UHI. I feel fortunate to apply my design and management skills in these productions while also mentoring and enhancing the skills of younger students.
One of my favourite aspects of UHI is its inclusivity. I have always felt welcomed and included here. The support provided by the university is incredible, and they are proactive in assisting their students. I genuinely believe that the journey from my first year to now, along with the connections I've made with lecturers and friends, has positively transformed my life. If given the chance, I would relive the experience without changing a thing.
Morven is studying Theatre industry practice at UHI Perth.
I didn’t consider any other universities, UHI offered a brilliant course at commuter distance which meant I could stay in work while studying. It offered a good blend of independent and supported learning. I developed my directing skills, to work on my personal relationship with a cast and how to lead a group to the best of their abilities.
Our course leader was incredible, the conversations in her class were an amazing and safe space to learn and challenge each other in and she was great at caring for us all individually as well. My favourite thing about studying at UHI was the friends I made that have turned into colleagues.
Rachel studied Drama and production at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Musical Theatre HNC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.