Technical Theatre and Production Arts HND
Course code 044W
What is special about this course?
With a growing demand for well-trained, capable support, there are no shortage of behind-the-scenes opportunities in the theatre and events industry.
Gain hands-on experience in lighting and sound systems, stage management, set design and construction, and audio visual systems, and enjoy valuable work experience with established venues across the region.
Special features
- Use of an on-campus in-house performance theatre
- Opportunity to work with local theatres
- Well equipped facilities
- Expert practitioner staff
- A great blend of taught units
- Good local venues and events opportunities
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above Or
- 2 A levels at grade D or above.
- Prospective students will also have an interview and complete a short aptitude test
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
- Advanced entry to year 2 may be possible with the HNC Technical Theatre
Year 1 - HNC
Mandatory units include:
- Stage management
- Technical theatre: graded unit 1
- Stage lighting: rigging, focusing and operation
- Technical theatre: sound
- Technical theatre: set construction and painting
Optional units may include:
- Technical theatre: lighting design and performance
- Technical theatre: sound production practice
- Technical theatre: audio visual technologies for performance
Year 2 - HND
Units may include:
- Stage management: advanced
- Stage lighting and technology
- Stage sound and technology
- Portfolio presentation
- Scenic art and construction
- Technical theatre: research techniques
- Technical theatre: professional development
- Technical theatre: lighting design for performance
- Technical theatre: work placement
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures, discussion groups and practical hands-on activities in the theatre and in workshops and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE)
How long will my course last?
- Full-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 |
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 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
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 |
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?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Assistant stage manager/stage manager
- Lighting technician
- Sound technician
- Technical assistant
- Stage sound designer
- Design assistant
- Assistant scenic artist
- Assistant carpenter
The course is designed to provide students with a broad technical skill set and is not limited to traditional theatre and may provide a pathway into festivals, festival theatres and film and television and other types of creative events or installations.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
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 Technical Theatre and Production Arts HND
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.